Fan Installation Articles Archives

Cleaning Ceiling Fans – Quick and Safe

Posted on August 10, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Have you walked into a home and looked up to see dirty ceiling fans? How often have you seen clean and sparkling ceiling fans? You may want to do a mental check and answer these questions.

If you have a ceiling fan and struggle to keep it clean, then you need to keep reading this article. In this article, you’ll learn why most people don’t clean their ceiling fans, important cleaning equipment, and quick and safe tips for cleaning ceiling fans; whether they are mounted on low or high ceilings.

It is common to find dirty ceiling fans in homes and spaces for different reasons. Some reasons are:

They usually forget it during cleaning routines.
It takes extra effort to climb up and clean.
It is risky to climb up and clean.
It requires frequent cleaning which can be tiring sometimes.
Unavailability of the right cleaning equipment.

A List of Important Equipment/Materials for Cleaning a Ceiling Fan

Ladder: A ladder is to help you reach heights where your ceiling fans are mounted. You must get a sturdy ladder that can conveniently hold your weight and prevent you from falling. The type of ladder depends on if you have a low or high ceiling.
A pole duster: This is a duster that has a long end to help reach heights. The duster can be used to clean the blades of the ceiling fans especially if you don’t have a long ladder or you prefer to not climb before cleaning your ceiling fans.
A microfiber cloth or wipes: A microfiber cloth can easily absorb and retain moisture to help you clean your ceiling fans. A damp one for cleaning, and a dry one for drying off the blades of the ceiling fan.
A dust repellent product: This product will help to easily clean off dust and debris on your ceiling fan. It ensures a sparkling clean ceiling fan.
Water: You would need a good amount of water to help dampen the microfiber cloth and give the ceiling a good clean.

5 Quick and Safe Steps to Having a Clean Ceiling Fan

Here is a sure and quick way to get your ceiling fan clean, and working perfectly without spreading dust and dirty air in your space.

Put off your fan and ensure the blades have completely stopped rolling before you start cleaning. This is to prevent cuts.
Get your damp microfiber cloth and a dust repellent product for easy cleaning to clean the blades of the ceiling fan.
Get on your ladder and clean the blades carefully and gently. Be careful not to apply pressure on the ceiling fan to prevent it from bending and breaking.
If the ceiling fan is greasy and dusty, you may want to repeat the process a few times to wipe the fan clean.
Then finish with a dry cloth to dry off the blades. Do not forget to clean the cup of the ceiling fan too.

Note that you can use this simple procedure whether it is a high ceiling or not. All you have to do is get a ladder or pole duster that can conveniently help clean the ceiling fan.

Do not hesitate to contact us at The Electric Connection if you need maintenance checks and repairs on your ceiling fan or your other electrical needs. We have capable and handy electricians to help you.

Mildew In The Bathroom? Install An Exhaust Fan

Posted on July 14, 2022 | by K Hopkins

Getting exhaust fans is the best way to get rid of moisture and odors in your bathroom. Expelling moisture and odors saves you the trouble of having to do a paint job every other time and getting mold and mildew all over the place.

There is a lot you’d want to consider before you get or replace an exhaust fan so it’s not exactly a simple DIY project. You should look into hiring a professional to do that for you. You’d be saving a lot more time and effort and still get the job done effectively.

Try This Out Before You Replace Your Exhaust Fan

If you do have an exhaust fan, you should endeavor to clean and take proper care of it. During the process of absorbing moisture, dirt may cling to the fan and cover its blades making it difficult for it to work properly. If you’d want to clean your exhaust fan then you’d have to turn off the fan at the circuit breaker.

Be sure to double-check that the power source is completely off. Remove the cover and use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all that dust from the fan and its housing. Put the cover in a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Give the blades a thorough wipe-down to remove any other dirt.

However, if you want to give your exhaust fan a makeover and change it altogether, here are a few guiding steps.

Start by turning off the power. Use a multimeter to ensure that it’s safely off.
Remove the covers and proceed to disconnect the wires and the vent pipes.
Clear out and clean up your workspace. You probably haven’t cleaned your exhaust fan beforehand so take the time to follow the previous steps and give your exhaust fan one last try before you think to replace it. A dirty exhaust fan doesn’t work as well as you’d think it would. Check the venting outside as well. Your duct has to be vented properly before you think to install a new one.
Call in a professional and let them handle the installation. When they’re done installing and replacing the covers, you can turn the power back on and make sure it’s working properly.

