CHOOSING AND PREPARING TO INSTALL A CEILING FAN.

I’ll spare you the details on how to actually install a fan, but will share some tips and helpful hints for what to do before and during the process of installing a ceiling fan.

When you head to the store (or search online) to choose a ceiling fan, you’re going to see lots of options!  Not all fans are made the same. There are different size fans for different sized spaces.  Some fans have lights, others don’t.  Some are decorative, others are very simple.

When choosing a style, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose the right fan for your space – Depending on the height and size of a room, there are different types of ceiling fans that fit best.  Take a look at this chart to see what will work best for you.

choose the right size for your space – Ceiling fans are available in different sizes depending on the square footage of the space.   eg. master bedroom is about 200 square foot, so I decided on a medium size fan that is 44″.  in the family room I’ll need to use a large fan because it’s about 300 square feet.  Choosing the right fan for the appropriate square footage is important to achieve maximum comfort and air efficiency.

Choose the right downrod for your space – If you have higher ceilings, you may need a longer downrod for your ceiling fan, which are usually sold separately. Take a look at this chart to determine the size downrod needed for your ceiling.

If you have a sloped ceiling, which is the condition for the fan that we will eventually put in our family room, you will want to make sure that you have enough clearance for the fan blades.  Take a look at this diagram.

Need to determine the angle of your ceiling to purchase the correct downrod?  Use this calculation:

Before Installation

Once you’ve selected the best fan for your space, there are a few tips to keep in mind before the installation.

1. Have the right support – If you are replacing a fan or installing a completely new fan, it’s incredibly important to have the right structural support and outlet box. Because of the weight and the constant, rigorous movement of a ceiling fan, the support brace is vital.  To learn more about the proper way to install a support brace,

Read ALL of the instructions – And THEN read them again!  There are alot of steps and even though hanging a ceiling fan isn’t difficult, it’s very involved and there are many parts!

Lay out ALL of the parts  – It’s important to remove all the parts from the box and compare what’s included with the instructions, as well as seeing everything laid out.  

Installing a ceiling fixture can truly change the look of a room .