Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling Fan Installation

This year we’ve seen record-breaking heat throughout the Seattle Tacoma Area. One easy way to beat the heat and maintain a comfortable home year round is by installing a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are easy to install and keep you from relying too much on your air conditioner or furnace. If you’re considering installing a new ceiling fan or replacing an old one, let our team at Lifetime Heating & Cooling help!

Choosing the Right One

Ceiling fans can be installed in place of an older one or light fixture. It’s important to make sure the ceiling fan you install is the right size for the room you decide to put it in. Having the right measurements helps us ensure that the room receives proper air flow from the fan.

As a rule of them, the underside of the fan should be 7 feet or more above the floor. Fan blades ought to be a minimum of 30 inches away from walls, furniture, or other obstacles to avoid collision.

Maintaining Your Ceiling Fan

Once you have a ceiling fan installed proper maintenance is crucial to keeping it in tip-top shape for as long as possible!

There are also things you can do to get the most out of your fan.

• Keep Things Clean

 Dust that builds up over time can settle on your fan blades. This uneven distribution of weight can cause your fan to wobble, which inhibits optimum airflow and can be dangerous in the long-run. Dust that finds its way into the mechanisms of the motor can cause your fan to squeak. Luckily, cleaning your fan is simple. Lay down a drop cloth (an old newspaper will do) to catch any dust or debris. In a bucket, mix up some soapy water. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture, wring it out, and gently wipe each blade. Since with a clean cloth, and dry with a different clean cloth.

• Changing Blade Direction 

You may not know it, but the way your ceiling fans turn can change the way that air flows.  For hot summer months, blades should spin in a counterclockwise direction. This creates a downward flow of air that cools the room and you.

In the fall, fan blades should spin the opposite direction (clockwise). This sucks colder air up and pushes warm air down, circulating the air so that heat is evenly distributed to the room.

You can find the switch to change blade direction on your fan’s motor housing.

• Routine Maintenance 

Just like with your car, routine maintenance can help mitigate issues before they get out of hand. Every three months is a good rule of thumb. Take note of the mounting and whether it’s wobbling, and tighten all screws to fix any wobbling issues. Blades that are out of alignment can also cause wobbling. If this isn’t fixed, blades can become damaged or bent.

If you’re ready to install or replace your ceiling fan, let our team at Lifetime Heating and Cooling help! Request an estimate today.