If you’re looking to get a new one, then the two major problems you’d face would be how to get a power source and venting to the outside. Since your bathroom doesn’t have any duct in place, you’d have to run a duct from the vent to preferably a roof or a side wall.

Your exhaust fan should be located close to the shower or tub preferably on the ceiling. Following that, you’d have to measure out the CFM, consider the sound rating, choose the right size and style of the fan and pick out a favorable location for the exhaust fan. Added to the physical stress you’d have to go through, it would be a lot more profitable to contact a professional electrician to handle the job.

Ceiling Fan Upgrades

Posted on February 24, 2020 | by K Hopkins

Ceiling fans have come a long way from 1882 when they were invented. They are a necessary part of any room or living space for the benefits they offer. These benefits include circulating air, regulating temperature, adding beauty, and so on.

While ceiling fans continue to serve, they have evolved from what we knew them to function and look like. Several innovative features now exist with ceiling fans and should you choose to upgrade you will surely find a worthy option. Here are some of those innovative features:

Different types of materials for fan blades – Modern ceiling fans now offer a rich selection of wooden, metal, polycarbonate, and canvas blades. Each offers its own benefit and unique quality.

Quiet fans – If you have an old ceiling fan model, you might have noticed the sounds they make. Modern ceiling fans are mostly quiet fans. You can also get specific quiet fan models that promise performance with no disturbance.

Different types of blades – A standard fan has three blades but recent innovations have proven that one blade, two blades, or even more than three blades can work just as well. Models like Fanimation have made single-blade fans quite popular.

Lighting – Lights are usually independent but the ceiling fan industry has dived into them as well. Several fans now come with integrated lights. These are hardly just any lights, they save energy and contribute to the unit’s efficiency.

Air filters – Fans circulate air so it makes sense that air filters can be included in some modern models. These air filters function to trap allergens, circulate clean air, and reduce smells.

Remote controls – No one has a pull chain fan anymore. Pedestals have remote controls and now some ceiling fan models do too. It makes it easier to use the fan and convenient.

Outdoor ceiling fans – Just so you know, it’s okay if some of these innovations come to you as a surprise. Things change every day and it’s not like there’s a special notification center for what’s new. So, yes outdoor ceiling fans are a thing. They can withstand the elements and are made of water-resistant ABS plastic.

Sizes – This is one most noticeable innovative features as fans now come in all sizes, styles, and even shapes. It’s all about what you choose.

Getting a ceiling fan upgrade might be something on your mind right now. It’s understandable knowing about all these new features. To get more insight on what could be best for your needs and an installation expert, be sure to reach out to us at The Electric Connection.

Installing or Replacing Ceiling Fans

Posted on September 22, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

Often overlooked, a ceiling installation can bring a lot to your home. Installing a ceiling fan is a great way to keep your home cooler during the summer without breaking the bank. This helps you keep cool, save money, and save energy. Ceiling fans can also help keep out unwanted guests – bugs. With the breeze a ceiling fan creates, flies and mosquitos are turned away. They can also provide decoration and light to your rooms.

It’s always a good idea to have a professional electrician install or replace a ceiling fan in your home but you can read up on how the process is completed.

Before beginning a ceiling fan installation or replacement, an electrician will have to follow a few steps to get started and ensure safety. The power must be turned off at the main panel before working with any wiring. The electrical connections must also comply with local and national electrical codes.

Your electrician will also bring a variety of tools with them to help install the ceiling fan. Wrenches, drill bits, various testers, pliers, screwdrivers, and more are used when installing or replacing a ceiling fan. Safety glasses and dust masks are also very important.

The next step is to find the best place for the ceiling fan. This will ensure safety as well as make sure the fan is working as efficiently as possible. Ceiling fans should be hung at least 8 feet off the ground while the blades should be 7 feet above the ground. The blades must also be at least 8 inches away from the ceiling itself and 18 inches away from any walls, doors, or other things it may come into contact with.

There are various parts associated with the ceiling fan that needs to be installed. Every fan is a little bit different, so when it comes to installing the actual fan it’s best to consult with the installation manual to see how it should be installed.

If you don’t want to chance your safety by installing a ceiling fan yourself, contact an electrician near you to do it for you. When you find a professional electrician for your new ceiling fan installation, you can be sure they will install it properly and quickly. Don’t fuss around trying to install it yourself – call a licensed electrician to do it for you!

The Electric Connection of Los Angeles has been providing homeowners and businesses alike with expert electrical services for over 35 Years. We’ve built a company of highly experienced, certified electricians to serve your electrical needs, including ceiling fan installations and replacements. Contact us if you need any electrical services today.

