ceiling fans | US Electric

How To Install a Ceiling Fan Without Attic Access: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brad Ormsby — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 17:49:14 +0000

Having a ceiling fan comes with many benefits. They can help save on the energy costs for heating and cooling and are very aesthetically pleasing.

While most ceiling fans are installed through the attic, you may not have access to your attic space. What do you do then? Having an available circuit where you intend to install your fan is a helpful start. If that is available, this is an easy project for you.

Take a look at how to install a ceiling fan without attic access: a step-by-step guide.

Steps on How to Install a Ceiling Fan Without Attic Access

Installing a ceiling fan without attic access is possible. Follow these steps for installing a new ceiling fan.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

When working with electricity, you must always turn off the power to the area you are working in first. This will ensure your safety so you do not get shocked. You should test the voltage with a tester to ensure no power is coming through the wiring.

Step 2: Remove Existing Light Fixtures in the Circuit

If the wires look like they are in bad shape, you can cut away the bad parts and then strip 3/4 inches of insulation from the tip of the wire.

Step 3: Take Apart Any Existing Fixture Box

Fixture boxes help protect the wiring in your home. Remove it, but do not damage the wire.

Step 4: Insert the Ceiling Fan Mounting Bracket Into the Hole From the Fixture Box

Make sure it lays flat against the drywall. If it does not lay flat, it will not be placed correctly.

Step 5: Twisting the Bracket To Dig Into the Ceiling Joists

Twist until there is resistance. This helps ensure it is installed properly.

Step 6: Remove the Knockout From Your Mounting Box

You should then insert the prepackaged grommet.

Step 7: Insert the Wires Through the Grommet and Into the Box

Follow the directions to secure the box to the bracket. You can do this with pliers for an easier time.

Step 8: Use the Manufacturer’s Instructions To Assemble the Fan

After that, install the ceiling fan mounting bracket to the ceiling box.

Step 9: Start Making Your Wiring Connections

This is when you connect your black and blue wires to the black wires from the ceiling and then connect the white wires. Finally, connect your ground wires.

Step 10: Install the Fan

Now you need to set the ball joint in the half circle of the mounting bracket.

Step 11: Ensure the Connections Are Tight

Wrap electrical tape around your connections, then carefully put them into the ceiling box.

Step 12: Screw the Canopy Into the Mounting Bracket

Now screw the canopy on, and your fan is installed.

Step 13: Turn on the Power

Switch on the power to test the ceiling fan. This will let you know if your connections are good and everything is installed properly.

If you followed our guide but your ceiling fan is not working, call the expert electricians from US Electric!

Installing a Ceiling Fan? We Can Help!

If you do not have attic access, this can complicate your ceiling fan installation. A professional electrician should add electrical circuits if these are necessary. For dependable ceiling fan installation, repair, or maintenance, you can trust our experts at US Electric to get the job done right.

Call us now to get started!

Do Ceiling Fans Lower Your Energy Bills?

Brad Ormsby — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:53:33 +0000

After a long winter, the warm sun is a welcome change! But as the weather changes from warm to downright hot, sitting under a ceiling fan brings comfort and relief.

Ceiling fans can also increase the efficiency of your air conditioner, which should help keep energy costs in check.

But does running a ceiling fan really lower energy bills? Read on to find out.

What Is a Ceiling Fan For?

Ceiling fans circulate air. When the fan blades move counter-clockwise, the motion pulls air from the ground and then pushes it back down, creating a breeze.

This breeze creates an evaporative cooling effect, blowing the heat and moisture from our skin. Temperatures never change, but this evaporative effect makes the room feel cooler. Running a ceiling fan in an empty room is a waste of energy, so this effect is useless.

Also, if you don’t raise your AC temperature by a few degrees while the fan works to make it feel cooler, you won’t reap the cost savings of a ceiling fan.

Do Ceiling Fans Lower Your Energy Bill? Fact or Fiction

Here’s a look at some facts and fiction about ceiling fans and lower energy bills.

