Monte Carlo Grand Prix

by Stephen
(El Dorado Hills, CA)

Sorry to say I was very disappointed with this fan. I purchased it after reviewing a number of reviews and ratings on the Internet. I expected a reasonably wobble free and quiet fan; I got neither.

I weighted the blades prior to installing to within 1/2 ounce deviation in order assure balance. (I found three fan blades about even, one 1/2 oz. heavier, and one between in weight. I placed the heaviest between two of the lightest in order to balance them.)

I insured that the hanger was tightly attached to the electric plate, the plate, rated for fan weight, was also very securely attached to the ceiling 2 by 6 inch ceiling joist.

After I found the wobble I tried several times to adjust and readjust the downrod attachment to the fan body. Same wobble.

I would have then proceeded to the balance kit provided by Monte Carlo except for the fan noise. Monte Carlo advises that you run the fan motor in 24 hours to assure proper functioning. I did. The fan still had a noticeable resonance, or hum at low, medium and high speed.

I have had several cheaper "contractor" fans in my home. I installed all of them. None had a noticeable motor noise at any speed. I have a Harbor Bay 60 inch fan in my bedroom, installed by me. No motor noise, no wobble. (That's not to say that Harbor Bay is a maker of fine fans.

Subsequent to purchasing and installing the Harbor Bay I purchased two others, same brand and model, only a color difference. Both had noisy motors although they were wobble free.) Closer inspection of the several fans indicated to me a cheapening of construction.

The foreign manufacturer of fans seem to be cutting costs little by little to finally come to a fan with less quality than before; or at least that is my opinion.