Ceiling Fan Installation – How to Install a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan cools a room by creating a flow of air that moves downward from the blades. This flow of air reduces the temperature in a room by evaporating moisture and absorbing heat, making it feel about 10° cooler. When the blades rotate in the winter, they create a low-pressure zone that draws cool air from below the fan and pushes it upward. In this way, a ceiling fan helps you save energy.

To install a ceiling fan, you must first run an electrical wire from the junction box to your fan. If the area above your room is accessible, it’s best to connect your fan to its own circuit (rather than sharing a common circuit with other lights or appliances). When running wires from above, be sure to use UL-Listed 14- or 12-gauge insulated wiring.

Before you start working, turn off power at the circuit breaker to prevent the potential for shock or fire. Also, clear any dust and debris from your work space to keep your ladder stable as you work.

Start by removing any existing light fixtures and bulbs from your ceiling. Then, if possible, use a ladder that can reach the ceiling where you want to install your new fan. Remove any retaining nuts or screws that hold the existing fixture to the junction box. Then, carefully unscrew the wire nuts that hold the wires together.

Next, take your existing fan motor and follow its installation guide to match up the wiring with your house wiring. Most fans come with a set of instructions that include color-coded wire pairings (black to black, white to white, and green or bare copper to ground). Finally, connect the new wires to the ceiling and then to the fan.