Many brands of ceiling fans require maintenance from time to time which includes oiling. The only Hunter fan that requires any oil is the Classic Original and that is once every 5-10 years. The following general guide below is for other ceiling fans but do check the manufacturer's instructions and guidance to be sure.
Hunter fans do not require oil, with one exception. The Hunter Original® has a very unique motor that uses an oil-bath lubrication system.
Modern ceiling fans are sealed, You do NOT need to oil, and you will only create an unnecessary mess if you attempt to do so. Some older (and beautiful) fans did have an oil inlet. It's a little chrome/nickel circular ``hole'' that you could drip a couple drops of oil into the motor.
Clean the Fan Body and Light Fixture
While you're cleaning the blades, you might as well clean the ceiling fan's other nooks and crannies, like the glass shades and motor housing. Use a microfiber cloth or the extendable duster to dust these parts. Or, utilize a can of compressed air to quickly blow off dust.
The tell-tale sign of whether you need to oil the fan annually would be if there is an oil hole on the top of the motor near the downrod, possibly labeled as such.
To oil a ceiling fan without taking it down, first, ensure the fan is turned off and the blades are still. Use a ladder to reach the motor housing, and locate the oil hole (if your fan has one). Add a few drops of oil into the hole using a small oil applicator or spray, wiping away any excess to keep the fan clean.
With WD-40 Multi Use Product, lubricating your ceiling fan becomes easier. The all-purpose liquid allows you to clean your fan and ensure its smooth functioning within a few minutes. A couple of WD-40 sprays would make your ceiling fan sparkling clean and reduce friction within its body.
An essential part of your ceiling fan maintenance is to periodically check the motor. The ceiling fan motor's cover should keep most dust out, but some may still get in. To clean the motor, simply apply a vacuum to the slits on the top of the motor cover. This should help remove the excess dust from your fan's motor.
A standard ceiling fan tends to last up to 10 years, but this will all depend on the quality of it and how you look after it. Factors will include how often you use it and how often you don't use it.
You will need a 10, 15, or 20 weight oil. Do not use 3-in-1 oil or an oil with detergents. Try Hunter oil for fans. This is a specific fan oil that will work well for most models.
The friction created by the fan chopping through the air creates static energy that attracts all the dust particles to it.
The Original was one of our first electric ceiling fan designs in the early 1900s. Throughout the years, it became one of our first fans with the capability to reverse motor direction for the winter and to receive our SureSpeed® Guarantee.
Non-detergent motor oil (comes in the balancing kit of your package – or you could purchase one from hardware stores)
In general, most manufacturers recommend that you oil your ceiling fan once or twice per year. The time between maintenance can vary depending on factors such as the unit model, how often you run it, and the amount of dust or debris it accumulates.
Since ceiling fans don't actually lower the temperature of the air inside your home, and a room has to be occupied to feel its effects, there's no reason to leave your ceiling fan on 24/7. In fact, it simply wastes electricity and adds unnecessary wear and tear to your fan motor.
Your Ceiling Fan Rotates Slower Than it Used to
Ceiling fan motors have a certain lifespan, and it's dependent on quality of the fixture, installation and other circumstances. If you're just noticing the fixture slowing down, it will probably continue to lose speed as the motor continues to die.
Like any other decorative appliance, ceiling fans need to be properly cleaned and maintained to look and perform their best. Additionally, even fans that have been properly cared for may need to be replaced at some point.
In general, the spots in your home where people spend the most time should have ceiling fans installed first. The living room is a perfect place for one. Ceiling fans are also valuable in bedrooms. Cool air circulating while you sleep can improve your rest.
Mock suggests spraying a dust-repelling product on the blades after you clean your fan to help keep them dust-free longer. Vila agrees, and recommends using Endust or a DIY version: one part liquid fabric softener to four parts water. Spray it on a microfiber cloth and wipe both sides of the blade.
Spray an old pillowcase with all-purpose cleaner — and turn it inside-out so the cleaner is on the inside. 2. Slip it over the blades and wipe, one at a time, trapping dust inside the pillowcase instead of falling on furniture or floors.