How to Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan Step-By-Step
When it comes to making a simple addition to your home that can provide comfort, aesthetic value, and additional lighting, installing an outdoor ceiling fan is a great move. An outdoor ceiling fan can provide relaxing breezes and lighting to outdoor living spaces that are exposed to the elements. At Right Electrical Services, LLC, we specialize in ceiling fan installation services that make adding this attractive fixture simple and straightforward. Still, we know that many of you may have questions about how to install an outdoor ceiling fan. Today, we’ll be walking you through the process step-by-step.
With spring just around the corner, we can expect temperatures to rise soon. If you want to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest, an outdoor ceiling fan can make all the difference. Our electricians believe that an outdoor ceiling fan is a perfect complement to your rocking chair and favorite book. With this outdoor appliance, you’ll be able to remain comfortable all day long in your outdoor sanctuary- even on the hottest days of the year! We invite you to remember these important steps when installing your outdoor ceiling fan.
Looking for professionals who can take care of the installation for you? Give us a call at (919) 359-1017 or request an appointment online today!
Choosing an Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Before you install an outdoor ceiling fan, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right fan for your space. Maybe you’ve found the perfect ceiling fan for your tastes only to discover that it’s designed to be used indoors. Even in the event that your outdoor space is well-covered, we’d ask you to reconsider this choice.
Specifically, you should know that outdoor ceiling fans are designed to withstand the elements. Typically, these fans are equipped with ABS (all-weather) blades, as well as a motor with a waterproof seal. You should only select an outdoor ceiling fan that displays either a “damp” or “wet” rating as a “dry” rating means your fan will not do well when exposed to the elements.
Want even more helpful information on how to choose the best ceiling fan? Check out our article, “How to Choose a Ceiling Fan: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide“!
The Perks of Calling a Licensed Electrician
Once you’ve chosen the perfect outdoor ceiling fan for your space, you might wonder whether you should install it yourself or call a licensed electrician. Handling the electrical wiring behind your ceiling fan is a daunting task. After all, you’ll need to mount the electrical box before running the wiring from a nearby power source, such as the main breaker or an outlet.
If you find that you’re uncomfortable handling these all-important tasks, feel free to call a licensed electrician. While some homeowners may feel comfortable taking on this task as a DIY project, there’s no need to handle this on your own if you’re uncomfortable. Our Raleigh electricians will install your outdoor ceiling fan in a matter of minutes so that you can enjoy it with greater peace of mind!
How to Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan Step-by-Step
Once you’ve chosen the right outdoor ceiling fan, it’s time to install it! In this section, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, providing a thorough explanation of each task. We’re sure that after reading these steps, you’ll feel more confident about the process.
Step 1: Install a Support Brace
The first thing you’ll want to do is install a support brace for your outdoor fan. Outdoor ceiling fans use weather-resistant materials that are specifically designed to keep moisture from finding its way into the motor and other critical electrical components. With the electricity turned off, remove the existing light fixture. You will then install a support brace to be attached to the electrical junction box.
Your outdoor ceiling fan should have come with a brace. Replacing the existing brace with the sturdier one provided with your fan will ensure that your ceiling fan has all of the proper support it needs. As a pro tip, we highly recommend taking the time to install the fan blades before hooking the fan onto the bracket. This will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Step 2: Reconnect the Wires
Next, you’ll want to reconnect your fan’s wiring. This is done using weight strips to balance the blades, reduce wobbling, and improve the overall efficiency of your ceiling fan. It should also be noted that many outdoor ceiling fans also come with remotes that allow you to easily adjust the fan’s speed from a distance for added convenience.
Step 3: With the Fan Fully Assembled, Turn On the Power to Your Fan
Finally, you’ll want to take the time to switch the power on to your fan. This is a critical moment as you’ll want to watch closely for any unwanted wobbling. With this considered, we highly recommend turning your fan on to the highest setting to confirm that there aren’t any problems with stability. This will provide great peace of mind that your ceiling fan is properly fastened to the ceiling.
Important Outdoor Ceiling Fan Tips to Keep in Mind
Now that you know how to install an outdoor ceiling fan step-by-step, we have a few important tips for you to keep in mind:
- Choose a Ceiling Fan With Less Than Five Blades: When installing an outdoor ceiling fan, it goes without saying that you want optimal cooling power. Contrary to what you may believe, long, skinny blades offer more cooling potential than larger, wider blades. When there are fewer blades and more space between each blade, there is far more space for air to be drawn through.
- Check the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan: You’ll want to make sure that your ceiling fan rotates counter-clockwise. With this direction utilized, air will be forced down and this increases efficiency and the amount of air that reaches you as you lounge in your outdoor space.
- A Downrod is Your Best Friend: In the event that your outdoor space has high ceilings, you’ll want to consider using a downrod for your ceiling fan system. When using a downrod, airflow is less restricted as the ceiling fan is positioned farther from the ceiling. Don’t forget this important tip if you want to get the most out of your outdoor ceiling fan!
Outdoor Ceiling Fan Installation in Raleigh, NC
We hope that this step-by-step guide to installing an outdoor ceiling fan has been helpful to you. As always, we encourage you to give us a call anytime to help with your ceiling fan installation. Our licensed Raleigh electricians are on standby to help!
Call us today at (919) 359-1017 and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you!
Renee Rose
Renee is a freelance copywriter and blogger known for her expertise surrounding topics like marketing, freelancing, mental health, and more. She has written for hundreds of small business websites and is the Marketing Director here at Right Electrical Services, LLC. Renee believes that when a business prioritizes entertaining, engaging, and informational content for their readers, they can expect a loyal following that trusts their company.
