Ceiling Fan Services

 

Ceiling Fan Services

Installing a ceiling fan is a great way to upgrade your home's look, improve air circulation and lower your energy bill. Whether you're adding a ceiling fan to your living room or outdoor space, our step-by-step guide will show you how to install a ceiling fan, as well as offer tips and safety considerations to keep in mind.

Whether you need the wiring fixed or you need to add a ceiling fan to a different room, there’s nothing our team can’t handle. We care about our clients’ safety and comfort, so we guarantee 100% satisfaction that’s backed up by our reliable electricians.

One of the most important things to know when learning how to install a ceiling fan is that the fan you choose needs to match up to the size of your room. Always measure your room before shopping.

Ceiling fans need to be properly anchored to an electric ceiling box that's designed to hold a heavy fixture. It will not only hold the wiring, but also support the full weight of the fan.

If you plan to control the ceiling fan from a light switch, make sure the switch is wired appropriately for the fan. If the room has a dual-switch, make sure to label the correct wire before beginning your installation.

For an easier installation, consider a quick-install ceiling fan, which installs in just three easy steps. The parts that require assembly simply click into place.  

Check the joists for any wiring or plumbing pipes that might be in the way before installing your ceiling fan.  

Make sure the electrical box that holds the ceiling fan in place is fan-rated. Ceiling fans are heavy and cannot be installed without the right electrical box. Inspect your current electrical box to ensure your project won’t involve installing a ceiling fan box.

Turn off electrical power to the fan at the electrical panel and use an appropriate testing device to ensure no power is present at the light fixture before you begin work. Do not rely on a wall switch to protect you from electrical shock.  

If you are adding a new fan where one didn't exist, consult with your local building code department to determine if a permit is required. If you don't feel comfortable installing on your own, consider consulting with  Electrician Network.

In summer, a ceiling fan installation creates the same effect as a breeze. It helps evaporate perspiration on the skin and cools it by a couple of degrees. For the cooling effect, the blades should blow air down on people, usually by rotating counter-clockwise when seen from below. The blades should spin with the upturned edges leading.

Most ceiling fans provide a button for switching direction. If your fan has this button, the fan can be used to warm your family in the winter. Warm air in a home rises, so the fan can be used to bring warm air down from the ceiling towards people. Push the button to reverse direction so that the downturned edges of the blades lead. In most fans, the blades will turn clockwise.

Now the fan will pull cool air from the floor up towards the ceiling, pushing down the warmer air near the ceiling towards people. At the same time, the fan isn’t blowing on people so doesn’t create a wind-chill effect.

Do ceiling fans use less energy?

Ceiling Fan Installation

The ceiling fan motors use less energy than air conditioners and furnaces, so each degree that they cool or warm is “bought” for less. Using ceiling fans is a good way to stay comfortable while saving electricity and money. However, turn them off when no one is in the room because moving the air around an empty room is of no benefit.

Can a ceiling fan add value to my home?

Fans come in a variety of colors and a variety of styles, such as with wooden or faux wooden blades.

When it’s warm outside, ceiling fans help keep your home comfortable by circulating the air indoors. Depending on the style you choose, they can also help you save money on cooling bills while adding an element of decor to any room. Over time, you may find that your ceiling fan isn’t performing the way it used to. In most cases, a few common fixes solve the problem.

If Your Ceiling Fan Won’t Come On

If your ceiling fan stopped working, start with the easy fixes first.

• Step 1: Check that your light switch is in the proper position if your fan is wired to the wall. In some spaces, you’ll need to make sure the switch is in the “ON” position before turning the fan on via the pull cord.
• Step 2: Ensure that the power is working properly in your room. You may need to check the fuse or breaker box and reset them if no power is available.
• Step 3: If you are getting power to the room, use a circuit tester to make sure the switch is working. Replace the switch if it is not working properly.

Troubleshooting Complex Motor Issues

If those steps did not solve your issue, try these more complex fan troubleshooting procedures. When performing these next steps, make sure the fan is off. Cut the power to the fan as well.

Here’s how you can see if your fan’s motor is causing the problem:

Step 1: Use a screwdriver to remove the housing cover on the ceiling fan so you can see the electrical wiring inside.

Step 2: Make sure there are no loose wires keeping your fan from operating. While it might seem like a simple fix, loose wires are relatively common, especially in older ceiling fans.

Step 3: Use a circuit tester to make sure the fan’s motor is getting power. If your fan is not getting power, you have a wiring issue that must be repaired. Wiring between the switch or power source and fan has likely gone bad. Skip to step 5 if your fan’s motor is getting power.

