The humble ceiling fan is truly a versatile device. Not only is it safe and quietly effective in maintaining indoor air quality and conditions, it still looks as cool as it did in all those black-and-white movies from the 1940s. It’s easy to understand what a ceiling fan does and how it operates – but is installing a ceiling fan a true D.I.Y. project that just anyone can do?

It may seem easier and cheaper to just walk out of a big-box hardware store with a ceiling fan in your basket, drive home, and mount it on your ceiling with whatever tools you have lying around. There are plenty of risks in a self-service ceiling fan installation – and in the end, it may cost more than having a professional electrician install it for you.

Benefits of installing a Ceiling Fan

Why are ceiling fans still as effective and popular today as they’ve been in the past? There are several reasons why, and a lot of advantages to having a ceiling fan or two in your home.

Better Air Quality. The primary function of a ceiling fan is to improve air circulation in the room where it’s located. Even in rooms that are normally clean, the surrounding air gets polluted by various contaminants. A ceiling fan can help minimize those pollutants and is especially helpful with the occasional foul odor, such as when something’s burning in the kitchen.

Less Burden on Air Conditioning Systems. During those times when the weather is unexpectedly hot, a ceiling fan can take up some of the mechanical duties of central air conditioning. With the increased circulation provided by the ceiling fan, you can lower the speed of your air conditioning fan, reducing the wear and tear on your HVAC system.

Lower Energy Costs. By relying less on your central air conditioning unit, a ceiling fan can make a significant difference in your utility bill. In addition to using less power for the central air fan, you can keep the thermostat a few degrees higher, which can be another cost-saving measure.

Attractive Decor. A nice ceiling fan can add instant class to a room. It’s long been admired as an artistic piece that can fit with the style and overall decor of its surrounding area.

Suitable for any room. Ceiling fans can help the air circulation in just about any room in the house. They’re made in assorted sizes to fit any ceiling configuration, including tilted or low-clearance ceilings.

Works in All Seasons. Ceiling fans do more than keep the air cooler in summer. During winter, they push warm air down into the living space simply by having their rotation direction switched.

Can you perform a Ceiling Fan Installation yourself?

No matter how many projects you’ve completed around your home, taking the D.I.Y. approach to electrical jobs is very risky. There are several compelling reasons why you, as an everyday homeowner should never attempt a ceiling fan installation on your own.

You don’t have the required knowledge. Ceiling fan installation involves many components, carefully executed steps, and important safety measures. Unless you’re a professional electrician — and if you’re reading this post, you’re probably not — you may not have the necessary experience to efficiently install a ceiling fan.

You may wire the fan incorrectly. Hundreds of deadly household accidents involving electricity trace back to wiring problems. If you don’t know (or forget to check) the types of wires you need or try to attach a ceiling fan to wires from past lighting installations, you run the risk of tripping your circuit breakers or even starting an electrical fire.

You could fall off the ladder. Picture being on top of a free-standing, consumer-grade ladder, struggling to control an entire ceiling fan over your head, working on a tangle of wires with your fingers, and trying to keep your feet balanced on a very thin slat of wood. That’s a lot of physical coordination you need to have, and many of us don’t.

You can suffer an electrical injury. Even if you manage to shut off all the power in your house before installing a ceiling fan, there’s still a risk of major electrical accidents and physical injury. Just because an exposed wire doesn’t look live doesn’t mean it won’t spark when improperly connected to another wire. It can still cause shock, electrocution, and even fire.

You may install the wrong ceiling box. Boxes that mount fans to ceilings come in several different configurations, and it can be awfully hard to shop for the right one. Using the wrong ceiling box to attach your fan may prevent it from securely fastening to your ceiling and eventually make it fall to the ground.

You could damage your ceiling. It’s highly likely that ceiling fan installation will force you to make a hole in your ceiling. This requires a lot of precise measurement and conscientious cutting, especially if you’re putting a fan where there’s never been a light fixture on your ceiling. If your ceiling suffers excessive damage from a hole, crater, or crack, repairs can be very costly.

Why electricians are best for ceiling fan installation

Getting a professional electrician to install your ceiling fan is a solid decision for many reasons.

They have the right equipment. It takes more than just a ladder and a good brain to install ceiling fans. You also need the right tools: ceiling boxes, strippers, wire cutters, voltage detectors, testing equipment, possibly a stud finder. Sure, you can purchase all those items at a good electric store or hardware big-box retailer, but the total cost of procuring those items just for one use can run as much, maybe more, than hiring a pro.

They know current electric code regulations. Connecticut electricians are required to keep up to date with all local and state regulations regarding proper electrical work. Those codes are always in flux, changing as new technologies and appliances come into being. A certified electrician is always on top of these standards and operates accordingly.

They have special training in safety. A professional electrician has likely performed thousands of ceiling fan installations and has thankfully survived them all. They’ll know all the safety precautions and steps they need to take to protect themselves and your family from hazards and injuries.

They understand the wiring. It’s critical in all electrical installations to get the wiring right. Trying to join two incompatible wires, operating with a live wire, or not taking all the right preventative steps can result in major damages. A professional electrician is fully trained in maintaining wiring structures properly.

They know how to mount and balance ceiling fans safely. Especially if a ceiling doesn’t provide ample structural support or has weak plaster, a ceiling fan can be wobbly if it’s installed by an amateur. It’s also important to understand fan balancing — an imbalanced fan doesn’t work effectively and poses a safety risk. Professional electricians install ceiling fans with increased awareness and attention to the most minute, exact specifications.

Choosing the right electrician for ceiling fan installation

We’re glad you’ve considered and decided to hire a professional electrician to install your new ceiling fan. Good call. Your ceiling fan installation professional should be:

• Fully certified and licensed. Your electrician should have up-to-date state business licenses and professional certification of their skills. 
• Insured. Proper liability coverage protects both you and your contractor from excessive costs in case of accident, injury, or damage. 
• Attentive to safety.  With all the exposed wires, high ladders, and precise placements in ceiling fan installation, your electrician should be relied upon to take all the steps they need to prevent accidents and injury. 
• Friendly and prompt. Top contractors of all types are transparent and open about what they do, arrive at your house on time, finish within a reasonable time frame, and are happy to answer questions and concerns. 
• Recommended and reviewed highly. Word-of-mouth recommendations between friends are always great tools for finding the best service reps; positive online customer reviews and testimonials can also point you in the direction of a highly qualified electrician.

Safe and Sound Electric: Trustworthy and experienced ceiling fan installation

Safe and Sound Electric LLC services thousands of area homes from our office in Riverside, CT, and our technicians are experienced experts in ceiling fan installation. Contact us online or call us at 203-536-0021 for more information and estimates.