How to Replace a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are a welcome addition to any room, providing a source of light, circulation, and warm or cool air, at the flip of a switch. Depending on the type, and style of fan you choose, they can add a pleasing, visual element to your living space, but there's more to choosing the right fan than just looks. Adequate sizing makes all the difference to performance and comfort, while proper installation methods allow for the safe and efficient operation of your ceiling fan. When it comes time to replace your existing fan, whether for technical, or aesthetic reasons, professional installation is recommended, as the warning signs and potential issues may not be immediately apparent.

For quality, reliable ceiling fan replacement, or repair, give us a call at (866) 238-3243, or contact Hoffman Electrical & A/C online. 

Choosing Your Replacement Fan

Before purchasing a new ceiling fan, carefully consider your options, ensuring the fan you choose is the right size for the room. Use the following guidelines, keeping in mind that blade spans can range anywhere from 24 to 80 inches across, with 52 inches being the most popular size.

• In rooms up to 75 square feet the suggested fan size is between 29 and 36 inches.
• For rooms between 75 and 144 square feet, choose a fan between 36 and 42 inches.
• In rooms between 144 and 225 square feet, choose a fan between 44 and 50 inches.
• For rooms 225 to 400 square feet, choose a fan between 50 and 54 inches.

Large scale fans are available for great rooms, or those with particularly high ceilings, with blade spans between 60 and 80 inches.

Decide how you would like to control the ceiling fan, as options can range between a pull-chain, remote control, or wall switch, though not every option will be available for every model.

A How-To Guide to Ceiling Fan Replacement

Before installing the new ceiling fan, you'll need to remove the old one, using the following steps:

1. Turn off the power to the fan at the main fuse or circuit box, as well as any wall switches. Verify there is no power to the unit by using a circuit tester before proceeding.
2. If the ceiling fan has a light, it may have dual switch wiring, with one set for the light, and the other for the fan—if so, mark the wires so you can easily identify them for the new installation. NOTE: If the new ceiling fan doesn't have a light, you'll need to trim off the bare part of the wires that control the light, place wire connectors on the ends, and wrap with electrical tape.
3. Disconnect all wires, and remove the existing ceiling fan, having an assistant support the fan as you work.
4. Once the fan has been removed, inspect the ceiling box, to ensure it's rated for use with ceiling fans, indicated somewhere inside the box, along with a fan-weight rating. The box itself should be securely fastened to a solid ceiling beam, and grounded.
5. In the event that a new electrical box is needed, or the wiring or ceiling support is incorrect or inadequate, a trained, certified electrician can ensure the necessary steps will be taken to protect your home and its occupants from harm.
6. Install the new ceiling fan in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.

Keep in mind that it’s crucial your ceiling fan is installed correctly! You don’t want it to come crashing down—causing injury and destruction in your Florida home!

When it's time to replace, or repair, your existing ceiling fan, call on the experts at Hoffman Electrical & A/C to complete the job. A fan that is inadequately fastened, or improperly wired, poses a number of threats including fire, or injury from falling blades or fan assembly.

Why Choose Hoffman Electrical & A/C for Ceiling Fan Installation?

Family owned and operated since 1989, Hoffman Electrical & A/C provides high quality electrical craftsmanship. With over 25 years of industry experience, our professionally trained and licensed electrical technicians can help solve any electrical issue in your Tampa or St. Petersburg home. We offer:

• Up-front, fixed pricing
• Written warranties
• Hoffman Signature Savings Club
• And more!

Call Hoffman Electrical & A/C at (866) 238-3243 or contact us online to schedule your ceiling fan installation in Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg, FL!