How Attic Fans Work

Posted on July 24, 2018 | by K Hopkins

If you don’t have an attic fan installed in your home, you have probably wondered if one would work for you. You’ve probably heard about attic fans but aren’t sure how they work or what they even do. Attic fans are special ventilation fans that give your home an energy efficient way to cool hot attics. In doing this, they help cool off the rest of the home.

Best installed during the spring or summer months, these fans can be used to help out the central air conditioning systems. Attic fans definitely cannot replace a central air unit in terms of cooling off a whole home, but they offer a smart alternative to help cool down a home. Since attic fans aren’t as powerful as an air conditioner, they can’t completely cool off your home. They use a fraction of the energy, which makes it appealing to thought who want to stay energy efficient.

An attic fan is first and foremost a fan. It will push the hot air out of your attic and replace it with cooler air found outside. As with any fan, there are several types available. Most of them contain the same features – small vents to bring the cooler air inside and a fan that pushes the air to the outside. It may seem simple, but can be very effective.

What are the benefits of installing an attic fan?

Cool your home and be energy efficient
No unsafe gas use
Brings down the humidity levels
Easy to install
Usually inexpensive
Great alternative to cooling the home

Be careful to not make the common mistakes of installing an attic fan. This is to cover the vents with insulation. The more insulation in your attic, the more energy efficient it will be BUT if you cover the vents of your attic fan it will render the fan useless.

Also, be sure to keep your windows open when you are using the attic fan. By keeping your windows closed, you are reducing the effectiveness of the attic fan. The fan works by creating a negative pressure to release the air to the outside. By leaving your windows open, you allow the fan to bring in more cool air into the attic and your home.

The Electric Connection has been serving the Los Angeles area for over 30 years. Our electricians have the expertise and knowledge to complete a variety of electrical jobs. From attic fan installations to whole house rewires, The Electric Connection can do it all.

Perks of Installing an Attic Fan

Posted on June 28, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

An attic fan, or whole house fan, can help to reduce the temperature in your whole home. This fan is installed in the upper level of a house to connect to the attic. The location of the fan should be in the most central part of the house so it can do its job the best. An air-tight installation, as well as a good ventilation system, are also very important factors.

Should you install a whole house fan? A professional electrician can give you more advice on if your home would benefit from such fan. It’s also important to make sure you select the correct make and model for the size of your home. Below are some advantages of installing an attic fan to help you make the decision.

Faster Cooling

The way these fans work is by drawing the hot air from your house into the attic and out through vents. Cool air from outside then replaces the hot attic it removed. This works much faster than an air conditioner as the effects can be felt in minutes. Keep in mind, though, that the attic fan will only work if it is cooler outside than it is inside.

Energy Efficient

Since it uses less power, an attic fan is much more friendly to the environment than an air conditioning unit.

Money Saver

Research shows that a whole house fan can cost only 10-25% of what running an air conditioner costs. It is much, much cheaper. You will see a savings of hundreds of dollars every summer.

The fan itself also costs less than an air conditioner. You can find whole house fans for 10 times less than a central AC system.

Clean Air

Since the whole house fan removes the hot air from inside and brings in cooler air from outside, it also freshens the air. By replacing the air, it can help remove any odors that may be present in your home.

Quiet Operations

When you think of a fan, you may think of a loud, annoying humming sound. Fortunately, with the newer models of whole house fans, you will hardly ever know the fan is on.

Installing an attic fan has many benefits. If you have any questions, you can contact a local electrician for advice with a whole house fan. Install one today to save money and keep your home fresh and cool.

The Electric Connection has been in business for over 30 years. We have installed every type of fan on the market today. Installation of a whole house fan is a piece of cake with us. Give us a call today to get on schedule!

Which Ceiling Fan To Buy

Posted on May 29, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

Keeping your home comfortable year-round can be made easy with the installation of a ceiling fan.

In the summertime, ceiling fans can help lower the feel of the temperature in a room by 8 degrees which means you can turn up the thermostat to help save on electric bills. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard with the assistance of a ceiling fan.

During the winter, with the blades going in the opposite direction, ceiling fans can help make the room feel warmer by pushing the warm air from the ceiling down into the room. Just like during the summertime, you can adjust the thermostat to help save on heating bills in the winter with the help of a ceiling fan installation.

Not only do ceiling fans help save money by allowing you to lower or raise your thermostat, they are also very energy efficient. Most ceiling fans only use a little more power than a normal 100-watt light bulb, while newer models use even less than that. When you use a ceiling fan instead of your air conditioner or heater, you are saving energy and money.

