Ceiling Fan Upgrade - A Comprehensive Guide
There is no doubt that ceiling fans, such as Lowes ceiling fans, are an excellent way to keep cool and comfy in the summer months and circulate warm air during the winter. You may know that ceiling fans, such as Home Depot ceiling fans, are more affordable to operate and are considerably more energy-efficient compared to air conditioning.
This is why the popularity of ceiling fans, including ceiling fans with lights, continues to grow since more homeowners discover significant, year-round energy savings. As ceiling fans create cool breezes in summer, they also lower the strain on your air conditioner.
A ceiling fan is certainly a must-have fixture and will instantly improve your space. That said, ceiling fans also have great practical use. They can add light to your rooms and are usually the centerpiece in any room.
However, like most home appliances, such as air conditioners, ceiling fans tend to wear out as they age. For example, motors can stop working, wires on your outdoor ceiling fans can become loose or even break, and their blades can wear out.
If you are looking to upgrade your ceiling fan, you will be happy to know that new ceiling fan models, such as Hunter ceiling fans and ceiling fans with light, come out yearly. The best thing is that many of these models offer fantastic energy-saving features that will help lower your electric bill, making your home more eco-friendly.
However, installing an outdoor ceiling fan can be tricky for inexperienced DIYers. For example, you might not be familiar with properly wiring up your light fixture or face some physical difficulties firmly holding onto your fan motor while you are on a ladder. This is why hiring a professional electrician makes sense and will minimize any risk associated with poor installation.
When do I need to fix My Ceiling Fan?
Are you wondering whether it is time to upgrade or fix your Lowes ceiling fans? You should look for these signs.
Unusual or New Sounds
Has your Home Depot ceiling fan started making new or strange sounds? Keep in mind that if your ceiling fan is functioning optimally, it will spin without creating a lot of noise. While specific noises that are both gentle and consistent are common for any type of fan, unusual, strange, loud, new or unpleasant noises are often indicative of an issue.
So, it may be time to fix or upgrade your fan if you hear:
• Frustrating buzzing that usually develops after a couple of years
• Squeaky sounds from the ceiling fans, even after oiling
• Fan blades grinding harshly
As some noises and sounds may be attributed to a few loose screws, you should look for these problems and issues first. However, in most cases, these pesky sounds are often caused by broken motors, obsolete parts that aren’t efficient and other problems that often come with age.
Diminishing Speeds
It is likely that your Hunter ceiling fans once had 3 different speeds (medium, slow, and fast), and these speeds were noticeably different. If they are all more or less about the same speed now, it is indicative of a problem. For example, note that diminishing speeds on any ceiling fan is often a sign that the motor is failing, and there are a few loose wires.
Your Lowes Ceiling Fan is Shaking
We know that noticing that your outdoor ceiling fan is wobbly or shaking can be quite alarming. Also, it shows that it’s time to upgrade to a better and newer model. It’s important, however, that you rule out some curable issues first.
You should know that a wobble is often indicative of an imbalance of your fan blades and is caused by:
Misalignment of your fan blades
Accumulation of dust on the fan blades
Loose screws mounting the fan blades to the main body of your fan
Have you addressed these problems, and the shaking or wobble is still there? If yes, there may be a more significant issue, and you’ve to start looking for a brand new ceiling fan.
Recurring Issues and Problems Despite Fixes
In some cases, your Lowes ceiling fan may keep wobbling or shaking regardless of the number of times you have fixed it. In other cases, it may make weird or new noises even though you have checked it.
If this is the case, it may be time for you to look for a replacement. There is no doubt that maintenance and frequent tune-ups can help increase the life of your ceiling fan. However, eventually, these tune-ups stop working when your Home Depot ceiling fans are ready to retire.
So, do not make the mistake of wasting money on minor ceiling fan fixes, especially when you can save some money in the long run by upgrading or replacing your ceiling fan.
How to Upgrade My Ceiling Fan?
Turn off the Power
It is essential to stay safe, especially when working with potentially dangerous electrical wires. So, turn the power off to your ceiling fan and then use a circuit tester or voltage tester to verify that the power is off.
Remove Your Old Ceiling Fan
Note that you will need a screwdriver for this step. You should enlist a helper in order to support the old fixture while you work. You should disconnect all the wires and then remove the existing fixture. This process will mainly depend on your ceiling fan’s model. However, you will most likely begin by carefully removing the existing light fixture, your fan blades, and finally, the base.
You just have to unscrew pieces or parts of the fan and light until you get everything off. It is important to take a picture of how the various wires were connected.
Install the New Ceiling bracket
Now you should install parts of your new fan. And the first step involves installing the ceiling bracket. You should use all the screws that came with your new fan and secure the fan ceiling plate or mounting bracket to your electrical box as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Prep Your Ceiling Fan
Remember that the next step will mainly depend upon the specific make and model of the fan. This is why you should follow all the directions in order to assemble the fan correctly. Also, you may have to grab the wire cutters in order to cut the wires a little shorter.
Attach Wires and Canopy
It is time to bring your assembled ceiling fan base up to your ceiling and then hook it carefully into your ceiling bracket. You will be happy to know that most new fans on the market have a convenient feature, which allows you to easily rest your fan on its bracket.
As a result, you will not need to carry the weight while connecting all the wires. Connect the wires once the ceiling fan is secure.
Attach the Blades
Now take the fan blades and carefully screw them into your canopy. It is essential to follow the directions and instructions for your specific model.
