Tips for Installing Ceiling Fans, By Stu Silverman

Installing ceiling fans in your home is simply a good idea. Advances in ceiling fan technology over the last 10 years have expanded their money-saving benefits. In the summer, the cooling effects of ceiling fans can reduce temperatures as much as 7 degrees - and your energy bill by up to 40%! And the effects of pushing warm air down from the ceiling in the winter can save you 10% on your heating costs.

Ceiling fans are a money-saver

Ceiling fans are not only a wise investment financially, but can really add to the look of a room. There are so many styles of ceiling fans these days that it may be difficult to choose.

Here are some helpful tips.

1. Ceiling fans come in a range of prices. But beware of the cheaper ones. They may look great when they're new, but over time they are more likely to warp, become off-balance and wear out. Also, the casing on cheaper fans is made of very thin material which tends to vibrate and rattle. You will enjoy the benefits of a ceiling fan for many years, so be prepared to pay for quality.

2. Choose a fan according to the size of the room. A 29” fan is good for a room up to 50 square feet; a 36” fan for rooms up to 75 square feet; a 42” fan for rooms up to 100 square feet; and 50” to 54” fans will work best in rooms up to 400 square feet.

3. For maximum efficiency and safety, place the ceiling fan in the middle of the room and at least 8 feet above the floor. For best results, place the fan 9 or 10 feet above the floor.. Most ceiling fans are about 12" from the ceiling to the tops of the blades. Hugger fans, which have blades very close to the ceiling, are less efficient at moving air, but may be necessary if you lack the required height clearance.

4. The motor is one of the most important components of ceiling fan efficiency, yet many motors are undersized or poorly constructed, which can lead to higher operating temperatures, humming and clicking. Look for high-quality motors with heavy-duty windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. And let the warranty guide you. Better ceiling fans with heavy-duty motors will come with a lifetime warranty on the motor.

5. Fan blade brackets should hold the blades at a 12-15 degree angle for optimal circulation. The greater the angle, the more air circulation you get. Fans with less than a 12-degree angle are less efficient.

Ceiling fans can reduce temperatures as much as 7 degrees - and your energy bill by up to 40%!





6. Blades are available in plastic, metal, acrylic, faux wood, cloth, palm, and many types of wood. Blades should be sealed and treated to resist humidity, which can cause them to warp and make your fan wobble. A high quality finish will resist against blistering, tarnishing, fading and corrosion, while less advanced finishes can peel, bubble and corrode quickly.

7. Virtually all ceiling fans have reversible blade rotation, but many homeowners are unclear on which way the blades should turn. In warm weather, the fan should rotate counter-clockwise to create wind to cool you down. In colder weather, the blades should spin clockwise at low speed to push the warm air near the ceiling down (heat rises, remember?).

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   Ceiling fan blades should be evenly weighted and balanced by the manufacturer prior to shipment to avoid wobble. However, if the fan is wobbly after installation, make sure that all connections are properly aligned and tightly fastened. Hold a yardstick vertically along the edges of the blades to check their alignment. If a blade is misaligned, try gently bending the misaligned blade holder into proper position. If all blades are aligned, use a balancing kit to correct the problem. These kits are either provided with the fan or can be sent by the manufacturer.




9. Ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds, so most ceilings need to be braced to support the additional weight. Ceiling fans need additional support from above and need to be anchored solidly to a ceiling joist. But if the joist is not located in the center of the room where the fan is to mounted, a special ceiling fan mounting bracket with spiked ends should be installed between joists. A licensed electrician will be able to install the fan securely and take care of the wiring.

10. Installing a ceiling fan is much more complicated than installing light fixture. It is advised to use the appropriate UL-listed metal outlet box marked "For Use With Ceiling Fans." The box is mounted above the ceiling and houses all wiring needed to operate and connect the ceiling fan. If you are replacing a ceiling fixture, most likely you will need to replace the electrical box. To avoid complications, it is best to hire a licensed electrician to install the ceiling fan. Be sure to check references, and make sure the contractor is properly insured and holds the proper certification.