If you are in the process of deciding whether or not to install a ceiling fan in your home, you may be wondering if it is a job that can be done without the help of a professional. Perhaps you enjoy DIY projects, or you may be trying to save money on your home improvement. To help you with your decision, we will discuss the benefits of a ceiling fan as well as the reasons why we believe that it is important to get the help of an electrician for the job.

Benefits of Ceiling Fans for Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA has one of the warmest and driest climates of anywhere in the US. Running the AC year-round can take its toll on utility costs as well as maintenance and replacement costs for your AC. Many homeowners wonder if installing a ceiling fan can help with temperature regulation in the home and ultimately save them money throughout the year. There are, in fact, many benefits to having a ceiling fan. Here are just a few.

They Lower Energy Costs

Unlike an air conditioner, which blows cold air into the room, ceiling fans do not reduce the temperature of the home. Instead, they actually reduce the temperature of the residents of the home by blowing air across the skin. They make you feel cooler even though the temperature on the thermostat does not change.

By running the fan while you are in the room, you can keep the temperature on the thermostat several degrees higher than you would without the fan. This means that the air conditioner will be on less during the day, saving significantly on energy costs. To further save on energy, be sure to only run the fan when you are in the room since its benefits are only present when you are.

They Take Some of the Burden off of the AC

Because the ceiling fan helps you to feel cooler inside your home without lowering the temperature too far, this greatly reduces the burden on the AC. For example, if you feel comfortable at 71 degrees, you may only have to set your thermostat to 75 degrees. Allowing your AC to rest throughout the day will help to increase the lifespan of the AC and reduce the amount of maintenance that will have to be done on it.

They Add Beauty

Ceiling fans are beautiful as well as practical. There are many different styles for both the fan and the light fixture if you choose to include one. This means that the fan can blend seamlessly into your chosen style of decor.

They Improve Air Quality

Throughout the course of a normal day, the air in your home can be filled with different pollutants. Although their main purpose is to help you feel cooler in your home, they can also help with ventilation in the case of a sudden pollutant. For example, if something burns in the kitchen, opening several windows and turning on the ceiling fan can help to rid the home of the smoke faster than a range hood alone.

They are Versatile

Ceiling fans can be installed in nearly every room in the home. If you live in a hot and arid climate such as Palm Springs, having one in each main area of the home such as the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms can further reduce your need for constant air conditioning. They come in different sizes and shapes and they can even be installed on a tilted ceiling. For rooms with low ceilings, shoppers can even choose a flush option that does not decrease the clearance of the ceiling.

They are Useful in All Seasons

Although the temperature in Palm Springs infrequently sinks below 50 degrees, having a ceiling fan can even help on cool days. Many ceiling fans come with the option of running the other direction to help push the warmer air down and make the air in the home feel several degrees warmer. In some homes in desert climates, this may reduce the need for a heater even on the coldest of days.

Is it a DIY Job?

Is ceiling fan installation or replacement a good contender for a DIY project? Our answer to the question is a hearty “No.” Fan installation requires expert knowledge of electricity and wiring, specialized equipment, and the right supplies. Attempting this job by yourself is not only dangerous for you and your family, but it can also be very damaging to your home as well. If you are still tempted to take on the job for yourself, here are a few reasons why hiring an electrician is the right course of action.

Incorrect Wiring Can Cause Problems

There are many different ways to go wrong with a DIY fan installation. For example, many people will forget to check the gauge of the wiring in the ceiling to see if it is appropriate for connecting to a ceiling fan. Using existing wiring from a previous light fixture can result in frequent circuit trips and other problems. If an installation is done by someone without extensive training, even small mistakes can lead to big consequences such as electrical fires.

Risk of a Fall

Installing a ceiling fan requires standing on a ladder, and wrestling with a large fan, all while attempting to get the electrical connections right and bolting it to the ceiling. Even with a second person to help, the risk of falling or dropping the fan is high.

Not only this, but incorrect installation can cause the fan to unexpectedly separate from the ceiling, fall, and injure whoever is underneath the fan at the time. Hiring a professional ensures safety both during and after the installation process.

Risk of Electrical Injury

Handling any type of electrical system can be extremely risky if you do not know exactly what you are doing. Even if you know to turn the power off properly, there is the chance that you may connect the wires incorrectly causing sparks or improper function. Safety should be the number one reason to leave the installation to professionals.

Risk of Installing the Wrong Ceiling Box

The ceiling box holds the fan into the ceiling. There are many different types of ceiling boxes and finding the right one for your ceiling fan can be a challenge. Choosing the wrong box may have pretty serious consequences. The wrong ceiling box could cause damage to the ceiling, or it could cause the fan to become loose and fall without warning.

Risk of Ceiling Damage

If you are replacing a light fixture with a fan, or if you are putting a fan where there is no fixture at all, you will need to cut a hole in the ceiling to accommodate the new addition. This job takes care and precision to avoid creating a crater in the ceiling that will be expensive to fix. Rather than risking this type of damage to the ceiling, it is important to hire an electrician who is experienced at cutting the perfectly sized hole for the job.

Cost Analysis for Time, Effort, and Supplies

When you look at the task as a whole, it might even be more cost-efficient to hire a professional to complete the job. The time and effort of making multiple trips to the home improvement store to pick up parts, especially if you didn’t get the right ones the first time around, are often not worth the money that you would save by doing it yourself. Electricians bring the right tools and supplies the first time and can be done with the job within hours, saving you both time and money.

