SMC, Shell Manufacturing Company ceiling fans

SMC, or Shell Manufacturing Company, was one of the first fan manufacturers to import ceiling fans to the US and they are still doing so today. They have also made fans for many private labels including Atlantic Air (KMart) and Hampton Bay. SMC fans gradually decreased in quality, they now offer some fans that are very entry level, and others that are solid lower-priced models.

The first SMC fans used solid, heavy motors and were well built. Early models used a variable speed control that may become noisy, the easiest solution is to disconnect it or replace it with a three speed control. One problem with all SMC fans is that they use bushing bearings rather than ball bearings, so they are more susceptible to bearing noise and such. See oiling section.

As with most fans, pullchains and capacitors may eventually require replacement, and ss with all older fans, with age and use the bearings may become dry or dirty and require oiling or replacement, see oiling section.