How to Install a Ceiling Fan - 7 Easy Steps

Installing a ceiling fan can be challenging and should only be done by someone with the right skills or a licensed professional. But these are the steps that a professional might follow for your new ceiling fan installation!

We recommend hiring a licensed electrician to install your ceiling fan because it involves wiring. This ensures that the ceiling fan is installed with safe and secure wiring. Additionally, it is not recommended to install a ceiling fan on your own if you cannot lift the heavy weight of a fan.

If you are a licensed or skilled electrician, installing a ceiling fan can be completed in only a few hours. Then you can enjoy the benefits of the ceiling fan almost immediately!

The following steps will clearly show how a professional installs any type of ceiling fan. This includes standard, HVLS, or large industrial ceiling fan.

Turn off all electrical power to the ceiling fan from the circuit breaker box before installing it. Next, make sure to turn any wall switches to the 'OFF' position. Additionally, you may want to either leave a note or use electrical tape to tape down the wall switches. That way, nobody accidentally turns the power back on.

If you need to remove an existing light fixture or existing fan, you will need to do so now. This can be tricky, so you may need someone to assist you with taking down the old fan. You will need to disconnect any existing wiring before taking down the fan.

Additionally, you may need to remove the existing electrical box if it's not a ceiling fan junction box. If it is nailed to a joist, pry it free. If it is suspended, you may have to remove a metal plate in order to remove the electrical box.

Install a ceiling fan rated junction box in the ceiling where you want to install your ceiling fan. If you don't have a ceiling fan rated junction box, then you'll need a new electrical box with the proper rating.

Use a stud finder to locate the ceiling joists and install the ceiling fan junction box between two ceiling joists. Use a power drill and hole saw drill bit to make the hole in the ceiling.

Thread the electrical cable from the power source to the new junction box. Secure the new electrical box by tightening the nuts.

Next, secure the mounting bracket per manufacturer's instructions. Run the wires through the center of the mounting bracket.

The fan may use a slide-on bracket. If it uses a slide-on bracket, leave the mounting bolts on the junction box. You can simply slide the fan bracket over the mounting screws and tighten them.

If you do not have a slide-on fan bracket, then you must put the fan bracket over the mounting bolts on the bracket. Securely fasten it using the nuts provided.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the downrod into the fan. After successfully installing the mounting bracket, attach the downrod. If you have a sloped or angle ceiling, you may need a special downrod designed to work with these ceilings. You will need to thread the wires through the downrod so that they can connect to the fan base. Insert the necessary pins to attach the downrod to the fan base.

*We recommend contacting a certified electrician to install ceiling fan wiring for you.*

A licensed electrician can safely and accurately connect the electrical wires to the ceiling fan. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing a ceiling fan, as some may require extra wiring.

Match each wire color up, meaning you must match the black wires to the black wires and so on. Often, the fan includes copper or green wiring that connects with ground wire.

Once the wires are securely connected, insert them into the junction box. They may need to be clipped in order to properly fit into the box and avoid unnecessary vibration. For this reason, we recommend contacting a certified professional to complete this step.

Hang the ceiling fan from the ceiling fan mounting bracket, ensuring that it is securely attached. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to install the blades, light bulbs, and any other accessories.

If you're installing a larger type like an HVLS fan or an industrial outdoor ceiling fan, be careful during this stage of the process.

When installing the ceiling fan blades, first see if they are reversible blades. If they are, choose the side you want shown. That side should face down so you can see it when looking up.

Each of the fan blades will need to attach to a blade bracket. Next, start the screws into the fan blades without tightening them. Then attach the fan blade to the ceiling fan and tighten the screws.

Once you have the ceiling fan installed, turn on the power and remove any electrical tape holding the wall switch down. Test the ceiling fan to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs before using the fan regularly.

Congratulations! Your new ceiling fan is installed! Enjoy the cool breeze during the warm months and the energy savings that come with using your new fan.

Did you know that you can also benefit from energy savings in the winter too? Many modern ceiling fans have a reversible fan motor that allows the fan blades to spin in the opposite direction. In the warm summer months, set the fan blades to spin counterclockwise to help out your air conditioner. Counterclockwise forces the air downward, which cools the people in the room. In the winter, set the ceiling fan blades to spin clockwise. This draws the cool air up towards the ceiling. By forcing the cool air up, it displaces the warm air, pushing it down to help warm up the room!

How much it costs can depend on how long it takes to install the ceiling fan. Electricians typically charge a flat rate though this rate can change depending on where you live and who you hire. It may range anywhere from $40 an hour up to $150 an hour.

You can put a ceiling fan in almost any room but not every ceiling fan works for every ceiling. A sloped ceiling can make installing a ceiling fan pretty difficult. But don't worry! Some manufacturers make adapters designed to allow the fan to hang from a sloped ceiling so you can still enjoy your fan.

When deciding where to put a fan, make sure to check clearance requirements. You usually want to install ceiling fans at least 8 feet or higher so nobody bumps their head. A ceiling fan should also sit so there is at least 18 inches between the end of the ceiling fan blades and the wall. They should also have around 12 inches between the fan and the ceiling.

If you plan to install a ceiling fan outdoors, make sure it is an outdoor rated ceiling fan. Ceiling fans with an outdoor rating feature protections against the ingress of water, so they can withstand some water and higher wind.

Disclaimer: All content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or installation. Please contact a licensed electrician to perform ceiling fan wiring and other electrical wiring. Additionally, please contact a certified electrician if you have any questions regarding how to install a ceiling fan.