Lighted Ceiling Fans Tips

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How can I install a new ceiling fan?

Ceiling Fan Light Wiring

Before you add a ceiling fan to a room, make sure the electrical box is capable of supporting a new ceiling fan light fixture. Unless you are replacing an old ceiling fan, this will probably mean installing a new box that attaches to or hangs from a joist for extra support to handle the increased motion and weight of the fan. If the resulting work leaves a visible hole, you can use a decorative medallion to cover the spot.

Be sure to wrap the cable's bare copper wire around the grounding screw inside the electrical box. Hold the fan's mounting plate up to the hole and pull the wires through the center hole. Then attach the plate to the box with screws.

Now return to ground level and put the fan on a floor or table. Pull the wires from the motor up through the canopy, then through the down-rod pipe.

Hook one side of the canopy onto the ceiling plate. Then use twist-on connectors to hook the two green wires to the bare wire coming down from the cable. Connect black wire to black wire and white wire to white wire. Then swing the fan up into position and secure it in place.

There! You're done with the ceiling fan light wiring. Finish assembling the fan blades and light, following the manufacturer's instructions.

   
How do I have lots of downlights on my ceiling fan?

Ceiling Fan Lighting

Ceiling Fan Guide: You love the idea of having light dispersed from several bulbs on your Emerson ceiling fans. The more lights the merrier, especially over the dining table. If you choose multiple downlights, there are several style options that look perfectly natural:

  • The steel robotic-looking Casa Vieja ceiling fan with four steel-finish downlights and steel blades
  • The Casa Optima Old West antler-trim ceiling fan with warm amber glass downlights
  • The octopus-like Casa Optima Gooseneck Brushed Steel ceiling fan with five glass-shaded downlights attached to steel tendrils
  • The Casablanca Vector ceiling fan with high-gloss white blades and clear glass flower-shaped shades for the four downlights

Unlike other light fixtures, with modern ceiling fans and antique ceiling fans, you can mix and match glass and metal or wood finish. You can pair wooden blades with bronze-finish downlights. The effect is visually appealing, so let your imagination be your guide!

   
What's the best motor speed for my ceiling fan?

Selecting a Ceiling Fan

In some places air conditioning is a must but if you just want a little breeze, a ceiling fan may be all you need. Before you buy just any ceiling fan, however, figure out which ones would be best for your room. The bigger the room the bigger the fan should be and vice versa. Also, your ceiling fan design should reflect your taste. If you're a modern designer choose a funky and more ecclectic ceiling fan. If your taste is more traditional, the basic and traditional ceiling fans are available. Here is a little ceiling fans guide to follow:

  • A room up to 50 square feet needs a 29" fan.
  • A 36" fan is needed for a room up to 75 square feet.
  • A 42" is needed for a room 10' x 10' or 100 square feet.
  • A 50" to 52" fan is required for a room up to 400 square feet.

Tip: Some modern ceiling fans come equipped with remotes that adjust the fan when the room grows warmer or cooler, turn lights on or off when you're not home, and lower the light level when you leave the room. Even fans have gone high-tech.

   
What ceiling fan styles suit a low ceiling?

Low Ceilings and Fans

Ceiling Fan Guide: Remember the old joke, "This place is so small I have to go outside to stand up?" If you have low ceilings and no room in your budget to move or remodel, a lighted ceiling fan may add a breath of fresh air and light up your bedroom, kitchen or living room. Low-ceilinged rooms feel claustrophobic and stuffy. But how do you choose a ceiling fan that works with your living space?

  • Choose ceiling fans such as Casablanca fans in white or light colors, especially if you have color on the walls.
  • Opt for compact modern ceiling fans with globe lighting as opposed to multiple, dangling downlights.
  • Choose slim blades, which you'll find in Emerson ceiling fans, Casblanca fans and all other quality fan brands.
  • Dark wood blades work best with large globe lights or several small lights. White or cream walls and ceilings will keep the fan from looking as if you're going to bump your head against it.
  • Some modern ceiling fans give you control over the amount of light through a remote control or dimmer switch.

So, in summary...Low ceilings? Low budget? No problem once you have the right ceiling fan!

   
What's the best fan size for a large greatroom?

