My ceiling fan, which I have had for about 4 years is giving me trouble. It would be running just fine and then suddenly stop. When I get up close to examine it I can hear a low hum like the motor is running but nothing is moving, like it's in neutral. Any ideas? Thanks

First, check these troubleshooting instructions, and get back to us:

General ceiling fan troubleshooting and help FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-general-troubleshooting-and-FAQ.php)

Do the blades turn freely by hand?

The blades still turn just fine. Just the humming noise. It did this a while back, say about 5-6 months ago and just started working all on it's own again.

Check that the reverse switch is securely in the up or down position. Did you look at the troubleshooting directions?

The reverse switch is fine. I was taking a nap the other day and I woke up and suddenly it wasn't working.

Loose connection, particularly in or around the reverse switch, is a normal problem for a fan humming but not running. Bad capacitor is the other likely culpret. The fact that it is humming but not spinning, but it spins freely by hand, means that one coil of the motor is getting current but the other is not.

American made ceiling fans - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-capacitors.php)