Installing Your Own Ceiling Fan is a Cost-Effective Way to Beat the Summer Heat

For the majority of homes across the United States, ceiling fans serve a fundamental purpose to keep us cool year-round while preserving energy costs. One of the most overlooked summer home renovations — and one of the top home improvement projects that can be accomplished over the weekend — is installing ceiling fans.

The evolution of the ceiling fan has also seen them go from eyesores to designer pieces that can compliment any room. Essentially, the addition of a good ceiling fan can not only spruce up a room, but also make it more energy efficient.  Ceiling fans come in a variety of decorative styles and colors, and can be purchased at low costs, but homeowners should seek ceiling fans that are Energy Star-rated.

To install your own ceiling fan, follow these SIX simple steps from the DIY Network:

Second:   Install a Support Brace.  Put up a support brace between the ceiling joists where you want the fan, because fans can weigh up to 50 pounds. If your ceiling is covered with drywall, you’ll need to access the joists through the attic to attach the support brace. If you’re attaching the fan where a light has already been, that’s all you need to do. But if it’s a new area, you’ll then need to cut a piece of drywall the size of your electrical box from the ceiling, so that you attach an electrical box to house the fan.

Third: Add the Fan Bracket. After taking the old light off, add the ceiling-fan bracket, simply screwing it into the electrical box with a couple of screws.

Fourth: Identify the Wiring and Install the Motor. Identify the wiring that is coming out of the electrical box. In this case, I’m working with a bare copper ground wire, the black “hot” wire and the white neutral wire. They will supply electricity to the fan. There’s also a green ground wire that goes to the fan itself. Put the fan motor in by slipping the swivel ball into the bracket.