The Bigger, The Better?

Ceiling Fan Guide: Size does matter, even in large rooms where you can feel free to install large ceiling fans. A midsize ceiling fan that doesn't descend too low is the ideal choice. N.B.: Those big Casablanca fans and Emerson ceiling fans can heat up a large room in winter faster than your thermostat. Large rooms can be 10-15 degrees hotter, since fans move warm air down from the ceiling. Bigger rooms still need ceiling fans to fit. Sample dimensions:

  • 225 square-foot dining room/kitchen: 50- to 56-inch ceiling fans
  • 144 square-foot bedrooms: 42- to 44-inch ceiling fans
  • 64 square-foot rooms: 32-inch ceiling fans

Remember to choose a pole that allows your fan to descend to an optimum height. Fan blades should be 8 to 9 inches, minimum of 7 inches, above the floor for safety and efficient air flow. For a large room, 14 feet or higher, you can select a 48-inch pole. Don't be afraid to think big when it comes to your ceiling fan. It can provide a focal point in a large room that might otherwise overwhelm you with empty space. And, pick up some good ceiling fan books or magazines to help find ideas.

   
How do I cut my home lighting energy costs?

A Different Spin on Energy Efficiency

Ceiling Fan Guide: When it comes to ceiling fans, you're definitely not in the no-spin zone. Unlike in politics, spin is good when you deal with modern ceiling fans. While installing Emerson ceiling fans in every room won't replace air conditioning, it will lower your heating bills by 10 percent, and your summer cooling bills by 40 percent.

This is especially true if you set the blades to spin clockwise in the winter and counter-clockwise in the summer. Combine your efficient spin action with Energy Star or "green" bulbs, and you'll help the environment. Now there's a step that needs no positive spin!

   
What do I need to know about bathroom ceiling fans?

Bathroom Ceiling Fans

Ceiling Fan Guide: Cleopatra reportedly had attendants to fan her while she bathed in ancient Egypt. You can duplicate that effect with a Casa Jamaica Ceiling Fan or the Emerson Maui Bay Ceiling Fan, not to mention the Monte Carlo tropical-style ceiling fans. All of these models feature broad blades that look like the hand-held fans Ms. Cleopatra might have enjoyed.

Ceiling Fan Tip: Use a dimmer and subdued lighting to create an intimate effect. Before you turn your bathroom into a little piece of Egypt, look for a fan that's specifically designed for bathrooms. This goes for your outdoor veranda or pool area as well. You need a fan that's specifically UL-listed for wet or damp locations. Cleopatra had it easy. She never had to deal with electricity--of course, there were those pesky problems of running an empire and juggling Roman lovers. But hey, you're the queen or emperor of your own house, so you deserve that ceiling fan in the bathroom. Relax, kick back and have your spouse or partner peel you a grape!

   
How do I build the right ceiling fan with a light kit?

Build Your Own Ceiling Fan

Ceiling Fan Guide: When you read the title for this tip, you probably dragged out your home improvement books, turned on the DIY or HGTV networks, and placed a call to Home Depot. Although you may need a little elbow grease to create your dream ceiling fan, you can have custom ceiling fans...without turning into Bob Vila or Martha Stewart or reading a ceiling fans guide. Many lighting and fans stores offer you the opportunity to customize a ceiling fan. Now, you can try out different downlighting or globe light kits, motor blades, and finishes online!

Tip: Fan blades should be 8 or 9 inches above the floor for safety and the most efficient air flow. Want a floral-motif bulb and motor blades for a little girl's room? Chances are that an in-store lighting consultant or a lighting store Web site can customize your fan for you. Lighting stores and Web sites will even let you customize Hunter ceiling fans, Casablanca fans, and Emerson ceiling fans. Don't forget to customize the light kit to fit the individual room. The options and choices should satisfy weekender DIY-ers and designing women.

   
I have modern casual decor, can I choose an elaborate ceiling fan?

Casual Decor, Dressed-Up Ceiling Fan

Ceiling Fan Guide: Casual decor suits you and the trend in lighting is informal, but you want to add some pizzazz and frills, especially if you have an older home. You don't have to go for high-tech-looking modern ceiling fans. Antique brass Casablanca fans or Emerson ceiling fans have elaborate finishes and elegant light kits that accent a casual living room or den the way a diamond pendant adds glamor to a business casual suit.