Step 4: Inspect nearby wires for damage. Frayed wiring may be temporarily fixed with electrical tape. However, you’ll need to replace any damaged wiring for a long-term solution.

Step 5: Check the fan’s motor shaft and make sure there is no wiring keeping it from moving. This can happen over time. If you see anything out of place, move it away from the motor shaft before attempting to turn your fan on.

If your fan is still non-operational at this stage, there’s a good chance the motor has gone bad and needs to be replaced. This is common with older ceiling fans or fans that gets used often.

Some ceiling fans have motors that quickly and easily plug in and out. Other fans require you to match the colored wiring from the fan to your new motor. When removing an old fan, make note of the connections so you can be sure of how to install your replacement. Refer to our guide on how to wire a ceiling fan for more detailed information.

Some ceiling fans have motors that quickly and easily plug in and out. Other fans require you to match the colored wiring from the fan to your new motor. When removing an old fan, make note of the connections so you can be sure of how to install your replacement. Refer to our guide on how to wire a ceiling fan for more detailed information.

If the Ceiling Fan Speed Control isn’t Working Properly

Most ceiling fans have adjustable speeds, and some fans also have a reverse option. If your fan isn’t turning properly, or one or more of your speed control settings isn’t working, use these ceiling fan troubleshooting tips:

Step 1: Locate the ball bearings and give them a good cleaning. Add lubricant ensure proper rotation.

Step 2: Replace the ceiling fan capacitor. When a ceiling fan capacitor goes bad, the fan may not work at all. Multi-speed operation may also be erratic, and some speeds may not work at all.

Step 3: Check to make sure your ceiling fan’s motor isn’t getting too hot. To do this, allow your fan to run for about 10-minutes, then turn the fan off. Once safe to do so, feel the motor housing with your hand.

Step 4: Replace the ceiling fan motor if it feels hot during this test. A hot motor means the internal bearings and components are damaged. Internal parts are typically not user-serviceable, so a replacement motor is your best bet.

If Your Ceiling Fan Wobbles and Shakes

Over time, a wobbly ceiling fan can become dangerous, but fixing a shaky or wobbly ceiling fan is a simple process.

Step 1: Take a few minutes to clean the dirt from your ceiling fan blades. While this likely isn’t a major issue, ceiling fan blades that are heavy with dirt and grime do weigh more, putting extra stress on your fan. You’ll also want to start with a clean fan for the next troubleshooting steps.

Step 2: Look for loose screws on you fan blades. Loose screws connecting your fan blades to the fan housing are a common problem with older fans.

Step 3: Check the light kit, motor, mounting hardware and downrod for loose screws. Tighten them as needed. If tightening the screws on your fan didn’t fix the problem, continue to these more complex troubleshooting fixes.

Step 4: Check the mounting bracket to make sure the hanger ball is firmly seated in place, if applicable to your fan. Adjust, if necessary, to create a secure fit.

Step 5: Check the outlet box and ensure that it is properly rated for a ceiling fan. You’ll also want to make sure the outlet box can hold the weight of your particular ceiling fan.

Step 6: Confirm that the outlet box is properly attached to a support beam or brace on at least one side of the ceiling fan. In some cases, a ceiling fan may be mounted directly to the ceiling, causing it to wobble. This will also cause damage to the ceiling.

If Your Ceiling Fan is Noisy

Here are a few fan troubleshooting tips to help you deal with a noisy ceiling fan:

Give your fan 24- to 48-hours to settle if you just installed it. In the first few days, a ceiling fan may be noisy even if you did everything correctly and the fan is working as intended.

Tighten screws on the ceiling fan. Start with the fan blades and light kit since these are the most likely culprit.

The Ceiling Fan Remote Won’t Work

Many modern ceiling fans come with a remote control for easy control. Here’s how to troubleshoot a remote control that isn’t working:

Step 1: Check the batteries in your ceiling fan’s remote.

Step 2: Turn the power off to the fan at the circuit breaker box.

Step 3: Locate the receiver for the remote - usually housed in your fan’s mounting bracket - and find the switches or settings. Make sure that the settings, often notched dip switches, are the same on both your remote control and your receiver. Re-install the receiver and check your fan.

Step 4: Create a new combination or use a different frequency to allow your remote to communicate with the receiver if step two didn’t work. Make sure your power is off at the circuit breaker for this step as well. Check your fan after creating your new combination or setting both devices to a new frequency.

Step 5: Replace your ceiling fan remote. If fresh batteries and altering the settings on your fan receiver and remote did not work, you may have a damaged remote control. Replace it with a universal model or get a replacement recommended by the fan’s manufacturer.