How to Install a Ceiling Fan in Your New York Home

Old ceiling fan not working after your move?

No one would blame you, after a cross-country move, if you decided to make your “how to install a ceiling fan” as short as: 1. Hire a professional. 2. Take a nap.

But believe it or not, putting up a fan in your new home is a simple job you can handle. Starting a garden might be a tad bit easier, but only because you don’t have to shut off a power supply. Just make sure you can carry the weight of your new ceiling fan. The average weight of a ceiling fan can weigh over 20 pounds! You’ll need two hours of time and a few common tools. This will be a breeze. If you have a condo, ceiling fan installation might be even easier. Just ask your HOA what they can do for you!

 

How to install a ceiling fan:

Part 1

  1. First, cut the power – The first step is a biggie. Go to the circuit breaker box and shut off the electricity to the room you’re working on before touching any wiring. Otherwise you’re in for a shock.
  2. Next, remove the old fixture – Use a ladder to reach the ceiling, screwdriver in hand. Hold the old fixture in place as you unscrew it. It should easily detach.
  3. After, disconnect the old fixture’s wires – Find the spot where the old fixture’s wires are held to the ones coming from the ceiling. Make sure the old fixture is supported by something other than the wires and begin removing the plastic connectors. Then lower the old fixture to the floor. (You shouldn’t need to cut wires or rewire anything.)
  4. Take out the old ceiling box – Do you see that circular metal fitting that other fixtures attach to? Look for the screws (or nails) holding it in place and remove them. (You might need a flashlight here.)

You’re making progress. The old fixture is gone. It’s time to install the ceiling fan that will grace your new home for years to come.

Part 2
Section A

  1. Ready? Next, let’s check out what’s left behind: Use a flashlight to peer into the hole in your ceiling where the new box will be installed. If you’re lucky, there will be a stud in sight. If not, buy an adjustable hanger bar that will hold taut between two joists. (Don’t try to hang a ceiling fan from drywall!) If the opening in the ceiling is directly below wooden framing, you can screw the fan box directly into that.
  2. After, prepare the ceiling – Cut around the hole in the ceiling to make sure it’s the right size. Hold the fan box up to the ceiling and trace around it. Use a drywall saw to cut away the excess until the fan box fits.
  3. Feed the cables – As you lift the new ceiling box into the ceiling, thread the wiring coming from the ceiling through the hole in the ceiling box.
  4. Hold everything in place – Fasten the box in place, whether it’s to a stud, a joist or a hanger bar. Although there’s no adventure in following the manufacturer’s instructions, it’s a good idea here.
  5. Attach the ceiling plate – Hold the ceiling plate or fan bracket up to the fan box and pull all the wires through the center. Use the provided screws to hold them tightly in place. Turn to the instructions again here, as methods for attaching plates and brackets can vary.

    Part 2

    Section B

  6. Attach the downrod to the fan body – Hopefully you’ve already purchased a fan that fits the room. Now it’s time to attach the downrod – the long metal pipe used to distance the fan from the ceiling – to the fan body. Thread the wires through the downrod, set it in place atop the fan body and tighten the screws around the downrod’s base until it is securely attached to the fan body.
  7. Lift up the fan – Grab that ladder again and carefully lift the fan assembly toward the ceiling. Bring in a helper if needed.
  8. Connect the neutral wires – Find the wires with white coverings. Hold the two neutral wires together and twist the stripped ends together. Use a plastic wire connector to hold them together, securing it with electrical tape.
  9. Connect the ground wires – Now look for wires that are green or bare. Twist them together and secure them.
  10. Connect the remaining wires – Any remaining wires will be hot wires, used to power the fan and lights. In most cases they’re black. Twist them together and secure them.
  11. Tuck the wires away – Carefully push the wires coming from the ceiling into the fan box to secure them. Make sure no wiring is left exposed.You’re almost done!

    Part 3

  12. Mount the fan – The canopy will lift up from the down rod and cover the wiring and socket that hold the fan in place. Screw the canopy to the fan box.
  13. Attach the blades – One by one, lift the fan blades up to their mountings. Secure them in place.
  14. Install light fixtures – If there are light fixtures on your fan’s underside, they should be simple to wire and secure.
  15. Finally, restore power – Return to your circuit breaker box and turn the power to the room back on. Then turn on the fan at the wall switch to ensure it’s working.

The final step involves sitting back and enjoying the satisfaction of a job well done. Sure, installing a fan yourself is a bit more work than calling in professional. But there are some jobs you can handle on your own.

Remember, strange shaped fans, such as orient ceiling fans with lights or those neon light ceiling fans might take additional information to set up.

When it comes to moving across the country, you’re best-off hiring pros like Charles Wood and Son Moving & Storage. When it comes to installing a ceiling fan, it’s safe to let those DIY juices flow. That is, after you’ve cut the power at the junction box.

Need help moving after installing your new fan?

If you’re looking for one of the best moving companies Suffolk County, you can count on Charles Wood and Son Moving & Storage. They can hook you up with a no obligation moving quote, either online or via phone at (800) 759-0505.