Design: 96 Interior
5 signs that you need a new ceiling fan
Ceiling fans help to lower the electrical bills since the air conditioner units can work less. Furthermore, they also help to maximise the vertical space, thereby freeing up the room for other things. Therefore, ceiling fans are gaining popularity with homeowners. However, the life expectancy of most ceiling fans is around 6 to 10 years, depending on the quality of the ceiling fan, the installation job, maintenance and usage frequency.
Before we get started on the 10 areas to watch out for when you are planning for the ceiling fan replacement, let us talk about the 5 telltale signs of a failing ceiling fan.
Design: LemonFridge Studio
1. Makes unusual or loud noises
The ceiling fan might need to be replaced when you hear the grinding of the blades or loud, noisy and squeaky sounds, even after the parts are oiled.
2. Wobbles, or shakes
If the ceiling fan wobbles after the screws are tightened, or after the blades are aligned, it is time for a replacement.
3. Produces insufficient air circulation
When the ceiling fan produces little air circulation, after the most optimal blade shape, size and ceiling drop height is used, you may need to consider replacing a new ceiling fan with a bigger and more efficient motor.
4. Diminishing speeds
The ceiling fan motor is failing when there is an obvious deterioration of the fan speed, even after you have done regular maintenance.
5. Being unresponsive
Once the ceiling fan no longer responds to the remote control after the batteries are replaced, then the ceiling fan needs to be replaced.
We knew that our ceiling fan needs to be replaced after its speed deteriorated rapidly, before it finally becomes unresponsive due to a faulty motor.
Design: Luova Project Services
10 Areas To Watch Out For When Replacing The Ceiling Fan
Getting a replacement ceiling fan means that you have the chance to upgrade to a larger ceiling fan size, or a more energy-efficient Direct Current (DC) ceiling fan. Nevertheless, adequate preparation work is vital for a smooth sailing installation experience. To help you, we have listed out 10 areas you need to watch out for, when replacing the ceiling fan.
Design: E+e Design Pte Ltd
1. Review the ceiling fan options available
Depending on the experience of your existing fan, you might consider switching to another type or even upgrading the size of the ceiling fan. Remember to check out these 10 commonly asked ceiling fan questions answered before you make a decision.
2. Ensure adequate clearance from the walls for optimal airflow
Image from lightopiaonline
If you are upgrading the size of the ceiling fan, do make sure that its blades are at least 45cm away from the walls for optimal airflow.
3. Check that the down rod measurement is correct
A low profile “hugger” or “flush-mount” ceiling fan is installed with either a 4″ or a 6″ down rod and is normally used in the HDB flats. However, these ceiling fans are usually packaged with the standard 6″ down rod. Hence, if you need a 4″ down rod, remember to inform the vendor beforehand. In some cases, you might have to pay an additional charge for the 4″ down rod.
4. Make sure that all the ceiling fan parts are delivered
Once the ceiling fan is delivered, inspect the contents of the box and check that there are no missing parts. Case in point; an electrical wire is missing from our ceiling fan package. As a result, we have to reschedule the installation.
5. Ensure that the electricians are qualified
The ceiling fan installation must be undertaken by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). They are issued with a card, which includes the photograph, name, identity card number and licence number.
Design: Luova Project Services
6. Find out whether the dismantle of the existing ceiling fan will incur additional charges
The cost of the standard installation typically includes connecting and mounting the new fan to an existing electrical point. Fees for the dismantling of the existing ceiling fan may apply. Other works such as the installation of new electrical points or reinforcement of a false ceiling will incur additional cost.
7. Check if the false ceiling needs additional re-enforcement
If you are installing a bigger, heavier ceiling fan onto the false ceiling, it might need additional re-enforcement. Thus, checking with the electrician whether if enforcement is necessary. The costs of false ceiling re-enforcement may vary from $200 onwards per point, depending on the extent of work required.
8. Make space for the delivery personnel to move about
Rearrange the room to make space for the electrician to move about with a ladder. Push the furniture or other household items against the walls where needed.
9. Standby the Distribution Board (DB) box
You might need to access the HDB electrical panel aka DB box when there are power trips during the installation and testing of the ceiling fan. On that account, you should make sure that the DB box is easily accessible on that day.
10. Check that the safety wire and hanging hook is installed
A good ceiling fan safety practice is to secure a safety wire onto the hanging hook before the installation is considered completed. The safety wire helps to secure the fan motor with the ceiling hook so that the motor from does not fall in the event the fan motor is detached from the pipe rod.
Bonus Repurpose Tip*:
*Only applies if the following conditions apply:
(1) You are using the same ceiling fan model as the dismantled ceiling fan, in the other rooms and;
(2) The ceiling fan size is smaller than the dismantled ceiling fan.
You can consider upgrading the size of the ceiling fan in other rooms, by replacing them with the dismantled ceiling fan blades.
This article was originally posted on Renonation.sg, Singapore’s leading renovation and interior design site.
