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


Can't Sleep? Why Your House Might Be To Blame And What You Can Do About It

Not being able to get sufficient sleep isn't just annoying. Beyond making you grouchy and causing you to yawn all day, it can threaten your immune system, impact your memory, and injure your back. There are a number of potential reasons for your sleeping issues, but your house probably isn't helping. With a few fixes, you may be sleeping soundly in no time.

Replacing Your Kitchen Sink and Faucet

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

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."

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.

New Kitchen Cabinetry: Make Your Investment A Smart One

At an average of $50,000, a kitchen remodel is a major undertaking. A good return on that investment means different things to different people. You may be considering resale value, your bank balance at the moment, the elements of your dream kitchen-or all of the above. Whatever the case, kitchen cabinets are a key component of every remodel.

Replacing Your Bathroom Shower or Shower/Tub

Aside from being a great place to sing, showers are an important place to make sure we stay clean.

7 Tricks Hotels Use That Can Make Your Home Look and Work Better

Looking to breathe some life into your house? Maybe all you need is a vacation. A hotel stay is great for a lot of reasons - as a romantic getaway, an opportunity to see the world or explore new places, a break from work or kids - but taking a good look at your surroundings can also give you great ideas for refreshing your space when you get back home.

Replacing Your Bathroom Vanity

Replacing your old vanity can make a big aesthetic difference in your bathroom.

New Tech All Homes Will Have By 2020

New technologies are constantly emerging, rendering others obsolete every day. Many of these technologies eventually enter into our homes after being used in businesses or other capacities throughout the world first. Once they show themselves to be useful, people incorporate them into their everyday lives. Here are some technologies that every home will have by 2020.

How to Upkeep Your Home So Neighbors Are In Awe

Homeowners are responsible for the quality of their home with the maintenance and care that they provide for the building throughout the year. Every home requires a specific amount of upkeep to ensure that it maintains its value and has a high level of appeal. To keep your neighbors in awe of your home, there are a few important steps to take to allow it to stand out in the local area.

See More Articles