Today I’m sharing something I’ve been wanting to share for a while… How to install a ceiling fan!!! This is such a great skill to have, and it’ll save you hundreds of dollars. Our electrician charges $120 per hour, so we’re saving at least that for each one I install, if not more.
Lighting is such a great way to upgrade a room too. I got this boujee pink ceiling fan from Hunter Fan Co. and it really made the room feel more modern and FUN!
Tools Needed:
- Step ladder
- Electrical tester
- Wire cutters
- Drill
- Screwdriver
click the picture above to shop!
Step 1: Turn off breaker and test wires with an electrical tester
This is definitely the most important step! ALWAYS double check your wires with an electrical tester once they are exposed, too.
Step 2: Remove old fan
This should be pretty straightforward. First remove the fan blades, and then remove the actual fan. Typically they’ll just twist off, but each one is different! Then you’re left with the mounting bracket, and you’ll need to remove that too. The new fan will come with its own mounting bracket.
Unscrew the wire nuts to disconnect the wires, and save the nuts for the new fan.
Step 3: Assemble fan according to directions & connect wires
This was always the most intimidating part for me.. until I learned that it’s pretty simple! First, you’ll screw in the mounting bracket. Then, follow the directions on the fan for assembly. In my experience, the “ball” on the end of the down rod will hang from the mounting bracket. This allows the fan to have some play if it’s not properly balanced.
Hot tip: if your fan motor has holes in the top, be sure to cover them with painters tape prior to screwing everything together. I have made the mistake of losing a screw in the motor and had to disassemble the entire fan to find it.. NOT ideal!
Your wires will vary depending on whether you have a wall switch for the fan and the light or just the light, but typically it’s just connecting:
Black –> Black
White –> White
Green & Copper –> Green
Red –> Blue
You’ll most likely need to trim the ceiling fan wires with wire cutters so that they fit in the cap as well.
Step 4: Attach fan blades, turn the fan breaker (power) back on, and balance the fan
Your fan should come with little weights that can be attached to the fan blades. Balancing the fan is important to eliminate noise / hazard if it’s off kilter.
There you have it! I hope you learned how to install a ceiling fan and feel more confident next time you want to update a room!
Wow… I’m impressed. When we come to do ceiling fan installations here in Roseville, most people don’t even want to learn how to install one, but you are doing well. One thing to note is to wrap and put all the wire nuts inside the electrical box. That way it is a super clean install. Congratulations on getting your nursery ready!