Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are an economical way to alter your comfort at a very low cost. They can be used to drive warm air down from the ceiling in cold weather or cool you off by blowing cool air during the warmer seasons. Most ceiling fans are reversible to accomplish both, with a flip if a switch. Indoor models and outdoor ceiling fans vary in construction for durability in wet weather as well as safety factors. When installing a ceiling fan outdoors, always use a fan designed for outdoor use.

Fan Blades

Ceiling fan blades are made of sturdy, light-weight materials to reduce the power required to turn them. The bigger the blades the more air they move and the more power it takes to turn them. Most ceiling fans have three to eight blades, five being the most common. More blades can move larger volumes of air, yet most often it is a softer flow of air desired for general ceiling fan use.

Multiple Speeds

Some ceiling fans offer a choice of up to six speeds while some models come with only one. Others can be adjusted by a variable speed control to produce a more precise speed control. Generally speaking, the more speed options offered, the higher the price.

Fan Lights

Many ceiling fan models include lighting options. Some with a basic light dome and others with varying types of decorator light fixtures built into the fan assembly.

Installation

Installing a ceiling fan involves two major processes. One to mount the fan securely in the ceiling and the other is to hook up electrical power to the fan. Most ceiling fans come with a ceiling fan wiring diagram with multiple switching options.

There are several methods for securely fastening the fan assembly to the ceiling. You should follow the directions that come with the fan as the supplied hardware will impact which method you use. In general, here are the steps for installing a ceiling fan.

1. Identify the exact location for the installation. For best air flow the fan blade tips should have at least 24" clearance away from all walls.

2. Select the proper size fan for the room. A 36" diameter fan works well in a room up to 100 square feet. A 42" diameter fan works well in a room up to 150 square feet. A 48" diameter fan works well in a room up to 300 square feet. A 52" diameter fan works well in a room up to 400 square feet.

3. Review the manufacturers instructions carefully and assemble the pieces on a comfortable work space to familiarize yourself with how they assemble. It is easier to resolve your questions here than it is when you are on top of a ladder.

4. Cut a hole in the ceiling as indicated in the ceiling fan manufacturer's installation instructions.

5. Bring the power supply to the opening and make sure you have ample wire to make the required hookup later.

6. Install the mounting bracket and any support items as indicated in the ceiling fan manufacturer's installation instructions.

7. Connect wires as indicated in the ceiling fan manufacturer's installation instructions. Test to make sure all speeds and lighting options are working properly.

8. Check to confirm that the direction of the blades works both forward and reverse. Set the direction for your current season per the manufacturer's recommendations.

9. Check for balance and adjust as necessary per the ceiling fan manufacturer's installation instructions.

10. Adjust the length of the pull-down switch tassels to your liking.

MANUFACTURERS

Casablanca Fan Company
Craftmade Internation Inc
Emerson Fans
Energy Star
Fanimation
Modern Fan Company
Monte Carlo Fan Company
Seagull Lighting
Westinghouse Lighting Corporation

Other Ceiling Fan Resources

Antler Ceiling Fans
Concord Ceiling Fans
Craftmade Ceiling Fans
Ellington Ceiling Fans
Energy Star Ceiling Fans
Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans
Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fans
Hugger Ceiling Fans
Kichler Ceiling Fans
Litex Ceiling Fans
Minka Aire Ceiling Fans
Panasonic Ceiling Fans
Regency Ceiling Fans
Reiker Ceiling Fans
Tiffany Ceiling Fans
Westinghouse Ceiling Fans
Quorum Ceiling Fans

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