It’s the big day! Your new ceiling fan has arrived, and you’re ready to install it. Of course, the performance and energy efficiency of your beautiful new ceiling fan depends on proper ceiling fan installation and use.
Here are five important tips to help ensure the safe and efficient long-term performance of your ceiling fan.
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Familiarize Yourself with the User Guide
You should read and be sure you clearly understand the manufacturer’s instructions before installing a ceiling fan. As with any other electrical device or mechanical equipment, consumers should take the time to read the recommendations and stipulations in the warranty, the user manual, and any other written materials provided by the manufacturer. Neglecting to adhere to some or all requirements for installation and use of a ceiling fan may void the warranty in some cases. Ideally, you should have professional installation of electrical equipment in your home, including ceiling fans.
Use the Correct UL-Rated Electrical Box
Be sure that you are using the compatible UL-listed metal outlet box labeled for installation with ceiling fans. The correct box will mount above the ceiling and serve as the connection box for the fan. This box will house all the wiring for connecting and operating your ceiling fan. To replace an existing ceiling light fixture or another ceiling fan with a new ceiling fan, you will probably need to replace the existing electrical box.
Because of the electrical parts and connections that must be managed correctly for electrical safety and proper functioning of a ceiling fan, it is recommended that you have a qualified electrician install a ceiling fan or other electrical fixtures in the ceiling.
Be Sure Your Ceiling Fan is Anchored Safely
Ceiling fans are heavy. Insufficient anchoring causes a safety hazard and risks damage or destruction of the fan and other property. Ideally, the fan should be anchored into a ceiling rafter or truss or the bottom of a floor joist supporting the room above.
If a ceiling fan mounting hardware is included with the product, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use the enclosed parts for installation. If the enclosed mounting bracket has ends with spikes, secure the bracket between the rafters to create the stable mount needed for the safe operation of your ceiling fan. For heavier ceiling fans, up to as much as 50 pounds or more, using this hardware will distribute the fan’s weight and the vibration from the fan motor.
Make Adjustments to Balance a Wobbling Ceiling Fan
Fan blades are balanced as part of the manufacturing process prior to shipping. But, here are two approaches (A and B) to try if your fan is wobbling after it is installed:
A new ceiling fan brings a new level of comfort and convenience to your living space. But, like any technology, a little tweaking may be necessary. What if your new ceiling fan is wobbling and making a rattling noise? How do you balance a wobbly ceiling fan? Use the easy little process below to safely balance your ceiling fan blades.
Why Should You Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan?
When ceiling fan blades are wobbling and making a rattling noise, the problem is more than an annoying flaw. The bushings and bearings in the fan motor may be wearing down at an excessive rate, which leads to the squeaking and whining noises some fans make in their final days before breaking down due to imbalanced blades. Fortunately, the steps for balancing a ceiling fan are easy to do.
How to Balance a Ceiling Fan?
A good approach to answering the question above is to ask, “Why is my ceiling fan out of balance?” Find the answers to both below as you follow the quick steps to assess the problem and get your ceiling fan back in ideal balance and working smoothly.
- For your safety, turn the fan off and the breaker to shut down electricity going to the fan before you start working on the blades.
- Tighten all the screws on the blade brackets.
- Clean the blades and the entire fan.
- If needed, purchase a ceiling fan repair kit, and affix one, or a few, as needed, of the self-adhesive weights from the kit to the top center of each blade.
- Manually level the edges of each blade.
Use a yardstick, ruler, or tape measure to find out the distance from the leading edge of each blade to the ceiling. Keep the ruler vertical as you’re measuring.
Pick a spot on the ceiling and consistently measure from that same point. Move the blades with your hands to reach and measure each one easily. When you discover that a blade edge is out of balance, gently try to bend the bracket that holds the blade slightly upward or downward.
- Turn on the electricity to the fan and turn the fan on to determine whether the problem is resolved or not.
Step up on a ladder some feet away from the fan to examine the blades, eye level with the fan blades. Choose an object beyond the fan, like a door or window frame top, a picture frame top, etc., to use as your level to see that all the blades are rotating at the same level.
If these efforts to bring the fan blades into balance do not resolve the problem, there may be a problem with the ceiling fan product or installation. So, you should seek a solution with the retailer or manufacturer.
Change Your Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer and Winter
Change the setting for the fan blade spin direction on your ceiling fan for the hot and cold seasons of the year to maximize comfort all year long, as well as the energy savings benefits of using a ceiling fan in combination with your home’s HVAC system.
In Summer
Set your ceiling fan blades spin in the counterclockwise direction (right to left) in hot weather. This creates a downward draft that feels like a cool breeze below the fan. This airflow generates a cooling effect on the skin, which makes the room feel cooler. That means you can set your air conditioner to run less and still stay cool.
In Winter
In cold months, change the direction of the ceiling fan blades spin to clockwise (left to right). Be sure to run the fan at low speed. This creates an upward draft, driving warm air that hovers at the ceiling outward and down the walls and back up into the room. This helps distribute heat more evenly throughout the room for improved comfort and more efficient heating!
Be Safe and Protect Your Home! Call DK Electrical Solutions for Electrical Installations!
We are Master-level Electricians serving New Jersey. We provide same-day service for small installations and repairs. We offer $0-interest financing (with qualified credit) for larger electrical projects. See our current monthly coupons! Our pricing is upfront — no surprises. We warranty our workmanship for every job.
Call DK Electrical Solutions, New Jersey at (609) 796-4177, or contact us online to schedule an in-home estimate for ceiling fan installation service.
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