View Full Version : Ceiling Fan question
Opmoochler
02-20-2018, 02:27 PM
Our living room Hunter fan is barely turning on either speed, so we are assuming it is seizing up. It is 12 or 13 years old. Should we go to Lowes and have a handyman install a new one, or should we have an electrician do it? There is no way either of us is qualified! Is there a Hunter fan store?
HiHoSteveO
02-20-2018, 02:50 PM
If it were me, I'd shop for a used ceiling fan right here on TOTV.
Go to the "Classifieds"
Click the "Search " box there and type in "Fan."
There are several of them. Some priced $25-35. Some with light kits.
They might be Hunter, not sure, but any brand can be installed in an existing fan location.
The standard fan installed these days is a Kichler 52 inch. Color white.
Then just get a handyman to hang it up there for you. An easy job. An electrician would likely cost more. If you buy new it would also need to be assembled. Not a big deal but it does take extra time.
bonrich
02-20-2018, 03:24 PM
If it were me I would buy a new fan. The first one lasted 12 years or more, why replace with used. Get a handyman to install. It is not really that difficult. Hardest part is hanging the motor. After that it is quick. You can help by screwing the blades onto the fan arms. We bought our fan at Dan's on 441 if I recall correctly. Also bought our light kits there also. They can help and advise.
retiredguy123
02-20-2018, 03:51 PM
Dan's Fan City on 441 will sell you a new fan and, if you spend $200, they will install it for free. The guy who installs it is an electrician and will do it in about 5 minutes. You can buy a cheaper fan, but, for about $200, you can get a very nice one with a remote control.
Rango
02-20-2018, 05:01 PM
Lenhart's electrical charges $90 for a fan install (FYI)
villagetinker
02-20-2018, 05:16 PM
It may very well be the capacitor has failed, under $10 at Lowes, home depot, and ACE, You can test if it is 'seizing up", just spin the fan manually, it should take a while to slowly stop. If it stops quickly, then yes, the grease in the bearings may have hardened. The capacitor is a fairly easy replacement, but I strongly suggest you take pictures once the fan is opened up and before you remove the cap.
TURN OF THE POWER TO THE FAN BEFORE YOU START ANY WORK.
Send me a PM with you phone number if you would liKe to discuss further, or want assistance with repair.
BobnBev
02-20-2018, 05:19 PM
Dan's Fan City on 441 will sell you a new fan and, if you spend $200, they will install it for free. The guy who installs it is an electrician and will do it in about 5 minutes. You can buy a cheaper fan, but, for about $200, you can get a very nice one with a remote control.
Definitely "Dan's Fan City" No one can even come close. Get a more powerful one than you think you'll need, for those super hot days. They are very knowledgeable and will advise you.:bowdown:
Toymeister
02-20-2018, 06:23 PM
It may very well be the capacitor has failed, under $10 at Lowes, home depot, and ACE, You can test if it is 'seizing up", just spin the fan manually, it should take a while to slowly stop. If it stops quickly, then yes, the grease in the bearings may have hardened. The capacitor is a fairly easy replacement, but I strongly suggest you take pictures once the fan is opened up and before you remove the cap.
TURN OF THE POWER TO THE FAN BEFORE YOU START ANY WORK.
Send me a PM with you phone number if you would liKe to discuss further, or want assistance with repair.
The capacitors are not available at big box store. It is the same for bearings for the fans, they don't stock those either.
Toymeister
02-20-2018, 06:30 PM
Definitely "Dan's Fan City" No one can even come close.
I had a different experience. I found them to have a off additude. Everyone has bad day so I tried again a few months later, same result. To be fair another employee did step in and was nicer but, for me, the impression has been firmly made.
villagetinker
02-20-2018, 08:01 PM
I am sure I just saw those at the new lowes on 466a, i will check next time I get over there.
coffeebean
02-20-2018, 08:48 PM
I would not want anything but Hunter fans in our home. Their fan blades are pitched just a bit more and they have a stronger motor to turn the blades easily. Better blade pitch gives more air flow.
I don't know what brand Dan's Fan store carries but if he doesn't have Hunter, I would not go there.
asianthree
02-20-2018, 08:54 PM
I would not want anything but Hunter fans in our home. Their fan blades are pitched just a bit more and they have a stronger motor to turn the blades easily. Better blade pitch gives more air flow.
I don't know what brand Dan's Fan store carries but if he doesn't have Hunter, I would not go there.
Dans carries multiple brands, have used them for all three houses. Our hunters are 9 years old and still as quiet as day one.
villagetinker
02-20-2018, 10:07 PM
Link for Lowes replacement capacitor, NOTE I think these are similar ratings for all for the fans, but check against the original.
Shop Harbor Breeze Black Scroll Kit at Lowes.com (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Harbor-Breeze-Black-Scroll-Kit/3533088)
However, I was sure I saw a drawers of parts, with several capacitors.
Toymeister
02-21-2018, 08:15 AM
Link for Lowes replacement capacitor, NOTE I think these are similar ratings for all for the fans, but check against the original.
Shop Harbor Breeze Black Scroll Kit at Lowes.com (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Harbor-Breeze-Black-Scroll-Kit/3533088)
However, I was sure I saw a drawers of parts, with several capacitors.
I stand corrected, I never noticed them there. That said those prices are outrageous, here is one for less than six dollars: Amazon.com: NEW TECH Ceiling Fan Capacitor 4.5uf+6uf+6uf 5WIRE: Home & Kitchen (https://www.amazon.com/NEW-TECH-Ceiling-Capacitor-4-5uf/dp/B00MOGK9XQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519218844&sr=8-3&keywords=ceiling+fan+capacitor)
villagetinker
02-21-2018, 09:26 AM
Agreed, I was shocked (no pun intended) at the price. I like the help provided on this site.
Opmoochler
02-21-2018, 10:13 AM
Thanks, everyone, for the advice! Ben Sikes, electrician for Dan's Fan City, will be here this morning to install a new fan. Thanks VT, I saw your offer to check for the capacitor after I'd already run up to Dan's. The only overhead ladder work with a fan I would attempt is fixing the pull chain; the thought of pulling the housing off and dealing with wires would be too technical for us!
rproo1
02-21-2018, 10:02 PM
No caps at Lowes 466a or at Dan's...
jchase
02-22-2018, 08:18 AM
Dans Fans would be the last place I would you. Bunch of idiots working there.
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