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Question: Why do Kids Love Ceiling Fans?
A few years ago I did a little research on this topic because I am in the ceiling fan business and wanted to be able to answer any questions or concerns my customers have regarding installing ceiling fans in their children’s rooms. Although I found no scientific research specifically on the topic, there was plenty of information that allowed me to come to my own conclusion…which is this:
Newborn babies see objects, but can have a hard time focusing and become over-stimulated if there is too much to look at. Not only are their little eye muscles trying to develop, their little brains are trying to interpret what they see. Flat motionless objects, like walls and ceilings, are of little interest to children because they offer very little stimulation. Isolated objects that have dimension and perspective which are contrasted against a flat motionless background are less confusing and easier to focus in on. Objects with the right amount of stimulation are easier for your child to see and try to comprehend, so they are more stimulating and satisfying. Add a little motion to an object that is up against a flat background, and your child can really see it well and becomes enthralled but not overwhelmed.
Since the ceiling fan is normally in your child’s line of site when they are lying in their crib, their little eyes will automatically try to focus in on it. Turn it on, and the slight breeze they feel combined with the simple motion of an isolated object that is contrasted by a flat surface, gives them just the right amount of stimulation. So it’s no wonder that many children will giggle and coo when they lie in their crib beneath their ceiling fan.
As they grow a bit older, the familiarity of this object that has stimulated and soothed them since they were tiny helps make them feel safe and comfortable, which can help them go to sleep for years to come.
Question: My ceiling fan squeeks and I have a hard time sleeping at night when it is on. Can I oil it or something?
There are several reasons why a ceiling fan will squeek or make noise. Most often, the reason is simply poor quality components. You will find this problem very common with cheaper fans that are sold at the home centers. Particularly the hugger style fans. Often times these noises can be heard from the first day the fan is installed. If all screws are tight and the junction box in the ceiling is well supported and snug, then you are the victim of a poor quality fan and the only remedy may be to see if the place where you purchased the fan will take it back if you are dissatisfied.
However, if your fan has operated for years without making noise, oiling your fan is not a solution, with the exception of the Hunter Original cast iron ceiling fans which are the only fans that require oil…or can be oiled for that matter. What you probably need to do is tighten some screws. I would start from top to bottom on the fan and make sure everything is tight. At the top, make sure the screws that hold the fan to the junction box are tight. You will need to remove the canopy that is mounted at the ceiling in order to check these screws. Next, when replacing the canopy, make sure those screws are tight. Next, check the screws that hold the blade holders to the fan motor, then the screws that hold the blades to the blade holders. This is the most common place screws get loose.
Once all of the screws are tightened, turn the fan on again and see if it still makes the annoying sound. If not, then you have solved your problem. If it still makes noise, maybe the problem is that your fan is out of balance. If your fan is wobbling, you will need to balance the blades. Check the link at the bottom of this posting for a video with instructions for balancing your fan.
If your fan is not wobbling, or you went through the process of balancing your fan and it is still making noise, then the bearings in your fan motor are probably wearing out and there is nothing you can do. All ceiling fans come with sealed bearings (except for the Hunter Original fans), therefore, oil is not a solution as some people have suggested. The cheaper fans have motors that will go out, so your best bet at this point is to replace the fan. I would suggest looking for a fan that has a superior motor next time you make your purchase. Not only will they run quieter, they will move more air and last a lifetime. The best motors can be left running 24 hours a day for years and never make a peep while keeping you 2 or 3 times cooler than cheaper fans. The best motors found in Casablanca fans that have the Casablanca XLP 2000 motor and Emerson fans that have the Emerson K55 motor. These motors are not in all of their fans, only in their upper end models. Use the link below for top quality fans to see examples.
Balancing a Ceiling Fan: http://www.hansenwholesale.com/ceilingfans/ceilingfaninstallation.asp?Step=10&emt=leftnav
Top Quality Ceiling Fans: http://www.hansenwholesale.com/ceilingfans/fansearch.asp?sbPower=5
Ceiling Fan FAQs: http://www.hansenwholesale.com/ceilingfans/fanfaqs.asp?emt=leftnav