Improving Home-Energy Efficiency by Installing a Ceiling Fan

Experts say a ceiling fan can save up to 40 percent on your summer cooling costs, and up to 10 percent during the winter heating season.

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In summer, ceiling fans cool the room by creating a "wind chill effect." For example, if you had a ceiling fan in a room that was 85 degrees, the fan would make the room feel like 78 degrees. During colder weather, by using the 'reverse' setting the ceiling fan saves energy by circulating hot air that rises to the ceiling and blowing it back down into the room.

Safety Alert: Before beginning the installation, make sure the power to the receptacle is turned of at the main switch box. Consider using a voltage tester to ensure that the power is off.

Materials and Tools:
ceiling fan kit
screwdriver
voltage tester

Steps:

Remove existing fixture.
Once the fixture has been lowered out of the way, you may want to take the extra precaution of using a voltage tester to be confirm that the power has been turned off to the receptacle.

Remove the old light bracket, and replace it with the new ceiling-fan bracket.

In our demonstration, we installed a fan that uses a receiving unit for an optional remote control. The remote eliminates the need to have pull-chains hanging from the fixture, and incorporates a dimmer feature. Install the wireless radio receiver into the switch housing so that it can be connected into the existing wiring according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Assemble the fan body, canopy and the support rod assembly. The down-rod attaches to the motor, and sets in place using secure pins and set screws.

Lift the assembly over the open side of the bracket and set it in place.

Make the electrical connections, wiring the fan to the receiver. If you're not comfortable doing electrical wiring, don't hesitate to call in an electrician to help you with this.

Raise the canopy up to the ceiling to cover the receiver and wires and fasten it with screws.

Assemble the blades and blade carriers. The blades simply attach to their brackets with screws.

Mount the blades to the bottom of the motor.

Install light fixture to the switch housing. The manufacturer of the fan will provide specific instructions for the electrical wiring.

Finally, lift the light fixture into place, and secure it to the motor assembly.

Install the decorative light shades and bulbs.

Turn the power back on, and test your fan's operation.

Operating Tip: Locate the reverse switch on the fan housing, which will be used to reverse the direction of the fan to help disperse warmer air during winter months.

Energy-Saving Tip: There's something to be aware of when you shop for a ceiling fan, or any other energy related product — the Energy Star Label. This logo means that the product has met the energy savings standards put out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It's an easy way to tell if the product is energy efficient.