The brutal honesty: if you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer, replacing a ceiling fan is probably in your wheelhouse. You may even be able to change out a ceiling fan quickly enough to enjoy the majority of your weekend!
Signs it’s Time to Replace a Ceiling Fan
Certain things shouldn’t be ignored when it comes to ceiling fans. As a homeowner you want to make sure you’re safe, and those visiting your home are always safe.
Noises Not to Ignore
If your fan is making new weird noises like buzzing, or squeaking, and you’ve inspected it for loose screws and oiled it, but it continues to make the same noises, it’s probably time to swap it out.
Shaking
After dusting your ceiling fan’s blades, inspecting all the blades for loose screws and misalignment, if it continues to shake while in use – shop for a new ceiling fan to replace it as soon as possible.
Sometimes, replacing a fan isn’t about personal safety, but rather to save money or because the style of the fan is outdated and makes you cringe when you look at it after updating everything else in the room. Whatever your reasons are, a new ceiling fan can make a huge difference in your heating and cooling bills and can be done quickly on your own with the right tools!
What a Homeowner Needs to Update Ceiling Fans
Depending on the fan’s location in your home, and how skilled you are, it can take less than an hour to update your ceiling fan from the old worn out one to the new and improved fan. So what does a homeowner need to make this home improvement?
The first thing you’ll need to replace a ceiling fan is…. you guessed it, a new and beautiful energy efficient ceiling fan! The rest of the supplies aren’t as exciting, but absolutely necessary to have in your toolbox for the project:
- Screwdrivers – have flat heads and Phillips head ones on hand
- Voltage tester – you’ll use this to confirm your power is cut off from the wires you’ll be working with
- Ladder – and have someone on the ground to help you out for safety
- Wire cutters – yes, you’ll have to cut wires
- Wire caps
Always make sure you have someone helping you. You’re going to be dealing with electricity, ladders, and heights. You need someone there, even if they aren’t going to ‘lend a hand’ other than to hand you tools and be the go-to if trouble arises and 9-1-1 needs to be called.
How to Swap Out an Old Fan with a New Ceiling Fan
The basics of replacing a ceiling fan are simple in theory, but don’t account for problems that may arise. If you run into roadblocks during the replacement process, call in a professional before things go from an inexpensive fan replacement to a complete ceiling replacement, or worse.
The most important step you never want to skip: TURN OFF THE POWER to the ceiling fan. If your breaker box isn’t labeled properly, this step may take a little bit. To be absolutely sure you have turned the power off, use your voltage tester. Once this first step is completed, move on to the following steps:
- Remove the old fan
- Install the new fan’s ceiling bracket and bring the wires through the plate’s slots/holes
- Prep your new fan following the assembly instructions included with the fan
- Attach your fan base and wires to the new ceiling bracket – wires vary between fan models, so be sure to follow the installation instructions for your fan
- Attach the blades to the base of the fan
- At this point, most fans will have you attach the switch housing with screws
- Assemble the rest of the fan
- Turn your power back on
- Flip the switch and make magic happen
If you flip the switch and your fan falls out of the ceiling, give us a call and call it a day.
Call in the Professionals for a Ceiling Fan Installation
Swapping out a ceiling fan isn’t always as easy as disconnecting the old one, removing it, and installing the new ceiling fan. The ceiling hole may need to be resized or moved to a completely new spot. You may find that the wiring isn’t quite right, maybe you see mold growth, or you damage the ceiling during the switchover requiring repairs outside of your skill set. And if you need to install a fan to replace a light fixture, or a brand new installation of a fan where nothing existed before – it’s best to call in the professionals!
Contact Farr’s Home Improvement today to discuss your ceiling fan project, we’re here for you!