If you want to attempt to install your own ceiling fan there are two things that you must be comfortable with first. Working on a ladder is difficult sometimes and you must not be afraid of heights. Second and most important, you need to take the necessary precautions to work with electricity safely. If you are not up for those two things, please call a professional, like the expert craftsmen of Handyman Staff LLC.
Whenever possible, you should work on this project with a partner. If anything happens to you, you'll need someone present to seek medical attention, and...it's always nice to have a helper while you are up on the ladder. Begin with turning off the electricity at the breaker box. You can use two-way radios, cell phones, or even a baby monitor if you can't hear one another while locating the right breaker.
Because fans can weigh up to 50 pounds, it's important to install a support brace between the ceiling joists. If your ceiling has drywall on it, you may need to access the joists through the attic. Use a 2x4 cut to fit in between joists and nail it in place. If replacing an existing fixture, make sure the electrical box is either attached to the support brace or the joist. A safe and secure light box will also help to keep your fan from shaking and wobbling after you install it.
Next, install the ceiling fan bracket by screwing it through the electrical box and into the support brace. Then raise the fan and hook the canopy slots onto the bracket tabs. Now match the wires from the electrical box to the wires from the fan following the manufacturer's instructions. Twist the ends together and fasten them with wire nuts.
Place the wires into the electrical box and attach the cover. Slip the cover's keyhole slots over the screws to keep it in place and then finish installing the rest of them. Slip the trim ring up over the screws to cover them up.
Finally, attach and install the blades. If there is a light, attach it by clicking the light connector to the corresponding fan connector and then screw the fixture to the fan.
Now sit back and enjoy the gentle cooling breeze as well as the lower energy costs your new ceiling fan provides. Remember to change the direction of the fan twice a year. In the summer, we want the blades to blow down on us creating a nice breeze. And, in the winter months, we want to blades rotating up so that it circulates the warm air from the floor and up to the ceiling and back down again. Using your new fan this way will add comfort and value savings to your energy bill. If you ever need assistance with purchasing and/or installing a ceiling fan, please don't hesitate to email the professionals at Handyman Staff LLC
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