Add the Switch Housing
In most cases, you will secure the switch housing into place with screws. You will see a wire plug going from the upper switch housing to the lower housing. You should make sure that this connection is firm and secure, as this is what turns your fan on.
Add the Cover Plate
Now you have to place the glass cover over your housing kit until the cover clicks into place. After that, turn the power on and test your Lowes ceiling fan to make sure that your hard work and time paid off.
Should I Upgrade My Ceiling Fan?
Here are some reasons you should upgrade your ceiling fan.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Did you know that the latest models of ceiling fans use considerably less electricity and help improve the overall air circulation in the home? This is great as it allows you to save some money on the monthly heating and cooling bills.
However, keep in mind that ceiling fans do not reduce the temperature in your home. Rather, the draft these fans provide makes your home feel cooler, allowing you to enjoy the same level of convenience and comfort even if you increase the thermostat a couple of degrees.
Diverse Styles
Ceiling fans, such as Hunter ceiling fans, are an accessory heavily driven by style. This is evident given the ample choice of sizes, styles, and finishes available. This is why the ceiling fan that you choose can easily complement the interior design or décor of your home. And that is not all; its functional and aesthetic aspects can also help make a bold statement.
Your ceiling fan could be the main focal point of your room, influencing many other stylistic choices you make, such as paint color and the kind of carpeting you select. You can choose a nice fixture that matches or complements your current design.
Convenient Lighting
Did you know that many ceiling fans now have convenient lights built into them? You will be happy to know that ceiling fans with lights add function and also contribute to the overall ambiance of your room. And illumination can also be in the unique form of layered lighting in order to enhance your room’s environment.
What to Know before Upgrading Your Ceiling Fan?
Before buying a new ceiling fan, you should keep one thing in mind: bigger rooms require bigger ceiling fans. Larger areas in your home, such as living rooms and bedrooms, will need a bigger fan in order to circulate air throughout your room. This is why if you buy a ceiling fan that is too small, it will not function as well as you would like it to.
You should also make sure that you put your ceiling fan right in the middle. This will ensure that air reaches all parts of your room. It is vital to make sure that the fan blade is 18 inches far from each corner of your room.
You will be happy to know that ceiling fans are now available in many sizes and can easily accommodate every space. However, some conventional-sized ceiling fans might be a more suitable fit for small spaces, depending on the overall aesthetics and airflow needs. On the other hand, mini fans – many with only one blade and compact powerhouse motors – will fit in spaces as small as your closet.
Another thing to keep in mind is that fan blades, as well as pitches, play a crucial role in ensuring that air is distributed in all parts of your room. This is why you should make sure that the ceiling fan blades are at an angle of 12 to 15 degrees to have optimal circulation.
Also, make sure that your fan has a reasonable warranty period. The best thing is that some manufacturers provide you with a lifetime warranty as well as in-home service.
Choosing Where You should Install the Ceiling Fan
There are two important questions that you have to answer before you install a ceiling fan in your home. First is where you would like to install the fan and how you will supply power to that location. The factors you will consider can vary depending on whether you are installing a new ceiling fan, replacing your old fan, or retrofitting your old light fixture.
Retrofit or Existing Fans
If you are replacing your existing light fixture or fan, it is likely that your decision regarding where to install a new fan will be easy. It is important to disassemble the fixture, starting with the light bulbs and any decorative glass. After that, remove the screws that hold your light fixture to your electrical box, and disconnect all the plastic wiring connectors in order to remove your fixture completely.
And if you are lucky, your electrical box will be directly installed on a ceiling joist. This means that you can bracket your ceiling fan to the joist, giving it all the support that it needs. On the other hand, if your electrical box is secured between 2 joists, you will have to install a reliable support bar that’s rated for ceiling fan support.
New Fan Installation
If you are installing a ceiling fan where there are no fixtures, you have the same two options to provide structural support: you can bracket your Lowes ceiling fan directly to your ceiling joist, or you may install a strong support bar between the joists. Keep in mind that the bigger challenge is choosing the best solution to supply power. In most cases, you will have to use a method that needs minimum drywall cutting.
If you are experienced and have attic access to the installation site, you can easily route new electric wiring from almost any electric access point in your attic. On the other hand, if you do not have such access, you should route the wiring from the closest outlet or switch.
In many cases, it’s a simple wall switch in the room where you are installing the fan. Also, note that this will usually require you to cut one or multiple small holes in the drywall. This will ensure that the wiring can be easily routed around the corners.
When to Hire an Electrician
It is best to let an experienced and professional electrician install a ceiling fan in your home to avoid any electrical or wiring hazards. If you are a homeowner with a penchant for various DIY home improvement projects, you may wonder if Hunter ceiling fan installation or upgrade is something you can do on your own.
However, always remember that an online video tutorial is usually not enough in order to learn all you have to know for an effective and safe installation. And that is not all; undertaking any kind of electrical repair or installation without any prior education, experience and training have the risk of electrical injuries, electrical shock, and faulty wiring.
Professional electricians are fully trained and experienced in completing both ceiling fan repair work as well as adequately installing electrical wiring. More importantly, electricians spend plenty of time in apprenticeship and learn how to safely and effectively perform installations.
Improper electrical wiring in your Lowes ceiling fan may trigger an electrical fire, jeopardizing your and your family’s safety, and you don’t want that. Your personal safety and the overall safety of your family are considerably more important than skimping a couple of dollars on labor.
This is why if you have never installed a ceiling fan before, you should reach out to a professional electrician in order to make sure that the job is done right the very first time.