Why do fan runs slow in summer?

Author: Miss Holly Rau  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

But sometimes in summer, fans running slow can become a problem, as it fails to provide the desired airflow which we expect from a fan. Such problems can arise because of issues with capacitors, motor windings, old bearings etc.

Why is fan speed slow in summer?

In summer due to high temperature of the environment , resistance of the winding of a fan increases, compare to low temperature in winter. Due to higher winding resistance current will decrease and fan rotates slower in summer compare to in winter .

How do I fix slow fan speed?

Steps to Make Your Fan Move Faster
  1. Clean and balance the fan blades. To clean the ceiling fan, slide one fan blade into the pillowcase and wipe the top and bottom of it. ...
  2. Lubricate the fan. ...
  3. Replace the capacitor. ...
  4. Replace the speed controllers.

What causes the speed of a fan to slow down?

A ceiling fan's speed can slow down due to capacitor failure, voltage instability, imbalance in blades, wear and tear of bearings or lack of lubrication.

Why is my fan rotating so slowly?

There could be several reasons why your ceiling fan is rotating more slowly than usual on its fastest setting. One of the most common reasons is a faulty capacitor. Other possible reasons include unbalanced blades, a dirty motor, or a damaged motor winding.

Ceiling Fan Direction | Summer vs. Winter

Why does my fan take so long to speed up?

Loose or Worn Motor Bearings

They can also loosen or even become dirty, which increases friction and forces the motor to work harder. This effectively slows down the fan. Regular maintenance, like lubricating the motor bearings, can help prevent this issue.

How to make a fan more powerful?

Dust and debris accumulation on fan blades can impede airflow and reduce efficiency. How to make a fan work better? Regularly clean your fan blades using a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dirt and dust. This will help your fan work more efficiently.

What causes standing fan to slow down?

After some good amount of time, it is possible that an electric fan would run a little slower than when it was first used to. This may be caused by the following: fan being dusty, friction, and damage to the bearing. Dismantle the electric fan and rotate the propeller with the use of your hand to see if it is stuck.

Why won't my fan change speed?

When a capacitor goes bad, it can affect your ability to change the fan's speed. If your fan will run on high speed but not one of the other speeds, then it is an indication that a capacitor has gone bad.

Why is my cooling fan running slow?

Reasons for that include faulty wires and corroded or dirty connectors. A worn motor is also one of the causes of reduced cooling fan speed. Remedies include replacing the faulty wires and connector or changing the motor.

Should AC fan speed be high or low?

Increasing the fan speed enables more air to pass through the air conditioner. We recommend to set the fan speed at high levels at the start of cooling (or heating), when the room is much warmer (or cooler) than the set temperature. At night, the air conditioner can be set a lower level.

How to clean a fan motor?

Clean the Fan 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.

How do you fix a slow fan?

Whether the blades aren't spinning or the fan is making tons of noise, most issues with an electric fan are caused by poor lubrication or blockages in the vents. To solve most problems with an electric fan, disassemble the fan, lubricate the central pin and bearings, and clean out the vent and motor case.

What fan setting is best for summer?

During summer months, your ceiling fan blades should be set to spin counterclockwise. When your ceiling fan spins quickly in this direction, it pushes air down and creates a cool breeze.

How do I increase fan flow?

Increasing Fan Performance
  1. Check the Fan's Mechanical Condition. ...
  2. Clean airstream surfaces. ...
  3. Eliminate System leaks. ...
  4. For all dampers, make sure there is sufficient clearance for the blades to open and close completely without hitting the ductwork or other system components. ...
  5. Increase the Fan Speed.

What are the 2 typical signs that a capacitor is bad or has failed?

The short answer is you may have a failing AC capacitor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
  • Your AC system isn't blowing cold air.
  • You hear a humming noise coming from the outdoor unit.
  • Your monthly energy bills are rising unexpectedly.
  • Your air conditioner will shut off unexpectedly.

Why is my fan not running at full speed?

A fan capacitor provides the appropriate power to the fan. 90% of speed issues in fans are caused due to poor capacitor performance. In case of capacitor failure, power is not appropriately transferred to the fan's motor. Hence, this can be the reason why your fans are running slowly.

How much does it cost to replace a fan capacitor?

Prices usually range from $200 to $400 depending on the type of capacitor and system you have.

Why does my fan not feel as strong?

If your fan isn't giving off enough cool vibes, it could be because it's clogged with dust or maybe it's just getting old. Also, check if it's the right size for your room and if it's placed right. A good clean and a little TLC might just get it back in the groove!

How do I make my standing fan colder?

You can also freeze water bottles and place them in front of a fan to help circulate cooler air. Placing a damp, cool cloth in front of or over a fan is another way to lower the temperature of circulating air in the home.

Does putting ice in front of a fan work?

You should put ice in front of your fan. Alongside its approval from Beatrice, Oleg Stepanchukovski, an interior design coordinator and home expert at Patio Productions, adds that this technique will offer relief from high temperatures quickly.

Is it better to have a fan rotating or still?

Keeping your fan spinning counterclockwise year-round in high-ceiling rooms ensures better air circulation, helping you stay comfortable and save on cooling costs in summer.

Why do fans get weaker over time?

1> Dust and Debris: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the fan blades or within the motor housing, causing friction and reducing the efficiency of the fan. This buildup can slow down the fan's startup time. 2> Lubrication: The fan motor may require lubrication to operate smoothly.

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