article

Installing a Ceiling Fan

By Bluehammer Admin

Ceiling fans add to the decor of a room and are an energy efficient way to improve cooling when it's hot and heating when it's cold. For simple installations, installing your own ceiling fan is a breeze.

Determining whether you need new wiring or can use an existing box

If you are replacing an existing fan, you can use the existing box and wiring to install your new fan. If you are replacing a light fixture with a fan, you will need to install a new box and fan brace as the fan is heavier and needs to be secured, however you can re-use the electrical wiring. If there is no existing light fixture or ceiling fan, you will need to install a new box and brace and run wiring into an existing outlet, switch or junction box. Unless you are an advanced DIYer, it is recommended to hire a professional if you need to run new wiring.

Removing the existing light fixture and box

First you will need to remove the existing light fixture. Make sure you have turned off your electricity before you begin. Remove the existing light fixture from the ceiling. You will need to remove the existing light fixture's box from the framing. These are usually nailed to your frame and can be removed with a hammer and a screwdriver or piece of wood. Once you have removed the old box, pull the existing wires through hole in the ceiling.

Removing the existing fan

If there is an existing fan, you will only need to remove the fan and not the box or fan brace. Again, make sure you have turned off your electricity before you begin any electrical work. Simply unscrew the fan from the box and disconnect the electrical wires. If performing this yourself you might need a second set of hands to be safe.

Installing a new fan brace and box (if needed)

As stated before, if you are replacing a light fixture or installing in a place where there wasn't a fixture before, you will need to install a fan brace to securely hold your new fan. Fan brace styles vary and can be installed from above (attic or crawl space) if you have access, or up through the existing hole and box. Choose the style of brace that fits your situation and follow the instructions provided for that style brace.

Finishing Your Installation

After you have the box and the fan brace installed, all that is left is to assemble your new fan, hang it and connect the wires. Follow the directions that came with your fan for assembly. To make it easier to hang, do not assemble the fan blades (or lights if applicable) until your unit is hanging. Once assembled you will simply hang the fan by lifting the downrod and ball assembly into the ball slot on the fan brace. To connect the wiring, connect the ground wire (bare) from the box to the green ground wire from the fan. Connect the white neutral wire from the fan to the neutral wire from the box. Connect the black wire from the fan (and blue if there is one) to the black hot wire from the box. When you have connected the wiring, gently tuck the wires up into the box. The last step is to attach the fan blades and lights and you are done.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Replacing Your Bathroom Sink and Faucet

Replacing your old sink and faucet can make a big aesthetic difference in your bathroom.

Is Your Furnace Affecting Your Indoor Air Quality?

The push to make our houses as energy-efficient as possible has, in some cases, led to unintended consequences. Because modern houses are less drafty due to tighter-fitting windows, doors and weather stripping, pollutants that were vented in the past are trapped inside. Most of the pollutants are relatively harmless, but some can be dangerous, and they all contribute to what some people call "sick house syndrome."

Double up! Stylish Solutions For Shared Bedroom Spaces

Fitting multiple kids in a house can be challenging, and when they have to double - or tripl - up (or more!) in one room, style can take a hit.

5 Tips to Clean and Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer

Making it through the summer without a working air conditioning system isn't feasible in some parts of the country. Even if you live in a temperate climate, your AC system will make you and your family much more comfortable at home.

How To Safely Remove Window Glass

Why would you need to remove glass from your window? In most cases, it's because the glass is cracked or broken, or it is an insulated pane that's no longer sealed properly. Or maybe it's time to upgrade your windows with tinted or smart glass. Professional glass shops can help you choose and size the right glass for the job, but first you'll have to remove the window glass and bring in the sash. If there is a break on a stationary window or the sash and it isn't budging, you may need to hire a professional glass installation expert.

Creative Ways To Keep Your Home Cool Without Running Your Air Conditioning 24-7

Heat wave! Are you feeling it? Are you over it? Are you dreading this month's electric bill that will rival your monthly grocery budget? There are a few tricks that can help you keep cool at home without running your air conditioning all day.

Clever Ways To Create More Storage In Your Kitchen

Who doesn't need more storage in the kitchen? You may not have a massive space with dozens of cabinets and yards of countertops, but that doesn't mean you don't have the space you need to store all your stuff. Use a few of these clever tricks and you might be surprised how much extra room you can create.

Clever Tips To Make Painting Your Home Easier

Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform a space. But it can also be a hassle, what with all that taping and prepping and cleaning up. These clever tips can make it easier. Fun, even. (That might be a stretch.)

Is School Improvement Part of Your Ownership Strategy?

Neighborhoods with good schools often carry higher value for home buyers with children, so if you want to raise values in your neighborhood, supporting school improvement may be a valuable undertaking.

Electric Water Heater Troubleshooting Quickstart Guide

Technology advances are making electric water heaters more popular than ever. The electric water heater market, valued at $6 billion in 2015, will expand at an annual compound growth rate of 7.5 percent to reach $33.22 billion by 2024, Global Market Insights projects. Advances in energy saving, comfort control and display technology are driving demand. As more homes acquire electric water heaters, home owners will increasingly require specialized maintenance for these appliances. Here’s a quickstart guide to assist you when troubleshooting electric water heaters.

See More Articles