A ceiling fan can be a great way to cool a room. It’s also a smart addition to any home because it helps keep your energy bills down and reduces strain on your air conditioner.
If you’re ready to install a new ceiling fan, there are a few things you should do first to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Start by preparing the room for installation and cleaning up any clutter that could distract you while you’re up high on a ladder.
Decide Which Fan to Buy – You’ll need to choose the right size ceiling this site fan for your room. To find the right fit, you’ll need to measure the height and width of your room. Once you have those numbers, you can use a sizing guide from the American Lighting Association to determine which type of fan is right for you.
Consider Mount Style – Some fans have flush-to-the-ceiling mounts while others have longer downrods that hang downward. If your ceiling is short, you may want to go with a hugger fan that can hang at least eight feet above the floor.
Select the Correct Electrical Box for Your Ceiling Fan – If your current ceiling fan doesn’t have an electrical box rated for ceiling fans, you’ll need to replace it with one that is. Most boxes are metal and have an inscription on them that indicates they’re fan-rated.
Make sure you have a tool to remove the old box and re-wire it so that the new ceiling fan fits. You can use a screwdriver or power drill to do the job.
Before you begin, inspect your current electrical box to see if it is fan-rated and turn off the power at the breaker box to avoid any potential shocks while you’re working. If the box isn’t rated for ceiling fans, call a licensed electrician to remove and replace it.
Take Notes During the Installation Steps – As you’re installing your new ceiling fan, you’ll need to keep track of what you’re doing and how everything is connected to each other. That’s why it’s important to read the installation instructions carefully and follow them exactly.
Once you’ve completed all the steps, you should be able to easily install your new fan. However, it’s still a good idea to have a helper with you so that if something should go wrong while you’re installing the fan, someone else can help out.
Get a Helper – Ceiling fans are heavy, which makes them a bit difficult to handle by yourself. This is why it’s a good idea to have a friend with you to help hold the fan steady while you’re attaching it to the wall.
Set Aside Some Time – The process of hanging a ceiling fan can be quite time-consuming, even if you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer. This is especially true if you’re a beginner at this type of work, so plan to set aside some time to finish the job.