"He came right over on a Sunday and helped drain the crawl space then set up schedule to dry out, replace wet insulation and fix broken pipes. Ordered and later installed new water heater. It was a process but Matt and his associates were super helpful, professional and nice."
Keeping dust off fans can keep them working optimally and help keep dust mites or bacteria from building up. Dust fans weekly with a duster, microfiber cloth, old pillowcase, or vacuum attachment. You can also try spraying a clean fan with a store-bought dust-repellent product or making a DIY dust-repellent with water and a small amount of liquid fabric softener mixed in.
If your home already has wires for a ceiling fan (and optional light kit), then it’s quite safe to wire and install it yourself. Always be very careful to shut off the power before you begin, and confirm that the power is safely off with a non-contact voltage tester before touching anything. It’s also highly recommended to use eye protection, rubberized gloves, and tools with rubber handles to keep yourself safe from electric shock.
Whether you can install a ceiling fan yourself depends on if you're replacing an existing fixture or installing one where no wiring exists. If you are replacing an existing fan, an experienced DIYer may be able to do the job, which can save on labor costs. This work typically doesn’t require a permit, but there’s always a safety risk when dealing with electrical components, so hiring a pro is still a good idea, especially if you aren't handy. Keep in mind you may need a special ladder for high or vaulted ceilings. However, if you are installing a new ceiling fan where there is no current fixture, you must hire a licensed electrician. In most areas, it is required by law that a professional runs new wiring and pulls the necessary permits. Attempting to install wiring yourself can be dangerous and a code violation.
The more surface area that a ceiling fan blade has, the more effective it will be at producing airflow. Therefore, a longer ceiling fan blade is the better option if you’re looking for more wind. However, a longer blade will consume more energy than a shorter blade.
To determine if your ceiling box can support a fan, you must check if it is specifically fan-rated. Manufacturers are required to indicate this on the box itself. You may need to remove the existing light fixture to look inside the ceiling box for an inscription stating it is rated for fan use. If you do not see this confirmation, the box is likely not strong enough and must be replaced with a fan-rated junction box. For a proper and safe installation, you should also use a fan brace to secure the new box between the ceiling joists, which provides the necessary support for the fan's weight and motion.
The Craig, AK homeowners’ guide to ceiling fan services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to install a ceiling fan, including labor, materials, and tips to save. Learn what impacts your price and how to budget for your project.
Ceiling fans cool down your home while stylishly accenting your space. With a variety of types of ceiling fan on the market to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
Although the risk is low, there are a few telltale signs that a ceiling fan will fall off your ceiling. This guide explains when to worry (and when not to).
With the right size, ceiling fans are an energy-efficient way to cool a room. Use this ceiling fan size guide to find the perfect model for your space.