You Should Slightly Raise Your Thermostat While the Ceiling Fan Is On: FACT

Running a ceiling fan makes a room feel a few degrees cooler than it actually is. Raising the AC thermostat by a few degrees will save energy while keeping you just as comfortable.

Ceiling Fans Make a Good AC Supplement: FACT

While an AC distributes cool air through your home, it will not create an evaporative effect in a room. A ceiling fan can best circulate the cool air an AC provides.

Ceiling Fans Are Useful Only During the Summer: FICTION

Most ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the blade motion. During the cold months, clockwise blade motion will pull up cool air that has settled in the lower half of the room, and hot air will move to replace it, making the room feel warmer.

Ceiling Fans Are Cheap: FACT (Compared to ACs)

An AC unit costs about 36 cents per hour to operate, whereas a ceiling fan only costs 1 cent to 5 cents per hour.

Ceiling Fans With LED Lights

Ceiling fans can help lower energy use in your home, but the operating cost varies depending on how the fans are used and if the fan has a light. Some fan lights use more electricity than the fan motors.

Opt for an ENERGYSTAR® lighting fixture to get the most energy savings out of your ceiling fans. These light fixtures can accommodate LED bulbs, which can help you save.

Dependable Ceiling Fan Installation

Remember to use your ceiling fans efficiently:

Install fans in rooms that are used often
Turn off fans when everyone leaves a room
Turn on the fan only when and where it is needed

Installing ceiling fans can help lower energy bills when used with an AC system.

If you’re planning to have a ceiling fan installed, US Electric has your back! Call us now for all and any of your electrical service needs.

How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fan for Your Home

Brad Ormsby — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:43:55 +0000

A ceiling fan is an energy-efficient upgrade for your home, well worth the installation cost. A fan can aid your air conditioning system, helping control and maintain a room’s temperature.

With so many choices, choosing the best ceiling fan for your home can be challenging. This quick guide can help.

Indoor Fans vs. Outdoor Fans

While indoor and outdoor ceiling fans work similarly, there are a few essential differences.

Indoor Ceiling Fans

Indoor ceiling fans create an evaporative effect in a room, making the space feel a few degrees cooler. They are best installed in frequently used rooms, such as bedrooms or living rooms.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Outdoor ceiling fans provide the same functionality as indoor ceiling fans, but they are designed to withstand moisture.

When choosing an outdoor ceiling fan, select one with the necessary Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) rating. The ratings are:

Damp-rated fans: are best for use in covered outdoor spaces or a bathroom or laundry room that gets damp
Wet-rated fans: designed for covered areas where the fan may be affected by rain or snow, such as in a gazebo

Room Size vs. Fan Size

Use this table to determine the best fan sizes for your rooms.

Room Size	Fan Size	Room Type
Less than 50 sq. ft.	29″ or less	Laundry rooms, walk-in closets, hallways
51–75 sq. ft.	36″	Large bathrooms or small dining areas
76–100 sq. ft.	42″	Kitchens, home offices, small bedrooms
101–225 sq. ft.	52″	Master bedrooms, large dining rooms, patios
226–400 sq. ft.	56″	Large living rooms, family rooms, great rooms

A larger space might be better served with two smaller fans rather than one large one, depending on the room’s shape.

When choosing a ceiling fan size, allow a minimum of 18″ to 24″ of clearance on all sides of the fan.

Different Ceiling Heights & Suited Mount Types

Ceiling fans must meet building codes when installed. The bottom of the fan cannot be lower than seven feet from the ground. Here are the recommended fan types for different ceiling heights:

Flush Mount or Low Profile

These types of ceiling fans are necessary for 8-foot ceilings. They allow for the required seven-foot clearance from the fan base to the floor.

Standard Mount

Standard mount fans are ideal for 9-foot ceilings. The fan will be high enough but hang down low enough to provide maximum air circulation.

Extended Downrod Mount

An extended downrod mount is recommended for ceilings 10 feet high or greater. Air circulation is increased as the fan is extended down into the room.

For vaulted ceilings that are sloped 34 degrees or more, a sloped ceiling adapter kit must be used to keep the fan level once installed.

