Installing a ceiling fan is a great investment, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.
If you have decided to install one or replace your old ceiling fan, this article will offer 7 tips to prepare yourself and make the process less daunting.
Choose the Right Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan can bring a lot to your room. For one, it improves the airflow, enhancing the effects of your cooling and heating systems. You should pick the right fan size for your room to maximise this effect.
In smaller rooms of up to 80 square feet, the blades of the fan should have a span of 20-35 inches. 120-200 square feet rooms will benefit most from a fan with a diameter of 40-52 inches, while rooms larger than 200 square feet can host a fan of 52 inches and above.
Additionally, installing your ceiling fan 8-10ft up from the floor will ensure that you will get the most out of its capabilities to create a pleasant breeze and shift proper amounts of air in the structure you use it for.
You should also put it at least 7 inches down from the ceiling, and its blades should have at least 2-3ft of free space between them and any obstructions.
Also, a ceiling fan can do a lot for your interior design. They can serve as fantastic accent pieces for the finishing touch of your room and are highly flexible in terms of colour and texture choices.
Pick the Best Installation Time and Location
Consider the time and day for optimal installation conditions. Installing your ceiling fan during the day is advised.
You will be turning the main power off, so you simply will need enough natural light to perform the electrical work. If you are going to be installing a fan outside, select a dry and sunny day.
Ceiling fans are a fantastic addition to living rooms and bedrooms but could easily fit into your kitchen and bathroom as well. You could even install one for your veranda, only you should ensure proper insulation to avoid moisture damage.
There are ceiling fans which are specifically damp and wet-rated, which would be ideal if you choose to put one in your bathroom or outside in an open structure.
Read Installation Instructions Carefully
Check the box of your ceiling fan in advance of the installation day and take a peek at the installation instructions.
This will give you a heads-up on the electrical tools you will need to set up the fan on your ceiling and if all the hardware described in the instructions and the installation scheme is in the box.
If you see a part missing from the package, you should contact the shop you bought your fan from or the manufacturer to inquire about it and ask for a replacement.
If the hardware required for the installation is accounted for, you are good to go ahead and install your new ceiling fan.
For proper and safe installation, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If any hardware parts remain after the installation, double-check if they are spares or if you could have missed installing something.
Calling an electrician to help is a fantastic way to free up some time and ensure the fan is properly installed.
Make Sure to Turn the Main Power Off
Electricity can cause you major harm and can be lethal, which is why we highly recommend professional electrical services for the job.
If you choose DIY, the best safety rule to follow when working with electrical installations, outlets, or wires is always to turn off the main power first.
This will help you avoid the dangers of shutting off the wrong individual circuit or suffering injuries if the circuits were wired improperly.
Just in case, you should still check the outlet with a voltage meter. Once you have ensured that no current is running through the electrical wires, you can safely proceed with installing your new ceiling fan.
Keep Your Energy Levels High
Installing a ceiling fan is more intense of a workout than you might be hoping for, so you should keep your energy levels high before the electrical job.
Going up and down the ladder, keeping it balanced, holding your hands up high while using tools and working with electrical outlets can be very exhausting.
Additionally, taking down the old ceiling fan and then lifting and holding the new one to set it on your ceiling might require an extra pair of hands. Such fixtures can go anywhere from 20 to over 50 pounds in weight. Proper rest and doing it on your day off work will give you an edge for the uphill (literally) battle that awaits.
Invest in Electrical Tools
- A voltage tester is a must for every electrical job. Even if you are sure that the power is off, you should always check the electrical cable again, since electricity is not something to be careless with. Opting for a contact-free voltage tester is even safer for electrical repairs and installations.
- A screwdriver is a trusty companion for pretty much any electrician’s work. Use it to loosen and remove the old ceiling fan and tighten the new electrical box and ceiling fan into place. A screwdriver will be worth your investment for this job and beyond.
- Wire cutters and strippers will help you cut the electrical cable of the old fixture and strip the insulation on the electrical wires of both the ceiling fan and the outlet so that you can connect them after.
- Electrical tape or wire connectors will help you connect your ceiling fan safely to the circuit by insulating the newly connected electrical cables.
- You might also need a cordless drill to add holes for new screws on the ceiling that will hold the ceiling fan. With the right heads, it can substitute a screwdriver, too.
You should also steel your nerves that dropped electrical equipment will happen. To prevent damage to your flooring from dropped electrical tools or hardware, you should cover it with something like old towels for cushioning.
Make sure to wear goggles or a mask to protect yourself, too!
Ask for Help
In general, dealing with electrical outlets and installations is a job best handled by a certified electrician.
For any electrical cable and wire work that you have never performed before, you should consider using professional electrical services to ensure repairs are carried out safely and professionally.
Yet, if you are set on DIYing, you should ask a buddy or two to help you out with the heavy lifting and pass you tools and hardware to install your ceiling fan quicker and safer.
Remember that these fixtures can be very heavy! The more, the merrier, both for the job and then for enjoying the fruits of your labour with a light breeze and a drink!
Conclusion
With these 7 tips, you are bound to have an easier and more pleasant time installing your ceiling fan. Remember, you can always rely on professional electrical services for a quick and safe solution for any electrical repairs or installations. Additionally, according to this property management company, installing your ceiling fan 8-10ft up from the floor will ensure that you will get the most out of its capabilities to create a pleasant breeze and shift proper amounts of air in the structure you use it for.