How to Lubricate Attic Fan – Lubrication Made Easy

An attic fan is an excellent way to circulate air and keep your attic cool. But like any machine, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and quietly. Lubricating an attic fan is an easy DIY task that you can knock out in less than 30 minutes.

In this handy guide, we provide a step-by-step overview of how to properly lubricate an attic fan motor and bearings. We’ll also cover some maintenance tips to keep your attic fan in tip-top shape. Let’s get started!

Why Lubricate an Attic Fan?

There are two main reasons why you should periodically lubricate your attic fan:

1. Extend the life of the motor – Unlubricated motors can overheat and burn out prematurely. Regular oiling keeps the internal motor parts moving freely and smoothly. This prevents wear and tear.
2. Reduce noise – When an attic fan motor is dry, it can start to squeak, hum and rattle loudly. Lubricating it keeps things running quietly.

So don’t skip this important maintenance task. A well-oiled attic fan motor and bearings will lead to years of uninterrupted cooling power.

What You’ll Need

• Cotton rags
• Penetrating oil or lightweight machine oil
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Lubricating oil/grease for bearings
• Work gloves & safety goggles

How to Lubricate an Attic Fan Motor

Follow these simple steps to lubricate an attic fan motor:

Step 1: Turn Off Power

Locate the circuit breaker connected to the attic fan and turn it OFF for safety. Make sure the blades are not rotating.

Step 2: Remove Protective Cover

Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the cover that protects the motor (usually on the underside of the fan assembly). This will expose the motor.

Step 3: Clean Motor Exterior

Wipe away any dirt, dust and debris from the motor housing using a dry cotton rag. Make sure the oil ports are clear of any gunk.

Step 4: Apply Penetrating Oil

Use a teaspoon and apply 2-3 drops of penetrating oil or lightweight machine oil into each of the oil ports. There are usually 1-2 ports on most standard attic fan motors.

Step 5: Let Oil Soak

Let the oil soak in for 10-15 minutes. This allows it to distribute evenly in the motor and coat all internal parts.

Step 6: Replace Cover

After letting it soak, replace the protective motor cover and securely screw it back in place.

Step 7: Restore Power & Test

Head back to the circuit breaker and turn it ON to restore power. Go up to the attic and test run the fan to make sure it sounds smooth and quiet. Add additional drops of oil if needed.

And that’s it! Just repeat this simple lubricating process a few times per year to keep your attic fan motor humming along.

How to Lubricate Attic Fan Bearings

In addition to oiling the motor, it’s wise to lubricate the fan blade bearings on occasion. This prevents them from locking up or squeaking while spinning.

Here’s how to grease the bearings:

Step 1: Turn Off Power

As before, start by turning OFF power to the attic fan at the circuit breaker. Make sure all blades have stopped rotating.

Step 2: Locate Bearings

Bearings are positioned where the fan blades connect to the motor spindle. Depending on the model, they can be exposed or covered in a housing cap.

Step 3: Apply Grease

With the fan blades stationary, use a small screwdriver to pry up the bearing caps (if present). Then use a cotton swab to dot each bearing with high-quality bearing grease.

Step 4: Replace Caps

If you removed any housing caps to access the bearings, snap them back into place.

Step 5: Spin Blades

Turn the power back ON and activate the fan. Manually spin each blade by hand to distribute the fresh grease evenly in the bearings.

Step 6: Re-grease Annually

For optimal protection, remember to re-apply fresh grease once per year before the hot summer months arrive.

Regular oiling and greasing = smooth, quiet attic fan operation for years of reliable cooling power.

Here is a quick overview on how to lubricate Oil your Attic Electric Fan Motor if it has a oil ports.

Maintenance Tips

Here are some additional maintenance tips to keep your attic fan running efficiently:

• Clean blades – Wipe down the fan blades periodically to remove any built-up dust and dirt.
• Check connections – Make sure all wiring connections are tight and corrosion-free.
• Clear debris – Remove any leaves, nests or other debris that collect around the attic fan housing.
• Test spin – Turn on the fan occasionally during non-cooling months just to ensure it runs properly.
• Check bearings – Listen for any grinding or friction noises from the bearings while spinning. Replace if worn.
• Oil/grease regularly – Don’t just oil the motor annually. Consider doing it 2-3 times per year.
• Replace screen – Make sure the attic fan screen is intact and not damaged. Replace it if needed.
• Hire an electrician – If the fan fails to start or you notice electrical issues, hire a licensed electrician promptly.

Just a little preventative maintenance goes a long way towards maximizing attic fan lifespan!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer some common questions about lubricating attic fans:

What type of oil should be used to lubricate an attic fan motor?

Use a lightweight penetrating oil or machine oil with a low viscosity. Popular brands include 3-IN-ONE oil, Tri-Flow and WD-40 Specialist for lubricating electric motors.

How often should I oil an attic fan motor?

Most manufacturers recommend oiling 2-4 times per year. Ideally, lubricate the motor before peak cooling season in the summer and winter.

Where exactly are the oil ports on an attic fan motor?

There are typically small holes or covers labeled “oil” near each end of the motor housing. Consult the owner’s manual for your specific model.

Can I use WD-40 to lubricate my attic fan?

Yes, WD-40 works well. Just spray it directly into the oil ports. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes before running the fan.

How do I know if my attic fan bearings need lubrication?

Listen closely to the sounds the fan makes when spinning. Any squeaking, grinding or squealing noises likely indicate dry bearings.

What type of lubricant is best for the fan blade bearings?

Use a high-quality bearing grease designed specifically for electric motor bearings. Never use WD-40.

How can I access the fan blade bearings to lubricate them?

There are typically small plastic caps that snap off to reveal the bearings. Remove them gently with a small flathead screwdriver.