Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by Barry Gray
Suppose you are searching for a more energy-efficient alternative for staying cool during the summer months, or maybe your AC is causing you problems. In that case, I would recommend switching to a ceiling fan. You may wonder if they are more cost-effective, as well as how long will your ceiling fan last?
You can expect your ceiling fan to last 6 – 10 years with proper use. However, the average lifespan for a ceiling fan is estimated to be around 8 years. If you opt for a higher quality fan and ensure you keep up with regular maintenance, there is a chance your ceiling fan could last up to 20 years.
Numerous things could affect the estimated lifespan of your ceiling fan, such as the quality of the materials used, the maintenance of your fan throughout the years, and whether a qualified electrician conducted the installation. How frequently you will need to replace your ceiling fan will depend on all of these factors.
How Long Your Ceiling Fan Will Last
Ceiling fans are a fantastic way to try and stay cool during those blistering summer months. They are also a great energy-efficient alternative to a standard AC. However, most ceiling fans have a shorter lifespan than an AC, so it is up to you to weigh the pros and cons of saving energy versus needing to replace your fan sooner than you would need to with an AC.
A standard ceiling fan can last anywhere between 6-10 years, with the average lifespan recorded at around 8 years. Depending on the brand, quality of materials, the installation process as well as how often your fan requires maintenance, a higher-end ceiling fan can even last up to 20 years.
If you like to keep their ceiling fan running for most of the day, you can expect a shorter lifespan due to continuous use. However, with proper maintenance, even with extended use, your ceiling fan could last a decent number of years.
Factors That Affect The Lifespan Of Your Ceiling Fan
As mentioned before, numerous things could affect how long your ceiling fan will last, namely, whether your fan was installed by a qualified electrician and the quality of materials used.
- Quality of the materials – It is well known that good-quality appliances will cost a lot more, which may discourage people from spending so much money on higher-end fans. However, weighing the cost of regular maintenance for a bad quality fan and needing to have it replaced every few years versus a higher quality fan that could last up to 20 years is a personal choice.
- Installation Process – It is vital to ensure you get a trained, qualified electrician to install your ceiling fan. One of the main reasons a ceiling fan may not reach the maximum number of years guaranteed on the box is that it may not have been installed correctly.
- Regular Maintenance – Although many fans these days have sealed motors and do not require regular maintenance such as annual oiling, some fans still require proper maintenance. Dust is a significant issue for ceiling fans breaking or causing problems, so try to ensure that you dust the top of the fan blades at least once a month. If your fan has been making noises or you notice it is wobbling, call a qualified electrician to inspect the cause of the problem before it gets worse.
How Long Can A Ceiling Fan Run Continuously?
If you are somebody who can’t stand the heat and leaves their fan on all day and night – you may have wondered if it is even safe to keep a ceiling fan running continuously. After some research, I would not recommend leaving your fan on the entire day and night.
Although it is tempting to leave your fan on for as long as possible on those hot summer days, it could be hazardous for both you and your appliance – the risk of an unexpected fire and ceiling damage in your home increases once your ceiling fan has been running for over 8 continuous hours.
Regular maintenance of your ceiling fan will drastically reduce the chance of something actually going wrong. A qualified electrician will spot any faults with wiring, and regular oiling and dusting will minimize the risk of fire from extended friction inside the motor. A well-maintained fan is a safe fan.
Signs You Should Replace Your Ceiling Fan
Even with regular maintenance, your ceiling fan’s life will someday come to an end. To ensure your own safety, you will need to pay attention and look for signs that your ceiling fan needs to be replaced.
Your Ceiling Fan Is Squeaking Or Making Noises
A typical ceiling fan should never make loud noises. You will potentially hear the motor running and gentle, consistent sounds while in use. However, loud, irritating clanging or buzzing noises are all signs that your ceiling fan could be failing.
Loud noises, banging sounds, and high-pitched squeaking will all be signs that your ceiling fan is not operating at its peak. If you hear irregular noises, I would have to recommend calling a qualified electrician, as these could be signs that your fan has been incorrectly wired or improperly installed.
A Reduction In Speed
Generally, ceiling fans will come with different speed options. The most typical is three kinds of speed – slow, medium, and fast. However, if you have noticed that no matter which button you press, your ceiling fan spins at the same speed regardless, it may be time to call an electrician.
A massive reduction from what used to be your ceiling fan’s highest speed could potentially mean your motor is failing. There could be loose and dangerous wires, all signs that you may need to buy a replacement fan soon.
Wobbling Blades
If you notice your ceiling fans blades start wobbling, I recommend calling an electrician immediately. Wobbling blades or a moving fan is a definitive indication that something is very wrong, and it could be extremely hazardous as the ceiling fan may even detach and fall from the ceiling.
This issue is generally because the fan has been installed incorrectly. Hence, it is crucial to ensure a qualified electrician installs your ceiling fan to avoid hazardous problems in the future.
Conclusion
A ceiling fan can last anywhere between 6 – 20 years. On average, the majority of ceiling fans last around 8 years. However, higher-quality fans can last up to 20 years. The quality of your fan, regular maintenance, and installation of your fan will all affect how long your fan will last.
