You're correct. The dimmer switch was not made for that fan.
The Green is ground > so you're right there too. I assume other plugs nearby are working when dimmer is on. Check that to make sure.
By your description, I assume there is NOT another switch or dimmer that connects to same light. If so, you need a 3-way switch and the following instructions are void.
I suspect when you wired the new fan, that you saw the red and small black wires in the ceiling box. Did you connect the fan and light to those wires? If so, the following information will help you wire the switch.
Your incoming Hot line is probably the larger black wire that connects to Dimmer black >>> this wire will connect to either screw on the new switch
To test Hot wire for sure: Take out dimmer and mark wires for identification. Separate wires. Turn on power and test each wire to bare ground. Tape tester leads to wood sticks so hands are away from power. You'll be fine. Tester lights up on Hot wire.
Next: The smaller black and a red wires are a toss up.
Here's how I would proceed. Connect the black Hot to either screw on switch. Connect red wire to other screw. Put wire nut over small black. Turn on power. Flip switch. Check both lights and fan to see which works with red wire.
Next reverse the toss up wires. Put wire nut over red. Connect small black to switch. Check both lights and fan.
If red and small black control the light & fan, then connect them together on the same screw, and you're done.
If you want to control the fan and light separately, buy double switch, and then Hot connects to dark-colored screw on one side of switch, and red and small black connect to two different screws on opposite side of switch.
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Never use a light dimmer to control a motor. It will eventually burn up the motor(personal experience here).Use a motor speed controller or better yet add a remote control to your fan. Makes the wiring problems go away.You can obtain the remote control from any home improvement store that sells ceiling fans.
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