FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CEILING FAN INSTALLATION
1. HOW LOW SHOULD A CEILING FAN HANG?
A ceiling fan should leave at least 7 feet from the floor to the bottom of the fan, so that you and your guests do not injure yourselves on the turning fan blades. If your ceilings are 8 feet, you should have a flush mounted fan to allow 7 feet underneath. Optimal ceiling fan height is 7-9 feet to create good air flow. For example, if your ceilings are 15 feet high, a 5 foot downrod is recommended, which leaves 9 feet from the bottom of the fan to the floor.
2. CAN I INSTALL A CEILING FAN WHERE A LIGHT FIXTURE IS?
Yes, you can replace an existing light fixture with a ceiling fan. In order to do this, you must ensure that the electrical box is securely mounted to a ceiling joist or support bracket. You also need to use a ceiling fan mount, which is almost always included when you purchase a ceiling fan. If necessary, you can buy a ceiling fan mount separately. Before inspecting the electrical box attachment, be sure to turn off the electricity to the room at the circuit breaker. If the electrical box is not securely fastened, you will need to install a support brace. This is because ceiling fans are much heavier than most lighting fixtures and you run the risk of having a ceiling fan fall on you or someone else without the proper support.
3. CAN YOU ADD LIGHTS TO A CEILING FAN?
If your ceiling fan has a housing assembly at the center of the fan, then yes, you can purchase a fan light kit and add it to the fan. The housing assembly is sometimes covered by a decorative shell. This is a relatively simple project that you can complete with the fan light kit and a Phillips head screwdriver. You can find fan light kits that cost $20-50 at a hardware store.
4. HOW DO YOU FLUSH MOUNT A CEILING FAN?
A ceiling fan should only be flush mounted if it was manufactured with this option. Some people create a DIY flush mount by removing the electrical box or downrod. Removing the downrod can decrease stability and put the fan at risk of falling. Installing a fan flush mount that the manufacturer did not design to sit close to the ceiling can cause the blades to overheat or in the worst case, start a fire. However, you may be able to safely install the fan closer to the ceiling by removing the fan light kit from the assembly. You would then need another source of lighting for the room.
5. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL CEILING FAN?
Professional ceiling fan installation usually takes about an hour if all of the wiring, switches and supports are ready to go. If the installer has to replace wiring, change the switches, or add supports, this could add another hour. If you are installing a ceiling fan in a new location, and the electrician has to run new wiring, this could take a whole day.