Lasko, one of the most well-known brands for tower fans, is susceptible to common fan malfunctions. After using your Lasko tower fan for a while, you may notice an unusual noise. Why does this occur, and more importantly, can you take any action to address it?
Excessive dust build-up inside the fan, inadequate support from an uneven or unstable surface, or loose screws in the different components may be causing your Lasko tower fan to produce noise. To restore the fan and make it quiet again, simply conduct a thorough cleaning and inspection, along with some minor adjustments.
The following tips which I am going to share with you should be effective for the majority of Lasko tower fan models. Although each fan may possess distinct features and characteristics, Lasko tower fans share enough design similarities for these troubleshooting suggestions to be applicable, regardless of the specific model you have.
Why Is Your Lasko Tower Fan Making Noise?
Prior to resolving the noise issue with your tower fan, it is very important to determine the type of noise it is producing. This will assist you in pinpointing the specific problem and determining the necessary steps for rectification.
Now, let’s examine the different noises made by Lasko Tower Fans and what they mean.
Rattling, Shaking Noise
If the noise coming from your fan resembles a vibrating sound, similar to the collision of two objects, there is a high chance that you are experiencing a rattling or shaking noise. This noise is commonly heard when the fan is turned on or when it is oscillating from side to side.
There are several possible causes for this noise. Firstly, it may be due to the base of the fan shaking against the surface it is placed on, which indicates inadequate support for the fan. Additionally, loose parts within the fan may be colliding with each other, resulting in the rattling noise. Another potential cause is the accumulation of debris inside the fan, which can also generate this type of noise.
Scraping or Screeching
Another noise that you may hear from your fan is a metallic scraping or screeching sound. This noise can be continuous or intermittent, depending on the underlying issue.
A screeching or scraping noise is often caused by an accumulation of dirt, which leads to friction in the fan’s blades. Another potential cause is a problem with the motor located at the base of the fan. By addressing these issues, you can effectively minimize the noise level produced by your fan.
Persistent Squeaking
Most Lasko tower fans are equipped with an oscillating feature, and your fan may also have it, which enhances their cooling effectiveness by distributing airflow across a larger area through a slow back-and-forth motion. This oscillation function relies on a rotating mechanism that utilizes plastic rollers to move the fan.
Over time, these rollers can wear down, resulting in a noticeable squeaking noise during each oscillation cycle. This noise typically occurs at regular intervals, with a few seconds between each squeak. It is necessary to keep in mind that this issue comes from the rollers within the rotating mechanism rather than a problem within the fan itself.
If you are experiencing a different type of squeaking noise, there are several additional reasons that could be causing it.
Resolving the Problem
To address the noise issue with your fan, you can follow these troubleshooting steps. Identifying the specific noise will guide you in determining which of the following measures to try.
Clean the Fan of Any Dust
To reduce the fan’s noise level and restore it to normal, one of the simplest and most effective solutions is to clean it. When air passes through the fan, dust, dirt, and other particles present in the air can adhere to various parts, particularly the fan blades. This accumulation can disrupt the smooth movement of these components, leading to excessive noise. By cleaning the fan, you can remove these particles and restore optimal functionality, as a result, reducing the noise produced.
Recommended: How to Clean a Tower Fan
Put the Fan on a Flat, Sturdy Surface
If your fan has improper support on the resting surface can result in abnormal noises. The fan may exhibit shaking or uneven wobbling, or its movement may cause the surface itself to rattle, as a result, making a noise.
To fix the noise issue, simply relocate the tower to a different surface. Choose a sturdy surface capable of supporting the fan’s weight and movement without inducing shaking or noise.
Oil the Rotating Mechanism Where the Fan Pivots
If you come across a squeaking noise from within the fan, to address a squeaking noise that occurs when the tower fan oscillates on its base, lubricating the rotating mechanism responsible for the oscillating motion can resolve the issue. By applying lubrication, you can ensure smooth movement without friction that may cause excess noise.
Follow these steps to oil the rotating mechanism:
- Power off the fan and unplug it
- Remove the external components of the tower fan to access the interior
- Identify the rotating mechanism located at the bottom of the device
- Locate the plastic rollers on which the tower rotates and apply a small amount of petroleum grease or another suitable lubricant
- Reassemble the fan and observe if the rollers move more freely and quietly
Tighten Loose Screws
The various components of your fan are held together by metal screws, which provide essential support for smooth operation. However, frequent use and regular wear and tear can cause these screws to become loose, resulting in increased noise levels.
Resolving this issue is straightforward. Start by identifying any loose screws and tightening them using a screwdriver. Begin by checking the cover over the fan and the base where the tower rests. If no loose screws are found in these areas, you can proceed by unscrewing the cover and inspecting the interior of the fan for any other loose screws that may be contributing to the noise.
Replace the Oscillating Motor
If lubricating the internal components or tightening loose screws does not resolve the issue, it is possible that the oscillating motor in your fan has become completely worn out and is no longer functioning effectively.
In such cases, it will be necessary to replace the motor with a new one. While you may be able to find a compatible standalone motor for your tower fan at a local outlet, it may not always be available for certain models. Your best option would be to check the Lasko website for replacement motors. If a standalone motor is not available for your specific model, you may need to consider replacing the entire unit.