What You Should Know About Ceiling Fan Installation

Installing ceiling fans in your home is just a good idea. Advances in ceiling fan technology over the past 10 years have expanded your money-saving benefits. In the summer, the cooling effects of ceiling fans can lower temperatures by up to 7 degrees, and your energy bill by up to 40%! And the effects of pushing warm air down from the roof in the winter can save you 10% on your heating costs.

Ceiling fans save money

Ceiling fans are not only a financially smart investment, they can also add to the look of a room. There are so many styles of ceiling fans these days that it can be difficult to choose.

Here are some useful tips

Ceiling fans come in a variety of prices. But watch out for the cheapest ones. They can look great when new, but over time they are more likely to warp, lose their balance, and wear out. Also, the case of cheaper fans is made of a very thin material that tends to vibrate and rattle. You’ll enjoy the benefits of a ceiling fan for years to come, so be prepared to pay for quality.

Choose a fan based on the size of the room. A 29 “fan is good for a room up to 50 square feet; a 36” fan is good for rooms up to 75 square feet; a 42 “fan for rooms up to 100 square feet and 50” to 54 “fans will work best in rooms up to 400 square feet.

For maximum efficiency and safety, place the ceiling fan in the middle of the room and at least 8 feet above the floor. For best results, place the fan 9 to 10 feet above the floor. Most ceiling fans measure approximately 12 “from the ceiling to the top of the blades. Hugger fans, which have blades very close to the ceiling, are less efficient at moving air, but may be necessary if you don’t have the height clearance required.

The motor is one of the most important components of ceiling fan efficiency, yet many motors are undersized or poorly constructed, which can lead to higher operating temperatures, hums, and clicks. Look for high-quality motors with heavy-duty windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. And let the warranty guide you. The best ceiling fans with heavy duty motors will come with a lifetime motor warranty.

The fan blade brackets should hold the blades at a 12-15 degree angle for optimal circulation. The higher the angle, the more air circulation you get. Fans with an angle of less than 12 degrees are less efficient.

The blades are available in plastic, metal, acrylic, synthetic wood, fabric, palm, and many types of wood. The blades must be sealed and treated to resist moisture, which can cause them to warp and cause the fan to wobble. A high-quality finish will resist blistering, tarnishing, fading and corrosion, while less advanced finishes can peel, bubble and corrode quickly.

Virtually all ceiling fans have a reversible blade rotation, but many homeowners are unclear in which direction the blades should rotate. In hot weather, the fan should rotate counterclockwise to create wind to cool it down. In colder climates, the blades must rotate clockwise at low speed to push the hot air near the ceiling down (the heat increases, remember?).

Ceiling fan blades should be weighed and balanced evenly by the manufacturer prior to shipment to prevent movement. However, if the fan wobbles after installation, make sure all connections are properly aligned and tight. Hold a measuring stick vertically along the edges of the sheets to check their alignment. If a blade is misaligned, gently try to bend the misaligned blade holder into the correct position. If all the blades are aligned, use a balance kit to correct the problem. These kits are provided with the ventilator or can be shipped by the manufacturer. Ceiling fans can weigh up to 50 pounds, so most ceilings need to be reinforced to support the additional weight.

Ceiling fans need additional support from above and must be solidly anchored to a ceiling beam. But if the beam is not located in the center of the room where the fan is to be mounted, a special ceiling fan mounting bracket with pointed ends must be installed between the joists. A licensed electrician can safely install the fan and handle the wiring.

Installing a ceiling fan is much more complicated than installing a lamp. Use of the appropriate UL listed metal outlet box marked “For Use With Ceiling Fans” is recommended. The box is mounted on the ceiling and houses all the wiring necessary to operate and connect the ceiling fan. If you are replacing a ceiling fixture, you will most likely need to replace the electrical box. To avoid complications, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to install the ceiling fan. Be sure to check the references and make sure the contractor is properly insured and has the proper certification.