Big blades and multiple downlights draw the eye and make the fan a centerpiece of the room. Scrollwork and elaborate iron work add classic, antique or Victoriana flair. Make sure the rest of the decor complements the finish, and supplement the ceiling fan light with ambient or recessed lighting. Now you're putting on the ritz.

   
What should I do if my ceiling fan is wobbly?

Help! My Fan is Wobbly!

When a ceiling fan light is wobbly, the vibration can damage the fan and shorten its life -- not to mention irritate the people in the room by making extra noise. Fortunately, the cause is often something you can fix yourself:

  • First, try tightening the screws that hold the fixture to the electrical box. (You'll need a helper to hold the fan while you do this.)
  • One of the blades may be off balance. Try attaching a clothespin to a blade and turning the fan on at slow speed. If it still wobbles, move the clothespin to the next blade until you've tried them all. If the wobble stops when the clothespin is on one blade, you may need to attach small weights to that blade to balance the fan. You can buy a weight kit at a hardware store or just tape coins to the top of the blade.
  • Remove the blades and lay each one on a flat surface to see if it is warped. If one or more blades is warped, you can buy new ones at a home center or hardware store. Be sure to get the same size! Also, if you suspect moisture caused the blades to warp, check to see that the new ones are moisture-resistant.
  • If these steps don't work, consult an electrician to be sure your junction box and ceiling fan light wiring are securely installed.

   
What size ceiling fan light should I buy?

What Size Ceiling Fan?

The size of your ceiling fan lighting depends on the size of your room. Calculate the square footage of your room by multiplying the length by the width.

  • Up to 64 square feet: 32-inch fan
  • 65-144 square feet: 42-inch fan
  • 145-225 square feet: 44-inch fan
  • 226-400 square feet: 52-inch fan
  • 401-625 square feet: 60-inch fan
When the ceiling fan light fixture is installed, the lowest part of the fixture should be at least 7 feet above the floor, and fan blades should be at least 2.5 feet from the nearest wall.

   
How can I install a new ceiling fan?

Lighted Ceiling Fan Installation

Many ceiling fans are already pre-wired so that you can easily attach a light to them. After you select a lighted ceiling fan assemble any tools you need -- usually a screwdriver is enough -- and be sure the power to the ceiling fixture has been turned off. Instead of doing the work on a ladder, take the ceiling fan off the ceiling and assemble the ceiling fan light fixture on a table where it will be safer and more convenient. When connecting the wires, be sure to match black to black and white to white. When the ceiling fan with light has been reassembled, reattach it to the ceiling.

   
Why would I want to reverse the direction of my fan?

Ceiling Fans for Winter and Summer

Many people enjoy lighted ceiling fans in the summer. They provide cooling breezes while allowing people to enjoy fresh air, and they use less power than air conditioners. But did you know that ceiling fans can help keep your house warm in the winter?

This works best if you have high ceilings. Simply reverse the direction of your fan. Most ceiling fan lights have a switch that will let you do this, though you may need a yardstick or ladder to get at it.

Then turn the fan on at its lowest speed. Instead of pulling cool air up and into the center of the room, as it does in the summer, your fan is now pushing down the warm air that has gathered at the top of the room where no one can enjoy it.

   
What are some tips for buying the best lighted ceiling fan?

Fan Buying Tips

If you're in the market for a fan, consider these tips before buying one.

  • The steeper the angle of the blades, the more air they move. Ask to see fans in action, preferably in a smaller room than a showroom floor, if you're spending a lot to get the perfect one.
  • Check for a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, which measures the fan's power. Use this measurement, rather than the motor's power, to make a decision about which fan will give you the most air.
  • When looking at ceiling fan lights, keep your decor in mind. Down lights will provide the best direct lighting, while up lights will be more of an ambient glow.
  • Almost all lighted ceiling fans have reversible motors, but check to be sure.
  • For an extra touch of convenience, or for fans that will be hung far out of reach, look for a ceiling fan light switch with a remote control.

   
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