Typically, if your ceiling fan is wobbly, rattling, humming, or barely moves any air, then it’s usually because your fan is getting worn out. If newly installed, its size might not be compatible with the square footage of your room or, possibly, it wasn’t mounted and wired properly.
Northern Arizona Electrical Solutions (NAES) specializes in helping homeowners throughout Flagstaff upgrade their ceiling fans to improve airflow, reduce noise, and create a cleaner, more modern look that matches today’s homes.
NAES can replace an old ceiling fan, install a new fan where there was only a light fixture, or troubleshoot a fan that is not working properly. We take care of the wiring, mounting, and testing, so you can be sure your home is both comfortable and safe.
When a Ceiling Fan Upgrade Makes Sense
Many homeowners live with little inconveniences until they become even larger issues. The fan that wobbles every time it runs or the pull chain that only works sometimes are good examples of this.
Issues like these are caused by loose mounting, faulty components, or improperly wired connections. Other known fan problems include the fan’s size not being proportional to the room in which it’s installed, that the blades have a poor pitch, or that the unit is not properly placed within the room to create adequate airflow (near air conditioning vents, for example).
You may also want to upgrade to a more efficient, reliable fan that offers remote controlled speed changes and light, the ability to reverse directions for seasonal comfort, and one that matches your room’s decor.
Fan Replacement Versus New Fan Installation
Replacing a ceiling fan is fairly easy, especially if you know what you’re doing. However, there are times when extra planning and preparation are required.
For example, if you have a basic light fixture and want to convert it into a ceiling fan, this takes a little bit of creative thinking to figure out how to run the wiring. If the room never had overhead wiring before, this means you’ll likely need new wiring into the room – connecting power to the fan and a control switch on the wall.
If you intend to install multiple ceiling fans, we’ll need to make sure there’s enough power available to operate both fans (if using two fans in the same room).
Many of our customers are home owners in Flagstaff and surrounding communities who are looking to add ceiling fans to their bedrooms, living rooms, entertainment or great rooms, as even covered patios to help stay cool on warmer days.
Safety & Electrical Details Homeowners Often Miss
A ceiling fan is much more than a light fixture with blades; how it is mounted to the ceiling and how you secure it is important. The electrical box has to be fan rated and must be fastened securely to the ceiling joists so that it doesn’t become loosened over time.
A good installer will always check the fan for proper balance. By performing a stability check and addressing issues, you won’t have to deal with any annoying wobbling, noise, or vibrations of the fan blades.
Experts, like NAES, make sure your new fan has clean and secure wiring connections, that it’s grounded properly, and that it’s tested at all speeds to ensure it operates smoothly and as intended.
When dealing with Flagstaff’s older homes, or sometimes rooms that have been renovated or added-on by do-it-yourselfers, we often run into smaller or incorrectly installed boxes. This, in addition to seeing loose fasteners and often downright faulty wiring (which may not be designed for the load) are serious safety concerns we check for and correct.
Controls & Comfort Options
The days of merely having an [ON] or [OFF] switch to operate your fan are gone and replaced with smart ceiling fans with features that let you adjust direction, lighting, and speed with your phone (anywhere you have an internet connection.
Standard installations include independent controls for both the fan and light, wall controls with adjustable speed settings, or remotes that can be used from anywhere in the room, including from bed (so you don’t have to get out from under the covers!).
Some ceiling fan setups allow a dedicated fan control plus a separate dimmer for the light. Others require compatible components so the fan runs quietly and the light dims and operates properly.
When selecting smart controls, timers, and upgraded switches, it’s important to choose the correct type of control for the ceiling fan motor and the light kit. Something NAES is happy to assist you with.
Where Ceiling Fans Add the Most Value in a Home
Ceiling fans can make a room feel noticeably more comfortable by keeping air moving. For example, many people like bedrooms a bit cooler, and steady airflow from a ceiling fan can make it easier to sleep.
When using ceiling fans in rooms with high or vaulted ceilings, this can actually help create a better circulation path for air. This means the fan tends to move air more evenly down from the top of the room where warm air is located.
Ceiling fans can help kitchens and dining areas feel more comfortable when the room heats up from cooking and or where a lot of people tend to gather. That steady airflow can make it more comfortable for people to gather and stay comfortable during meals and get-togethers. Keep in mind, you probably don’t want the fan to cool your food when having a hot meal.
Ceiling fans in your home office are a must-have for many who work-at-home to keep you cool throughout your work day.
Covered patios or outdoor living areas can be an excellent place to add a ceiling fan. Just make sure the fan is designed for exterior or damp rated areas and is properly installed to avoid water damage.
What the NAES Process Looks Like
Before tackling a small electrical project at a homeowner’s property, we briefly discuss the scope. When installing a fan, we want to know the specific room size, its intended use, the current configuration of the ceiling fan (if replacing an old one), and any existing wiring.
While on-site, we assess the aforementioned items and also inspect your:
- Electrical fuse box
- Wiring condition
- Wall switch(es) location
- Ceiling height
- Lighting requirements
- Positioning of the fan (for new installations)
Whether you want to replace your existing ceiling fan, transition from a light fixture to a ceiling fan, or require a more complex installation (such as smart home configuration), NAES is the right company to get the job done right.
We don’t sign-off until conducting a complete test of the fan’s operation – speed, rotation, and lights. We also check the fan for stability and balance, so that it runs wobble-free. Finally, we provide you with instructions for controlling and maintaining your new ceiling fan!
6 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the questions we get asked the most about in relation to ceiling fans and installing them. If you don’t see your question answers, please reach out directly!
Can you install a ceiling fan where I only have a light fixture?
Yes. In many cases it will depend on how you’re mounting it and what type of electrical box you have (is it a fan rated box?). You will also need to use a fan light switch if it has a remote control option for use in combination with a light kit.
Can I keep my current switch or add separate controls for the fan and light?
In most cases, yes. The best option for you will depend on how your wiring is set up and what type of fan you have chosen. Many customers prefer separate controls so they have the option to run their fan without turning on the lights or dimming their lighting without changing the speed of the fan.
Why does my fan wobble even after I tighten the screws?
Fan wobble is not necessarily from a loose screw; it can come from an improper mount, a non fan rated box, improper blade alignment, an imbalance in the blades, or from vibration that is being transferred from the bracket to the fan.
Can you install ceiling fans on high or vaulted ceilings?
Yes. The right mounting method and downrod length can play an important role in stabilizing and maximizing airflow for these larger spaces, such as great rooms, where warm air commonly rises to the peak of the room.
Can you troubleshoot a fan that randomly shuts off, hums, or has a flickering light?
Yes. If you notice any of the above symptoms, they may be related to the fan itself, to a compatibility issue with the fan controls, to a connection that is not firmly placed in its position, or to a house wiring problem. Conducting a thorough troubleshooting process will help you identify the source of the issue and correct it.
Do you handle multiple fan upgrades in one visit?
Yes. If you’re updating multiple locations, we can plan the installation to allow for the greatest consistency and efficiency across all areas.
Get a Ceiling Fan Installation Estimate Today
If you are considering an upgrade to an existing ceiling fan or installing multiple fans in various rooms of your home, NAES is here to help you with project planning and safe, clean installations.
Please contact us to request a free estimate or to schedule a consultation, and let us know which rooms you would like to better cool or improve airflow in.
If you have an immediate need for electrical service, we also provide 24/7 emergency response services. Contact NAES today for quality electrician services in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.
