Run the fan on each speed setting, then stand under it and listen. Note the speed at which it first seems off. A ceiling fan in good condition moves quietly and holds its speed. Early wear usually shows up as a wobble, a tick, or a change in sound before it shows up as a stop.
Watch the blades
Turn the fan to a middle speed and look up at the blades from the side of the room. Each blade should track the same path. A blade that rises or dips, or a set of blades that seems to lean as a group, is worth checking. Look for dust buildup on the blade arms and loosening at the screws that hold each blade to its bracket.
Listen to the motor and the housing
A steady low hum is normal in many fans. A hum that grows, a click on each rotation, or a rattle that follows the speed setting suggests the mounting or the motor bearings need attention. Note whether the sound comes from the motor or from the light kit.
Test the controls
Try each speed, the reverse switch, the pull chain, or the wall control. Look for a speed step that does not hold, a switch that sticks, a remote that responds late, or a light that flickers when the fan starts. These checks need no tools and no opened housing.
Check the mount
Turn the power off at the breaker before you touch anything above the room. Look at the canopy and the downrod or mounting bracket. Gently check that the canopy sits snug against the ceiling box. A loose mount is the first thing to address. Tightening visible screws is a task many owners can do safely if they are comfortable working overhead with the power off.
Log it and plan from the year
Write down the speed, the sound, the location, and the day you noticed each change. Also write the year the fan was installed. Age is a planning input. A fan that is older and running well needs a watch, not a replacement. Use your log to decide when to call for a closer look.