Installing A Ceiling Fan
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Installing a ceiling fan brings a wonderful look and feel to your home while reducing the cost of your heating and cooling bills. Summers will feel cooler and winters will stay warmer. Also, you can trade out your light fixture for a ceiling fan that will conveniently work for both functions. Installation is fairly simple, but you will need to know a bit about your electrical circuits, depending on what type of fan you decide to install.

Ceiling fans come in many different styles, allowing you to choose between an array of colors, finishes, sizes, and designs. Finding a fan to coordinate with your homes décor is not hard. However, you do want to pay attention to quality. Less expensive fans may appear beautiful at first, but time will wear them down to warp and become off balance. Higher quality fans will ensure longer lasting beauty and function. Pay attention to the fans warranty and performance, as well as quality and design. In addition, most ceiling fans are equipped with remotes or wall mounts that control fan speed and lighting!

Once you have selected the perfect ceiling fan, you must then decide where to place it. It is best to install your fan in the center of an open room, away from private settings where noise may cause interruptions. Placing your fan at least 7 feet from the floor and in the center of the room will provide smooth air flow and extra safety. Replacing your central light fixture is your best bet. If you do not have a central light fixture, you will need to create the space for your fan and make sure to check your electrical circuits to guard against overloading.

After selecting a place for your fan, you must decide whether this is a job for you or for a qualified contractor. If you are good with your hands, know a thing or two about your electrical and have good balance then installation shouldn’t be too hard. Make sure to read the instruction manual, for each ceiling fan is different and may require additional steps.

If you find yourself to be more handy-man handicapped, seriously consider hiring a local electrical contractor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Also, if you already have a ceiling fan installed and are noticing problems with its performance, it might be a good idea to have a professional come and look at it before you make the wrong correction and have a fan blade shooting across your living room. It is a good idea to keep up with repairs and upholding. Just like everything man made, ceiling fans require a small amount of maintenance.

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