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Ceiling Fan Installation: A Job for the Pros

There are a lot of home improvement tasks you can safely do on your own. Updating paint and recaulking a bathtub are just two. But ceiling fan installation isn’t one of them — especially if you don’t have existing wiring in your Sandy Springs home where you’d like to install the ceiling fan. If you need a new ceiling fan installed, turn to a pro to get the job done right.

Wiring a ceiling fan requires expertise and knowledge that many homeowners don’t have. When you use an expert electrician, you can be sure that you’re getting professional-grade, safely installed work. Attempting to do the work on your own could put you and your family at risk. A professional can ensure that the following safety standards are met.

The Wiring Is Safe

Electricity, plain and simple, is dangerous. One wrong move and you can get a strong shock, or worse. The ceiling fan itself can become damaged and catch on fire if the wiring is faulty. The electrician will safely wire the fan by first choosing the appropriate electrical box to power the fan. If the job requires extending circuits, he’ll have the skills to do so.

The Wiring in an Older Home Is Appropriate

Older homes have unique wiring concerns, as the wiring is often outdated and not compatible with new equipment. Overall, the job is much more complicated in an older home.

You may run into problems like these:

  • In an older home, chances are that overhead wiring and lighting is nonexistent. You’ll need an electrician to run new wiring.
  • Many homes employ knob-and-tube wiring. To install a ceiling fan, your electrician will have to update it using a circuit box and electrical wiring.
  • Breaking through the ceiling, you may find layers of old plaster that can’t support the fan.

With the help of an electrician, you can successfully install a ceiling fan, even if your home’s wiring is older.

The Ceiling Fan Is Mounted Correctly

Your ceiling must have the appropriate load-bearing beams and surfaces to support the fan. Otherwise, the fan will eventually become loose, and if it falls, injure a family member or guest in your home. Additionally, a loose-mounted fan is an imbalanced fan. If the fan is particularly heavy, or you’re installing a large-size fan, the electrician will need to add the right supports to accommodate it. To meet local code requirements, the installer will need to attach the ceiling fan to a fan-rated box. Theses boxes have larger mounting screws and treads that can handle the constant vibration on the motor. No matter the size, an electrician will ensure the fan is supported and secure.

The Ceiling Fan Is Balanced

When a ceiling fan is wobbly, it’s dangerous, as it could be a sign that the mount is loose. However, it also means the fan won’t provide adequate cooling and will consume more energy to run — causing electricity bills to rise. A professional can install the fan and ensure that the fan blades are securely attached to the ceiling fan housing and that the blades are correctly aligned. Properly balancing a ceiling fan requires the skill to securely connect screws and mounting brackets, as well as knowledge of how to measure and balance the blades.

If you need help with ceiling fan installation, contact your local experts at Reliable Heating & Air! We’re happy to help with your plumbing, electrical, HVAC and home performance. Just give us a call today!

Image source: Flickr