How to Maintain Your Ceiling Fan and Use It to Stay Cool!
Ceiling fans are a great way to stay comfortable and save money on your energy bills—especially during hot months here in Tracy, CA, and throughout San Joaquin and Alameda County. But to get the most out of your fan, you need to keep it maintained and make sure it’s spinning in the right direction for the season.
Here at Altamont Electric, we install and replace ceiling fans for homeowners and businesses every day. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to maintain your ceiling fan and use it properly to keep cool.
1. Make Sure Your Fan is Spinning the Right Way
Yes—ceiling fans have a correct direction depending on the season! This one simple detail can make a big difference in your comfort and energy use.
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In the summer, your fan should spin counterclockwise. This pushes cool air down, creating a breeze that makes the room feel cooler.
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In the winter, it should spin clockwise at a low speed. This pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down along the walls, helping circulate heat.
How to check:
Look up at your fan while it’s on low. If the blades are moving counterclockwise and you’re feeling a breeze directly underneath, you’re good for summer. If not, look for a switch on the motor housing to change the direction (or check your remote if you have one).
2. Clean Your Fan Blades Regularly
Dust buildup on fan blades not only looks bad, but it can make your fan wobbly and spread dust throughout the room.
To clean your fan safely:
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Turn off the fan and use a sturdy ladder.
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Use a microfiber cloth or an old pillowcase to gently wipe each blade.
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Vacuum or sweep the area underneath when you’re done.
If you’re sensitive to dust or have high ceilings, you may want to wear a mask or call a professional.
3. Tighten Screws and Check for Wobbling
Over time, ceiling fans can start to wobble or make noise. This is often caused by loose screws or imbalanced blades.
To fix it:
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Make sure all blade screws and mounting screws are tight.
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If it still wobbles, try using a ceiling fan balancing kit (available at most hardware stores).
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If the issue persists, you might need to have an electrician inspect the fan or the ceiling mount.
We offer ceiling fan replacements across Tracy, Mountain House, Manteca, Livermore, and surrounding areas.
4. Keep Your Fan Motor in Good Shape
If your fan starts humming, getting warm, or smelling like it’s burning—shut it off immediately. This could be a sign of:
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Worn motor bearings
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Faulty wiring
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Overheating from dirt or blockage
Older fans, especially those installed more than 15–20 years ago, may not be as energy-efficient or safe as newer models.
5. Use Your Fan with Your AC to Save Money
Running your ceiling fan along with your AC can actually save energy—if you do it right.
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The fan doesn’t cool the air, but it makes you feel cooler.
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This means you can raise your thermostat a few degrees (try 76–78°F) and still feel comfortable.
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Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room—fans cool people, not air.
Final Tip: Consider Upgrading Older Ceiling Fans
If your ceiling fan is:
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Wobbling excessively
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No longer working right
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Making noise
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Not energy-efficient
It might be time for a replacement. At Altamont Electric, we offer safe, professional ceiling fan installation in Tracy, CA, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor fan, we’ll make sure it’s installed properly and running the way it should.
Need Help with Your Ceiling Fan?
We’re happy to help with:
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Ceiling fan maintenance
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Replacement and upgrades
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New fan installations
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Outdoor and patio fans
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Commercial ceiling fan service
📞 Call or text! (209) 855-1847
Serving Tracy, San Joaquin County, Alameda County, and beyond.