Besides stylish lighting, ceiling fans can add a whole new charm to your room if installed correctly. Nowadays, there is a broad spectrum of ceiling fan designs you can choose from.
Of course, each varies in price and configuration. Typically, the most stylish the design, the more costly the ceiling fan would be. Not to mention, ceiling fans also provide excellent serviceability, especially in hot areas.
They keep the room cool as well as offer a tranquil ambiance for relaxation. Moreover, there are fans uniquely designed for both summer and winter use. So, if you don’t have a ceiling fan, it’s high time you consider installing one.
Nonetheless, installing a ceiling fan can be scary due to the massive costs involved. But the costs should not agitate you since the end benefits are all worth it.
Should I remove my light fixture to install a ceiling fan?
Well, you need not get rid of the light fixture when you want to install a ceiling fan.
However, if you wish to install the ceiling fan where the light fixture exists, you must remove it. Doing this will cost you time, effort, and money, but this should not be a reason to stop you.
Suppose you live in a sweltering area to the point you can’t sleep at night; consider replacing your bedroom light with a ceiling fan.
So, how do you do this?
How to replace bedroom light with ceiling fan
Here is the best process to follow;
Step 1: Get rid of the bedroom light fixture
The first step would be to remove the existing bedroom lighting fixture. But before you do this, make sure that the main power source is off to boost safety.
Removing any lighting fixture while the power is on is only a recipe for disaster. You can burn yourself and the entire household. Use a robust screwdriver to unscrew the light from the ceiling.
As you do this, the lighting fixture will start becoming loose and expose all the inbuilt wires. Separate the wires from the fixture using appropriate equipment to avoid damaging them.
A DIY project for replacing your lighting fixture with a ceiling fan can be dangerous. It would be best if you hire a professional to install the ceiling fan for you.
Step 2: Remove the electrical box and create a new whole
After uninstalling the lighting fixture, get rid of the electrical box on the ceiling.
Do this carefully to prevent any accidental damages. Use a flat bar if the electrical box is fixed to a joist.
Once you get rid of the electrical box, use a drywall saw to cut a new hole. During this process, you will notice that a lot of sawdust will get produce.
So, electricians always advise that you hold a vacuum cleaner besides the saw so that it can trap all the dust.
Step 3: Install another electrical box
Needless to say, you will need a new electrical box to support a ceiling fan. So, purchase an electrical box that matches and functions with your specific type of ceiling fan.
Then, start installing it in the cut hole. Place the box gently into the hole and use enough force to push it into the wall. Connect the box with the joist using robust screws.
After you fix it firmly on the wall, cover the copper wire with the box and let its end drape downwards.
Step 4: Install the ceiling medallion
After you fix the electrical box into the cut hole, use the bond to attach the ceiling medallion. One of the most recommended bond products you can use is made from urethane.
When doing this, the first layer the ceiling medallion with an adhesive. Then, ensure all wires fall above the medallion.
Find the appropriate position where you can place the medallion and press it in. As you secure the medallion with 6D nails, the adhesive will prevent it from falling.
Once you finish fixing the medallion using screws, use caulk to set the nail heads.
Step 5: Fix the ceiling plate
Take the ceiling fan plate and gather all the wires at the center. Press the ceiling plate onto the electrical box and connect it using long screws.
Today, there are many ceiling fan designs. So, always consult your manufacturer on the best screws to use for installation. But, often, 1.5 inches screws work for most ceiling fans.
Additionally, you have to note that you have to do so before installing the ceiling fan plate if you plan to design your medallion.
Step 6: Prepare and install the fan
Once you install the ceiling plate, it’s now time to start organizing the fan components. First, you have to assemble the wires and ensure they are at the center of the canopy.
Encompass the hollow down rod pipe using the wires and position the rod pipe above the motor.
Note that the rod pipe contains a coating that helps it stay secure and firm. So, don’t remove this coating.
Step 7: Join the necessary wires
Connect the ceiling plate with one edge of the canopy. As you do this, you’ll see two green wires coming from the cable.
Connect them using an appropriate wire connector. Be careful if you are doing a DIY project.
Also, note that some bedrooms will not have the two green wires. The wires could have a different color.
So, hire an expert electrician to identify the right wires for you. After connecting the two green wires, join the two white wires.
Then, join the two black wires. Place the fan at the center of the medallion and secure it using strong screws.
Step 8: Attach the blades and test the fan
When you place the fan on the medallion, you can start installing the blades.
Attach each blade to their respective brackets. Ensure they are held firmly to prevent any accidents. Before you test the ceiling fan, make sure everything is installed properly.
You can then switch on your power source and start enjoying the cool air offered by the ceiling fan.
In conclusion
It is possible to replace a bedroom light with a ceiling fan. The process of doing so is pretty much straightforward.
But before you replace a lighting fixture with a ceiling fan, always check whether the electrical system can support the ceiling fan.
If you have old electrical wiring, you might have to replace it before replacing the bedroom light with a ceiling fan.
