Installing a Ceiling Fan in the Quad Cities

Replacing an Old Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can help to reduce energy costs by creating a cool breeze in the summer so your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard and helps to circulate warm air in the winter. These days installing a ceiling fan is not very difficult but it is a little time consuming. If you are replacing an old fan with a new one you can do it in a day. The reason for this is the existing electrical box is most likely already rated for ceiling fans, making the job easier to do.

Removing the Old Ceiling Fan

The first thing you want to do is to cut the power to your existing fan. Use a small step ladder so that you can get up close to the fan. Then start by removing the blades from the motor housing and set them aside. Remove the screws from the mounting plate that hold the canopy in place and allow it to drop down onto the motor. Now you will need to disengage the motor and housing. If possible, have someone on another ladder that can hold the motor, as they are kind of heavy, and turn the wire nuts counterclockwise to remove them. It's a good idea to take a picture of how the wires are connected. Set the motor and housing aside. Remove the mounting plate.

Install the New Ceiling Fan

Open the box that the new fan came in and locate the instructions. In general, most ceiling fan installations are

pretty much the same. Install the new mounting plate. Assemble the fan components. First set the fan motor on the floor and feed the wires through the canopy. Let the canopy rest on the motor. Then feed the wires through the down-rod and attach it to the motor. Hang one side of the canopy onto the mounting plate.

Connect the Wires

Connect the green wire or wires to the copper or bare wire coming from the electrical box. Then connect the black wire to the black wire and the white wire to the white wire. If your wiring is different consult a licensed electrician. Mount the ceiling fan in place and install the canopy. Now install the blades and light kit if your new fan came with one. Attach the chain that operates the fan and the chain that operates the lights. Turn the power back on. Then test the fan to make sure everything is working properly.

Note: If you are replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan make sure, and this is very important, that the electrical box is rated for a ceiling fan.