Ten simple tips for installing a ceiling fan
You can be a DIY expert, having installed countless ceiling fans in many homes, yours and those of various family members and friends. However, even if you have basic notions, every handyman knows that there is always another trick to make the process easier. So while the following is not a step-by-step guide to installing a ceiling fan, it should give you some tips to simplify the process!
When buying, remember that not all fans have been created in the same way. Besides the price and style, some other factors to consider when buying your fan are:
More economical fans often have a thin metal outer skin, which increases the likelihood of rattling, clicking, snoring or buzzing during operation. Since many fans are installed in bedrooms, this can become an important consideration.
Blades The pitch of the blades can determine the efficiency of the movement of the air (an optimal height is 14 degrees). Also make sure that the blades are balanced to avoid oscillations.
Lighting As in any other lighting situation, keep in mind lighting adapted to the size and function of the room.
Room Size Not surprisingly, fans and rooms vary in size. Make sure they vary accordingly in your home! Fans are generally available in seven sizes, ranging from 32 to 56. Introduce yourself to the store armed with measurements of the room and talk to a lighting representative.
Mounting For best results, the fan blades should be at least 7 feet above the floor and 12 inches below the ceiling. For lower ceilings, choose an overhead or low ceiling fan. With higher ceilings, you can purchase a standard or inclined mount with an extension rod.
Premium! For maximum effect, purchase a reversible fan that will help cool you down in the summer and push warm air from the ceiling in the winter to keep you comfortable all year round.
Make a list and check it twice. At the most basic level, you'll need the ceiling fan / light kit, screwdriver, wire stripper, circuit tester, clamp and step stool. If you need to replace the ceiling box, you will also need a new ceiling box, hammer and drywall saw. Take a look at the installation process in your mind before choosing a tool to make sure you have all the necessary components. Nothing is more frustrating than getting stuck on a stepladder, holding the ceiling fan and making the tool you need hidden. away in the toolbox in the basement!
Inventory the fan when you unzip it. When removing the fan from its packaging, leave enough room to inventory the multitude of parts and parts. Then place the parts in the order of installation. This way, you will have the assurance of having all the parts before you start and you will be able to pass smoothly from one stage to another.
Turn off the electricity! You already know it, but it's always worth mentioning. Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse. Make sure the circuit is really dead by checking with a high voltage neon tester. If you work at night, a flashlight can be convenient at this stage.
Mounting the box Always use a metal junction box, not plastic. Another element to keep in mind when mounting the box is that there are several ways to mount it, depending on whether the box is next to a joist, between joists or mounted on a ceiling with exposed beams. . If there were no devices in the room before, locate the center of the room by making chalk lines diagonally between the opposite corners. In addition, the assembly must be able to withstand vibrations, because even the most balanced fans generate a certain level of vibration during their operation.
To assemble. This step varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Pay special attention to the instructions specific to your brand and your style. However, keep in mind that if there is less than one screwdriver between the blade and the ceiling, it may be easier to install the blades before hanging the fan. When finished, check the tightening of all screws again.
Suspend the fan for wiring. Install the suspension hook or attach the ceiling plate to the fan box, depending on the model that fits your fan. If you attach a suspension bracket, be sure to use a lock washer, which will prevent the fan from loosening the screws in the future.
Wiring the fan. To facilitate the wiring process, swag kits can make installation easier than ever before. To improve ease of use once the fan is installed, you can also wire it using a fan speed control. Always electrically connect the fan to the metal box and to itself, using the ground wires (usually green or bare copper).
Let there be light! Install the lighting kit and the controls you have chosen. This step usually varies by model. However, in general, the wires are supplied with plug-in connectors. Be sure to tighten everything correctly. Install the globe (s) and bulb (s).
Troubleshooting flickers. Fan oscillations can range from minor irritation to a seriously hazardous situation. If you notice your fan wobbles, the first step is to remove the blades and examine them. Look for curved or misshapen blades. If you do not see any obvious deformities, weigh them to determine if they are lighter or heavier than others. If your weight is not enough, attach a soft object such as an eraser in the middle at the top of the screen and see if that solves the problem. For unexplained wobbles, fan balancing kits with detailed instructions are also available.
