In the Inspector's Notebook, inspector Tim Hockenberry takes a closer look at one of the problems found in the home inspection. Ah the joys of a cool breeze. Ceiling fans are great. They are some of the best money spent to improve existing heating and air conditioning systems. However, in San Carlos, our house detective discovered a wobbly ceiling fan. This creates a problem for our homeowners because an improperly installed ceiling fan can fall down and you know what that means. Ceiling fans should be mounted to a braced box.
There is a standard ceiling fixture box and a braced box. A standard ceiling fixture box is used to support ceiling lights and a braced box is used to support a fan. You need this braced box because of the fan's weight and vibration.
Do-it-yourself fan installation includes locating a truss or rafter, appropriate electrical wiring, and installation of a braced ceiling fan box.
When mounting or removing a fan, balance is critical. You can use weights, adjust the blades or talk to the manufacturer for recommendations. Fan blades must be a minimum of seven feet off the ground. For high ceilings, use long down rods to help stabilize the fan and reduce the potential for wobble.
Remember, proper installation of ceiling fans can improve the appearance and year -round comfort of your home.
