Ceiling fan not spinning — Zaandam, Noord-Holland

A ceiling fan that hums but doesn't spin, or one that has stopped responding entirely, usually has a burned-out capacitor, a faulty pull-chain switch, or a wiring issue at the canopy. The motor capacitor is the most common failure point — it's a $5–$15 part that stores energy to start and maintain blade rotation. If the fan light works but the blades don't turn, the capacitor or motor winding is almost certainly the culprit. A licensed electrician can diagnose the failure, replace the capacitor or switch in under an hour, and verify the circuit is safe. Full fan replacement runs $150–$400 including labor if the motor itself has failed.