Position your new ceiling fan correctly by avoiding these unnecessary installation mistakes!
While it may be cold right now, and summer seems very far away, the reality is that warmer weather will be upon us before we know it. As such, now is an excellent time to take care of jobs around the home that will set up our houses for the hotter times of the year.
There are many tasks worth doing, but one is ensuring you have adequate cooling facilities to keep you and your family comfortable when the temperature rises.
It’s worthwhile swapping out old ceiling fans for new ones or putting in modern or rustic ceiling fans that look elegant while also doing the job of pushing hot air away. These fans can be used inside and outside the home (in patio areas) and can help you save a lot of power if you don’t have to run air conditioning units continually.
However, it’s vital that these products get installed correctly and don’t cause problems that can void their warranty or harm you or anyone else in your home. Read on for some of the top installation mistakes to avoid.
Failing to get the measurements right
Many people don’t measure up their home’s ceilings before buying ceiling fans. When adding fans to a room, you need to know the ceiling slope before you begin installation to tell exactly where to place the fan. This ensures adequate air circulation when turned on. Fans must hang from the right height for proper use.
In particular, determine the minimum necessary downrod length for the fan blade diameter of the product you purchased. The downrod length affects a couple of things: how well the fan moves air and how well it cools it.
If you have angled ceilings, the downrod lowers the motor and the fan blades to a point where they clear the sloped ceiling surface. You need to allow enough space between the ceiling and the fan for optimal results.
You’ll need a minimum distance between the ceiling and the blade sweep of at least nine to ten inches. In addition, you need the fan to hang seven or more feet above the floor in a room with standard ceiling height or at least eight feet above the floor if the space has high ceilings.
Happily, though, most ceiling fans come with a downrod made by the manufacturer that is ready to use. Typically, this downrod is designed for use with standard eight-foot ceilings. But if you have a sloped ceiling or something higher again, you’ll likely have to go and buy a longer downrod before you begin installation.
Not reading manuals before starting the job
Another common ceiling fan installation issue is people picking out a product, bringing it home, and then putting the fan on the ceiling before reading about it.
Fans come with an instruction manual put together by manufacturers, containing their recommendations for the fan’s use and installation. If you don’t take the time to read this, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Hence, you may end up making a mistake that causes big problems!
Even if you’ve installed ceiling fans before, that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. You need to understand the specific device you bought and how to assemble and install it safely.
You may need to know a particular number and order of steps to take that aren’t all obvious. Or you may have chosen a product with some finicky trick to the installation that isn’t obvious when you look at the materials enclosed. Made-to-order products, especially, can require different steps than usual.
Missing out on having the right tools and equipment on hand
Do you have all the tools and equipment on hand to install your ceiling fan? If not, you’re making an error like many others.
It’s vital to gather the items you require for the job before you start. This way, you don’t get halfway through it and realize you can’t finish due to a need for more supplies.
The pieces you may need vary according to the product you’ve purchased, where you’re putting it, and the like. However, typically you’ll need a hammer, wrench set, four-in-one screwdriver, a nut driver, needle-nose pliers, and a two-foot level. Add to this a non-contact voltage tester, wire stripper and cutting tool, and a tape measure.
Other ceiling fan installation mistakes to avoid
While those three above are the most common installation mistakes, here are others that you may overlook:
- not turning off the mains’ power before you begin
- wiring the unit incorrectly
- not removing the old electrical box
- attaching the blades wrong
- not assembling the fan before you begin installation
- not testing it after you’ve finished
- attempting to do the whole job by yourself, unassisted
Avoid these mistakes!
When you know what to do, installation of your new ceiling fan will not be so complicated.
More importantly, if you’re aware of and take steps to avoid all of these mistakes we’ve discussed, you’ll do yourself a favor and save time, money, and energy! Who doesn’t want that?
Looking for more ideas on home improvements? Check these out!
- Different Types of Insulation: What’s Best for Your Home
- Creating Custom Filters With Media Rolls for Your HVAC System
- Different Window Types: Pros, Cons & What You Need to Know
- How to Prepare a uPVC Window for Painting
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