What to Consider When Planning Ceiling Fan Installation

A ceiling fan can help to keep you more comfortable and can contribute to lower utility bills year round by helping to control the flow of cool and warm air in your home. When planning for a new fan, using a professional technician from Rangel Electric will make your ceiling fan installation so much easier and ensure that your fan is safe and quiet. Here are some points to consider when planning ceiling fan installation:

Where do you want the fan?
Usually a fan is placed in the center of the room, however if the area you want to address is off-center in a big room, you may choose to situate the fan off-center as well. Some people also prefer to have the fan closer to the head of the bed rather than perfectly centered in the bedroom.

What fan is the right size for the room?
Ceiling fan blades generally range in diameter from 29 to 54 inches. Know your room measurements and be sure to consult with a salesperson or call us directly to confirm the best size for your particular room. It’s also important that the blade tips will be at least 30 inches from walls, furniture or any other obstruction.

Does the circuit have enough capacity for a fan?
Most likely, if you are upgrading to a new fan or replacing a central light fixture with a fan, the room probably has enough power. However if you are adding a fan where there wasn’t one or adding a fan with a light, you will need check if the circuit has enough capacity. The technicians at Rangel Electric can easily check your capacity and add more power if necessary.

When to go clockwise or counterclockwise? 
Did you know that when you want to cool your home, your ceiling fan should run counterclockwise or “forward.†This helps to create “wind chill†and pushes a cool breeze downward. Many people don’t realize that your ceiling fan can also help to make your home feel warmer. In the winter months, you want to change the fan to run clockwise or “backward.†Warm air rises and gets trapped near the ceiling. When the fan runs backward it actually helps to push the warm air down into the room. However, keep it on low speed otherwise you will still create too much wind chill resulting in a cool breeze.

Do you have dual switches?
If the location has two switches – one that controls the light and one that controls the fan, you’ll definitely want a professional to help with the ceiling fan installation. Some fans only work on specific types of switches or if you aren’t using both switches the electrician will have to seal off the extra wiring.

Using a professional electrician can make a big difference in your ceiling fan installation.  At Rangel Electric, customer service and quality installation are our highest priority.  We will ensure a professional job and always provide a safe and clean installation. As summer approaches, now is the time to give us a call to schedule your ceiling fan installation.