Is your electric fan giving up on you? Here’s how to take care of it

With the scorching heat and a pandemic in our midst, now is not the time for your electric fan to break.

To avoid digging into your budget and risk going out to buy new one, registered master electrician Eric dela Cruz did an easy step-by-step demo on "Unang Hirit" and gave a few tips on how to take proper care of your fans at home.

How to clean it

1.) Please make sure the fan is unplugged before cleaning.

2.) When should you clean your fan? Dela Cruz recommends a weekly cleaning, but the user can always tell a unit needs cleaning based on visible signs of dirt accumulation.

3.) You can remove dirt from a fan using a cloth or a brush, but for a deeper clean, you'll need to dismantle the unit to clean the parts separately.

4.) For this, you'll need a screwdriver, a brush, dishwashing liquid and water

5.) How do you dismantle a fan? Remove the cover. Unscrew the front cap, which fastens the blades to the motor. Remove the blades carefully. In some fans, you can also detach the back cover of the fan by removing the rear guard. (Steps may vary depending on the unit)

Cool tips

Fans are likely being used for longer periods of time every day, especially with the heat and a lot of people staying indoors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dela Cruz emphasized that fans — especially old units — generally need 30 minutes to an hour of rest over the course of 24 hours.

Users can also help the fan bring cool and fresh air into the room by putting it in the right position. Dela Cruz said the rear should be facing a window, or anywhere there's an outside breeze. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News