Ceiling Fan Blade Finish

There are a few different fan blades to consider, including:

MDF: These blades are fiberboard covered by a laminate sticker, and are found on cheaper fans.
Plastic: Plastic blades are inexpensive but hold up well to moisture. They are ideal for damp areas.
Wood: Wood blades are more expensive and used on premium fans. They can have a sleeker look than other blade types.
Metal: Metal blades can be very sharp. Building code dictates that metal fans are hung at least 10 feet off the floor and usually come with a protective cage. They are ideal for the outdoors except near salty ocean air.

Dependable Ceiling Fan Installation

If you’re planning to add ceiling fans to your home, the US Electric team can help. Our experienced technicians can install many different makes and models. Professional, dependable, and safe installation is guaranteed! Call us today to get started.

Should You Install a Ceiling Fan If You Already Have AC?

Brad Ormsby — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 01:55:28 +0000

If you already have a home AC system, should you add a ceiling fan?

Both help you regulate your home’s temperature, but there are a few differences. AC units cost an average of $.03 per hour to run compared to the ceiling fan’s cost of $.01. Additionally, ceiling fans move air in ways AC systems cannot.

Ceiling fans are an excellent supplement to your home AC system, helping lower your energy bills and more. Here’s a closer look:

Why Install a Ceiling Fan Even If You Already Have AC

There are several benefits to adding a ceiling fan in addition to your air conditioning system:

They are Useful Year-Round

In the summer, a ceiling fan can lower the temperature inside a home by about four to five degrees. In the winter, a reversible ceiling fan helps move hot air down into a room without increasing the wind chill.

Helps Lower Energy Costs

Running the fan instead of the AC helps you lower energy costs. Estimates show ceiling fans create savings of about 10% on your annual air conditioning bills. Additionally, a recirculating fan can lower your heating bills by up to 15%.

Helps With the Cooling Work, Meaning Lesser Burden for the AC

Ceiling fans reduce the workload required for the AC system. If you set the thermostat about five degrees higher than normal, a ceiling fan will make up the difference. When fewer demands are placed on the air conditioning system, it will last longer.

Helps Add an Aesthetic Appeal to the Room

The right ceiling fan can add style to your room. Available in a range of designs and colors, it’s easy to find one to complement your existing décor. Many ceiling fans also include light fixtures, allowing even more design options.

Helps Improve Air Quality

Ceiling fans provide quick relief from common indoor air pollutants. If you burn some food in the kitchen, a ceiling fan will clear away smoke faster than a range hood alone. Even when not removing strong smells, many people find the airflow refreshing.

They are Flexible

Ceiling fans fit well in practically any room in your house. They can help reduce odors in the kitchen, regulate the temperature in a large living room, promote restful sleep in the bedroom, and more. They’re beneficial in rooms that have HVAC vents and those without.

Why Hire Pros to Install Your Ceiling Fan

To ensure your ceiling fan operates efficiently and safely, you should have it installed by professional electricians. There are several benefits to hiring pros:

Safe Wiring Work – Faulty wiring can cause fires and other home accidents. A professional will ensure your fan is connected safely to your home’s electrical system.
Secure Attachment – A professional will ensure your fan is securely attached to your ceiling and will stay in place when the motor operates at high speeds.
No-Risk of Electrocution – Installing a fan yourself poses a serious risk of electrical injury.
Perfect Placement – A professional installer will craft a ceiling box designed to fit your specific fan. They’ll also connect the fan to a switch or pull chain.
Protects Your Ceiling – DIY installation increases the risk of accidentally damaging your ceiling.
Cost-Efficient – Professional installation typically helps homeowners save money and time.

Installing a Ceiling Fan? We Can Help!

A ceiling fan works great with your home AC system, helping reduce energy costs by four to eight percent. Take the worry and complexity out of installing a ceiling fan by turning to the professional services of U.S. Electrical. Our expert team understands all the necessary electrical codes, steps, and requirements to mount, balance, and install your ceiling fan.For all of your commercial and residential electrical needs, U.S Electric has got your back! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.