Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your home comfortable year round. They keep you
cool in the summer, and they're also helpful in the winter. By reversing the fan rotation
they move warm air around the room, saving you money on your heating bill.
We'll show you how to replace your old fan or light fixture with a new fan.
Before you begin installation, you need to make sure you have the right size fan for
your room. You can use our handy buying guide for help.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure the blades are at least 30-inches from the walls, and
7-feet above the floor. Here are some recommendations:
For small rooms of about 75 square feet, get a 29- to 36-inch fan blade diameter;
For rooms 76 to 144 square feet, go with a 36- to 42-inch fan;
For 144 to 225 square feet, try a 44-inch fan;
And for 225 to 400, use a 50- to 54-inch fan.
Also, if you intend to control your fan with a wall switch, check the package to make sure
you have the right switch. Some fans only work with preset multi-speed switches.
As always, follow your owner's manual for specific steps and check any applicable building
codes.
Start by removing the old fan. Turn off the breaker, and check that it's off with a circuit
tester. Take out the lights and remove the old fan.
Once you have the old fixture out, you'll need to double check that your electrical
box is marked "ACCEPTABLE FOR CEILING FANS." Fans need strong support, so in most cases
plastic boxes will not work. And boxes that aren't secured to a joist won't work either.
Your best option is to install an expandable bracket. Just insert in the hole, and turn
arms until they grab onto the joists. One more thing about boxes. The box itself
MUST be grounded, or you must have a ground wire in the ceiling.
If you're unfamiliar with any of this, contact our Installation Services for help.
When that's squared away you can install the new fan. First attach the mounting bracket
to the electrical box. Then assemble the fan—attach the downrod
and canopy cover to the motor assembly. Cut the wires back to about 8-inches beyond
the rod, then strip about ½-inch of insulation.
When you have it put together, it's time to hang the fan. Have someone hold the assembly
while you attach it. Some fans have a hook to hold it while you work. For downrods, lock
the hanger ball onto the mounting bracket. If your fan has a remote, insert the receiver.
Now connect the ground, neutral, and live wires following the manufacturer's diagram.
If your box is grounded, you can connect the ground wire to the grounded screw.
Then push the wires back up to the box. Lock the canopy in place, and secure the screws.
Blades are next. Attach them onto the blade bracket, and install on the motor.
On to the light kit. Assemble the switch-housing cap to the threaded
rod on the light kit and secure with the nut. Then connect the plugs from the housing to
the light kit, and attach the kit to the switch housing with the screws.
Next, install the bulbs. Now remove the finial and end cap, nut and
washer. Position the bowl, and replace the hardware.
To finish, attach the pull chains and pop the battery into the remote.
Hit the power and the install is done.
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