Ceiling fans are a cheap and easy way to help cool and heat your home. Installing a fan starts with deciding where the fan should be mounted. You can replace an existing central light fixture, or just mount it in the middle of the room. Having the fan in the center of the room provides smooth air flow to the room.



Most fans draw the same power as a light fixture, so you will most likey not have to worry about changing the wiring. However, if your fan includes lights, be sure the circuit that it's on has enough extra capacity to handle the extra load. You might need to install a new circuit in the circuit breaker. If there is not an existing central light fixture, you will need to create a place to install it. If so, you will need to bring power to it. You can do this by tapping into an existing circuit.

You will want to check the blade-to-floor clearance. Some building codes require that you have at least seven feet between the blades and the floor. Either way, it is strongly recommended. You will also want to have at least 12 inches above the blades to ensure proper air circulation (18 inches is recommended.) To check the blade-to-floor clearance, measure the height of the ceiling and subtract the distance from the ceiling to the fan blades. Naturally, you will probably not want to install a ceiling fan in a room less than 8 feet high.

If the blade-to-floor distance is too small, there are low-ceiling mounts you can buy for your fan. Some models come with and adjustable and some can adjust to as much as 10 inches. Keep in mind that the recommended distance is 12-18 inches.

Now it's time to mount the fan. Start by turning off the power to the existing fixture or new circuit. Do not begin installation until the power is shut off! Read any electrical safety tips that come with the fan. You should always read the fan's manual before mounting the fan.

If you are not mounting to an existing central light fixture, you will need to find the center of the ceiling. You can do this by snapping chalk lines diagonally from opposite corners of the room. You need to fasten the fan to a ceiling joist, so find the closest joist to where the lines cross.

Next, cut a hole big enough to slip the junction box through. If it happens to be next to a joist, drill holes in the side of the box and screw it to the joist. You will need to mount to the side of the joist. If there is not a joist close to the center, you can nail a piece of 2 x 4 between the joists and mount the fan to that. If this is the case, you may need to cut a bigger whole to fit the board which you can patch up later. You can also find fan support units that are designed to be insterted through the existing junction box hole. This can save you from having to patch up a hole later.

Tip: Always use a metal junction box to support a ceiling fan - never hang the fan from a plastic box. The heaviest fan that should be supported by an outlet/junction box is 35 pounds. If the fan weighs more, the building structure must support it. Your mounting must be able to withstand the vibration of the fan. Ceiling fans are a cost effective way to cool your home and lower your dependency on air conditioning.