Looking to keep cool this summer? If so, a ceiling fan may be
the answer.
If you are installing a fan where there is an existing ceiling
outlet, you’ll be able to remove the old fixture and then install
the new one in the same spot.
Looking to keep cool this summer? If so, a ceiling fan may be the answer.
If you are installing a fan where there is an existing ceiling outlet, you’ll be able to remove the old fixture and then install the new one in the same spot.
But if you don’t have an outlet already in place, you’ll have to lay some electrical wiring to get it to work. You can also power it with batteries. Many of the fans use either 12 or 24 volts. There are a wide range of kits available.
If you’re adding a fan in place of a light fixture, you shouldn’t have to worry about the circuit becoming overloaded because they both use about the same amount of power, according to a tutorial by Ace Hardware at www.acehardware.com. But if the fan includes lights, you may have to install a new circuit and a new circuit breaker for it.
To begin installing the fan, make sure the power is off. You may want to turn off the circuit at the breaker. Then remove the old fixture. Electrical-online.com, which offers advice on home electrical projects, recommends laying out all the pieces in the order they will be assembled.
The fan needs to be securely mounted to the wooden structure of the house. The tutorial suggests that the mount should be able to hold your body weight. If not, you may have to climb into the attic to add extra bracing.
Assemble the fan according to the instructions. Ace Hardware recommends installing the blades before hanging the fan. The tutorial also recommends keeping the fan a minimum of 7 feet off the ground and 12 to 18 inches away from the ceiling.
Once you have the base installed, you can attach the main portion of the fan, again following the individual unit’s instructions.
Flip the breaker back, and you are ready to keep cool. The project should take between two and five hours.
Do you have a home improvement question or suggestion for something that has worked for you? If so, we’d love to hear it. The home improvement tip runs on Wednesdays. Send your questions and comments to nm*****@**********rs.com or call (408) 842-6400 and ask for Nathan Mixter.