Not only do these risk factors making the installation of ceiling fans decidedly a job for electricians, but electricians also have several other qualifications that make them worth hiring.

Electricians Are:

Trained in Electrical Code

In 2017, the state of California opted to enforce the National Electric Code statewide. This means that all homes and businesses must adhere to the code or risk misdemeanor charges. The rules in the National Electric Code change often, and it may be too much for someone who is not an electrician to be updated on all of the new rules.

Rather than risk doing electrical work that is not up to code, it is best to let a professional take care of it. It is part of their job to familiarize themselves with the most updated version of the National Electric Code and to take these principles seriously when performing any home improvements.

Trained in Safety

Electricians are trained extensively in safety measures for the entire installation process. They know the different types of electrical injuries and take no risks during the job. All of the electrical work is done with safety in mind to ensure secure connections that pose no electrical risk to customers and their homes. Most individuals have not had the type of training necessary for safe electrical installation.

Have the Correct Equipment

Some people may insist that all you need to complete a DIY installation project is a ladder and some common sense. However, a correct installation requires more materials and tools such as wire cutters and strippers, a circuit tester or voltage detector, the ceiling box, and more. Just purchasing these tools and materials, if you don’t already have them, could cost as much as hiring an electrician. Electricians, on the other hand, have these materials already at their disposal and they know how to use them expertly.

Can Run new Wiring that is Compatible

Many old homes may have additional electrical challenges to contend with. The wiring may not even be present in the area where you want a ceiling fan, and if it is, the wiring and circuit box may not be appropriate for the ceiling fan that you are hoping to install. An electrician will know how to navigate these challenges and will find a solution that is effective and safe.

Knowledgeable About Safe Ceiling Mounting

The supports for the fan and the ceiling material are extremely important for the safe installation of a ceiling fan. Weak plaster and insufficient support can lead to a loose or a fan that wobbles. This is dangerous because a loose or wobbly fan can fall from the ceiling. Electricians install the fan securely, minimizing the possibility of an expensive and unnecessary ceiling fan repair.

Knowledgeable About Fan Balance

Not only is an imbalanced fan dangerous, but it is also ineffective at cooling. The fan will have to work harder to create the same cooling effect and will use more electricity. When the electrician installs the fan, they will install everything down to the smallest screw with precision and care. The fan should run smoothly with no wobble.

How to Choose a Palm Springs, CA. Area Electrician

If you have decided to install a ceiling fan and are looking for an electrician to get the job done for you, you will want to choose the right electrician for the job. Here are a few things you should look for when making your decision.

Licensed

If an electrician is not licensed, do not even consider them as a possibility. This is the absolute most important item on your checklist. A license ensures that the electrician has completed all of the courses, training, and apprenticeship necessary to do a good job.

Insurance

The second most important item on the checklist is whether or not the company is properly insured. You can even request to see copies of the most recent insurance policies to make sure they are current.

Additional Qualifications

If a company is good, it will get attention from people who matter. The best electricians are often given excellent ratings on sites like BBB, and may even have been awarded a top place in “best of” lists in the recent past. You can also check for experience. An electrician with years of experience will be sure to do a great job.

Safety

The best electricians prioritize safety for both their customers and their employees. Look for a company that does thorough screening on all of its employees including background checks, drug tests, and more. Make sure technicians receive frequent training on safety and that they have standards and procedures in place for each visit.

Customer Satisfaction

One of the best ways to find out if a company is providing satisfactory work is to read reviews online. Customers tend to be brutally honest so it can be easy to weed out companies that have unsatisfactory ratings online. Also, check to make sure the company has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. This shows that they take pride in their work and have confidence in their ability to perform the job to the highest standard.

Affordability and Quality

When choosing an electrician, you will have to balance affordability and quality. Do not simply choose the cheapest electrician for the job, as you may regret the lack of quality. Instead, you can get multiple quotes and find a company that offers affordable pricing without sacrificing quality work.

Personal Recommendations

Another great way to find an outstanding electrician is to get personal recommendations from people that you know. If you live in Palm Springs or surrounding areas, you can speak with trusted family members or friends who have recently had electrical work done. Ask them for the good, the bad, and the ugly and see if they personally recommend a certain company.

Friendliness and Response Time

An important part of your experience is both the friendliness and the response time of the company that you work with. The electrician should be considerate of your time and not make you wait for hours before arriving. They should also return your phone calls or emails quickly. Every interaction should be professional, personable, and respectful. Your interactions with the company before the service will be a reflection of the quality of the job itself.

Conclusion

Ceiling fans can be a wonderful addition to your home. They are energy-efficient, attractive, and great at moving the air in your home and making it cleaner and more comfortable.

If you enjoy improving your home by taking on DIY projects, it may be tempting to add installing a ceiling fan to the list. However, although there are many projects that can be fun and beneficial to take on yourself, electrical projects can be extremely unsafe for those without extensive training.

Hiring an electrician for your fan will ensure the safety of the new fan by preventing falls and safeguarding against electrical shock, sparks, and electricals fires. Finding a good electrician can also save you time and money. Hiring an electrician with the right credentials and warm praise from previous customers is a great way to make certain that your experience will be a positive one from beginning to end. By following this advice, you will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful ceiling fan without any of the risks that may come with self-installation.

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