Why Should You Hire An Electrician To Install Your Ceiling Fan?
Ceiling fans can be wonderful additions to your home. They can improve many aspects of your house from its comfort to its energy-efficiency. However, whether you need to replace an old ceiling fan with one that is more modern and functional, or if you are hoping to add a ceiling fan to an area in the home that has no light fixture or ceiling fan installed, the job is one that should be done by a licensed electrician. If you are in Kitchener, Ontario, or any of the surrounding areas, we hope to give you several convincing reasons for why you should hire a professional for your installation project.
Reasons for Installing Ceiling Fans
There are many reasons to choose to install a ceiling fan. Some homeowners want to upgrade their old fan with one that is more energy-efficient or that fits the aesthetic better. Other homeowners want to convert an overhead light fixture into a ceiling fan. Still, others want to add one to a blank portion of the ceiling. In all three of these scenarios, homeowners are looking to improve the comfort of their homes. Here are some of the many benefits of installing a new ceiling fan.
They Have Cost and Energy Benefits
Many people wonder if the cost benefits of installing a ceiling fan are significant enough to be worth the trouble and expense of installation. After all, ceiling fans cannot actually lower the temperature of the room in the same way that a forced-air system would. However, when used correctly, a ceiling fan can make the occupants of a room feel much cooler by lowering the temperature on the skin. (To experience the full benefits and to save energy, ceiling fans should only be turned on when someone is in the room.)
When a ceiling fan is on, the temperature on the thermostat can be set several degrees higher than it would otherwise need to be set without compromising the comfort of the residents in the home. This means that the air conditioner won’t have to run for as many hours per day. Not only does this save on monthly energy costs, but it also helps to extend the lifespan of the HVAC and minimize repair and maintenance costs from constant use.
They Are Attractive
There are so many designs to choose from when deciding on a ceiling fan that fits your space. From conservative models to units that are downright glamorous, you are limited only by how much you want to spend on your improvement. Adding a ceiling fan to your room will not only increase the functionality and comfort of that room, but it will also add depth and attractiveness and will help to break up the monotony of a bare ceiling.
They Add Value to the Home
Because of their beauty and their many uses in the home, ceiling fans are a coveted feature in many homes. Adding a high-quality ceiling fan is a fast and easy way to instantly boost the value of your home. In fact, many home improvement experts list ceiling fans as one of their top ten ways to increase the value of your home without spending a fortune.
They Have Versatility
Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans are not just for hot weather. They can be extremely effective in cold weather as well. By redistributing the hot and cold air ceiling fans can make the air closer to the ground more comfortable by pushing hot air down. Many ceiling fans have the option to run the fan in the opposite direction to help during the winter months.
Ceiling fans are also a good way to improve air quality. Although they cannot remove pollutants from the air, they can help to push smoke or any other unwanted pollutants out of an open window and they can help to make the air fresher.
Reasons to Hire an Electrician to Install Ceiling Fan
Many homeowners with a penchant for DIY home improvement might wonder if ceiling fan installation is something they can do by themselves. However, an online video tutorial is not enough to learn everything you need to know for a safe and effective installation. Here are our top reasons for hiring an electrician for your installation project.
Hiring an Electrician is Safer
Undertaking any type of electrical installation or repair without prior education, training, and experience carries with it the risk of electrical shock, electrical injuries, and faulty wiring. In addition to the electrical dangers, there is also the risk of a fall from the ladder or of dropping the fan during installation. Not only this but mounting the fan incorrectly without the right support can also lead to a wobbly fan that can come loose from the ceiling and fall.
Electricians spend a lot of time in apprenticeship learning how to safely perform installations. Attempting a ceiling installation without the right experience is dangerous and this should be your primary consideration. Your safety and the safety of your family members is much more important than saving a few dollars on labor.
Hiring an Electrician Guarantees Correct Wiring
There are numerous things that can go wrong when installing the wiring for a ceiling fan. Wires can be loose or improperly connected which can lead to sparks and risk of an electrical fire. In addition, the gauge of wire needed for a typical light fixture is different than the wires which are needed for a ceiling fan. The wiring inside the home often needs to be changed to ensure the proper functionality of the fan. Hiring an electrician guarantees that none of these problems occur during or after installation. You do not want to have to pay for a ceiling fan repair shortly after installation.
Hiring an Electrician Guarantees the Right Ceiling Box
The ceiling box is an unseen part of the ceiling fan that attaches the fan to the inside of the ceiling. There is not a “one size fits all” ceiling box. In fact, it is extremely important to purchase the right one for your ceiling fan to keep the ceiling fan from becoming loose, falling, and injuring someone beneath the fan. Your electrician will know which ceiling box to choose for your new ceiling fan and will be able to expertly install it to ensure safety.
Hiring an Electrician Protects Your Home and Assets
Installing a new ceiling fan requires cutting a perfectly sized hold in the ceiling to hold the ceiling box securely. Electricians have the right tools and expertise to cut the hole with accuracy and to make sure the ceiling looks flawless after the job is done. By doing the installation yourself, you risk creating too large of a hole in your ceiling which, in the best-case scenario, will be unsightly, and, in the worst case will result in expensive repairs or unsafe operation.
Hiring an Electrician Will Save Money
It is undeniable that when you hire an electrician for your installation, a good portion of your money will go towards labor costs. However, what you are paying for is valuable and will save a lot of time and money in the long run. DIY installation of ceiling fans is often a much bigger and more complex project than may people realize. After multiple return trips to the store to pick up missing parts or to return incorrect parts, and after many hours of troubleshooting to figure out why the lights aren’t turning on or the fan is wobbling, you may find that the cost of paying for the labor quickly pays for itself. Most professional installations are done within a day, and many only take a couple of hours to complete.
If you are looking to add something in your home that will improve your quality of life while also adding to the visual appeal and value of your home, installing a ceiling fan is a great choice. Ceiling fans do not cost an exorbitant amount of money when compared to other home improvements but they can make a huge difference. Not only will it help you to keep your energy costs low and the quality of your air high, but it will also bring unique beauty to space.
There are many home improvement tasks that are easy, fun, and worthwhile to do by yourself. Taking on DIY projects as a family can strengthen family bonds and give you a sense of pride in your own home. However, there are certain tasks that are dangerous to do without proper education and training. Unless a family member is an electrician, electrical projects should be performed by a professional due to the inherent risks. Electricians in the Kitchener and Ontario areas are extensively trained in safety practices to keep both themselves and their customers safe. If you are considering a new ceiling fan for your home, you should contact a local electrician to find out more about how a ceiling fan can add to your home’s comfort and charm.