It’s summer, and that means we’re all looking for as many ways as possible to stay cool and comfortable in our homes. One great way to do this is through the use of ceiling fans. When used in tandem with your AC, a ceiling fan can reduce the temperature in a given room by 2-3 degrees, and actually increase airflow in a way your air conditioner can’t. On top of this, running your ceiling fans instead of your air conditioner is a great way to save money on days or nights when it is not as hot out.
“But do I need a fixture to install a ceiling fan?” Great question! Fortunately, with the assistance of a professional, the answer is no. Keep reading for what you need to know about ceiling fan installation from our licensed electricians at CMC Service Experts.
Installing a Ceiling Fan Without an Existing Fixture
It is not hard for a skilled and experienced electrician to install a ceiling fan without an existing light fixture. However, it is important to follow the necessary steps to ensure the service is successful, and your home stays safe in the process. First, you will have to turn off your electrical system, since anytime a wiring job is being performed, you run the risk of a problem stemming from your circuit panel. You will also want to work with your electrician on the ideal place to put your new ceiling fan in your home, since a ceiling fan can weigh anywhere between 15-50 pounds, and you will need the proper joists to support it. Once these preliminary steps are completed, your electrician can begin the process of installing your new ceiling fan.
When you hire a professional electrician for ceiling fan installation, they will:
- Put in an electrical box: Once the location for your new ceiling fan has been chosen, your electrician will need to put a new electrical box in your ceiling. If there is an existing support joist in the spot you have chosen, the electrical box can be nailed in there. If there are two support joists present, a brace and a saddle will be required to support the weight of the fan. In this scenario, your electrician will cut a hole in your ceiling between the support joists, push the fan brace through to where the electrical box has been attached, secure the brace and joists, and install the saddle over the brace, so you are ready to…
- Run wiring through walls: Once the support for your ceiling fan has been put in place, you can run the necessary wiring from the ceiling fan’s electrical box to the switch it will be hooked up to. In most cases, your electrician will be able to do this by pulling the new wiring through your walls using fish tape, so everything gets hooked up correctly without you having to worry about extensive remodeling work.
- Install fan in place: After your electrical box and joists have been properly mounted, and your ceiling fan wiring is complete, your electrician can begin the process of installing the fan itself. After the fan is properly mounted and screwed in, you will need to turn your electrical system back on to see if it is working properly. If the fan begins to spin with the desired direction and speed, congratulations, it is ready to provide you with the cooling power you need! If your fan experiences issues after installation is complete, it is a good idea to call your electrician. Remember, going the DIY route when it comes to wiring is a serious electrical hazard, not to mention the fact that you do not want to mess around with a heavy fan and end up having it fall on you.
Call the Ceiling Fan Pros at CMC Service Experts!
At CMC Service Experts, we are proud to offer ceiling fan installation for a range of homes. Our team are experts when it comes to minor and major electrical construction, and we may be able to upgrade your lighting while putting your ceiling fan in, too. Call today, and let our ceiling fan pros help you beat the heat this summer.
CMC Service Experts is available 24/7 for emergencies at (919) 246-4798, or you can contact us online.
