TIPS FOR INSTALLING CEILING FANS

Scroll down for advice on how to choose and install a ceiling fan.

Ceiling fans do more than keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. With a variety of styles — including traditional, contemporary, designs for sports fans, kid’s rooms, and more — ceiling fans can complement any decor, increase your comfort, and help you save money on your energy bill.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE CEILING FAN FOR THE ROOM:

Before choosing a ceiling fan, calculate the size of the longest wall in the room where you want the ceiling fan. If the longest wall of the room is less than 12 feet, you need a ceiling fan that is 36 inches wide or less.

If the longest wall in the room is between 12 and 15 feet, you need a fan that is 40 to 48 inches wide. And if the longest wall is greater than 15 feet, you need a fan that is at least 52 inches wide or more.

Do you know whether you need a downrod? Optional downrods are used in rooms with tall or vaulted ceilings, to bring the fan to the desired 8 or 9 feet from the floor. For ceilings of 8 feet or less, a flush-mount fan can help keep it high enough for safe operation.

If your ceiling fan has a light kit, reduce the length of the downrod by 12 inches. Sloped ceilings require an angle mount and possibly a downrod as well.

In the summer, run your fan counterclockwise to generate a breeze. This will help you feel as much as 7 degrees cooler and cut your cooling costs by up to 30 percent.

In the winter, run your fan clockwise to push down warm air circulating near the ceiling to better distribute the heat throughout the room.

CEILING FAN INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS:

Once you know the proper size fan, give some thought on how you plan to mount it. If you have an existing ceiling fan that you want to replace, installing an upgraded fan will be easy.

If the room doesn’t have a ceiling fan, you’ll need to consult with a licensed electrician and adhere to any local billing codes.

If you want a ceiling fan on your porch or patio, or perhaps in a screened-in porch, we have a wide selection of outdoor-rated ceiling fans that are specifically constructed to keep the elements out to ensure proper operation all year round. You won’t ever have to worry about rain, wind, sleet, snow or moisture damaging your fan.

You can install an outdoor ceiling fan indoors, but you shouldn’t install an indoor-only ceiling fan outdoors.

We can also install your ceiling fan for you. Visit our Installation Services and Repair webpage for details.

CEILING FAN TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS:

Ceiling fans have come a long way over the years. The introduction of DC motors has improved energy-efficiency as they are smaller, use less electricity and offer more design options than ever before.

If you have an existing ceiling fan that has been in use more than a few years, it most likely has an AC motor; you may want to upgrade.

Ceiling fans with LED light kits are another great advancement. They offer a lifespan of 25,000 hours, so chances are you won’t have to change the bulb for years.

ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED CEILING FANS:

ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling fans can save you up to $170 on heating and cooling costs over the life of the fan.

Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on a variety of styles to complement any room or outdoor space.

CEILING FAN ACCESSORIES:

Fan Braces: Ceiling fans must be hung from a junction box labeled “suitable for fan support.” These are stronger than light fixture support boxes and will support the weight of a fan as well as an attached light kit.

Remotes and Wall Controls: Wall controls turn fans and lights on and off, dim the lights, or adjust the fan speed easily when you enter or leave a room. You can adjust the fan and lights from the comfort of your favorite chair with a remote control.

To ensure maximum comfort and energy efficiency, select a ceiling fan with an automatic temperature adjustment feature.

Pull Chains: Pull chains are available in a variety of styles to complement your decor. If you have high ceilings, be sure to get a long pull chain that you can easily reach.

For more summer project tips and ideas visit homedepot.com. To find a local Home Depot store, click here.