What Ceiling Fan Do I Need

When looking for a new ceiling fan to install, you need to measure the room you want to put it in. The bigger the room, the bigger the blade diameter you need. Check the table below for the size you need, it should help you figure out which ceiling fan to buy.

Room Size (Square Feet)	Blade Diameter (Inches)
75	29 to 36
76 to 144	36 to 42
144 to 225	44
225 to 400	50 to 54

Where to Install Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan should be placed as close to the center of the room as possible. There should be at least 30 inches in between the blades and the walls or any other obstructions. The lowest part of the blade’s edges should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

When to Install a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are perfect for rooms that need to cool down a little more than other. If you have a bedroom or a family room that gets overly hot during the summertime, consider installing a ceiling fan to help out your air conditioner. If your home has no ceiling fans at all and you’re looking to save money on your energy bills, ceiling fans will definitely help with the costs.

When to Replace a Ceiling Fan

The life expectancy of a ceiling fan greatly depends on the type purchased. Lower end ceiling fans may only last up to three years, whereas more expensive fans can last up to 20 years or more. When ceiling fans begin to die, there are some warning signs.

Buzzing sounds
Wobbling
Squeaky sounds
Speed slowing

If you are noticing any of these signs, it may be time to replace your ceiling fan. The can be done by yourself if you know how, but professional electricians should be happy to take on the task.

The Electric Connection has been installing fans in the greater Los Angeles area for over 30 years. From service calls to house rewires, the technicians at The Electric Connection can do it all. Please give us a call if you require any electrical work in your home or place of business. Our office is waiting for your call: (818) 446-0888!

Importance of Bathroom Fans

Posted on April 30, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

You might be thinking, “do I need a fan in my bathroom?” The answer may surprise you. In addition to keeping the bathroom from getting too hot, a bathroom fan actually has many benefits. The first purpose of installing a bathroom fan is to keep the moisture out of the room. The fans can also help remove odors as well as remove fumes from cleaning materials that might pose health issues.

Where to Install Bathroom Fan

There is actually a lot that goes into deciding where to install a bathroom fan. If you have a smaller bathroom, this may be an easy decision, but larger bathrooms require some thinking and math. Design architects and builders work hard to ensure that bathroom fans are placed in the right spot not only for safety and proper ventilation but also for the aesthetics.

The most important aspect of finding a place for the bathroom fan is finding the right size fan. So, what bathroom fan do you need? It must be big enough to ventilate your entire room or else it’s purpose is diminished. There is a simple math equation that helps determine the size of fan you need for your bathroom. Simply take the volume of your room (the cubic feet) and then multiply that by 8 (which is the number of exchanges of air per hour). Take this sum and divide it by 60 which will result in the required CFM, or cubic feet per minute, you need for the room.

Once you know which bathroom fan to buy, finding the right spot is pretty easy. Heat rises and the primary function of the fan is to reduce the moisture in the room so the best place for the fan is in the ceiling that is the highest from the ground. You should also place the fan near the element that is creating the most moisture or odor. Do not just place the fan in the middle of the room, it should be placed either over the toilet or the tub. Remember that fans placed over a shower or tub must be rated for where they are located and protected with a GFCI.

When To Install A Bathroom Fan

If you currently do not have a fan in your bathroom, you might want to consider installing one. This will help remove the moisture and unpleasant odors. Without a bathroom fan, you might find yourself cleaning the bathroom more. You might even be faced with a mold problem if the moisture can’t escape properly.

When To Replace A Bathroom Fan

When your bathroom fan starts acting up, how do you know if you need to replace it? Repeated use of any device can cause it to fail over time, but fortunately there are some warning signs to look out for.

Odd noises or sounds. Loud throbbing or clanking can mean that the bearings are starting to fail or the blades are not aligned properly. It’s important to realize that most bathroom fans cannot be repaired properly so they must be completely replaced. Since the unit is sealed, it is impossible to grease the bearings so when they stop working the unit must be replaced.
Power up time. If you are noticing that the fan is starting slower and slower it may be time to replace it. Sluggish or slow startup times means the unit is starting to fail.
No power. When you turn on the fan and nothing happens, this might be a big sign it has failed. If you have access to check for power, do so, but it might be time for a replacement. The electrician you call to replace it can give you a more accurate diagnosis.

Bathroom fans are a great addition to any home, almost a necessary one. Any electrician can help you decide which one to buy and where to place it. Be sure to ask for references before you have an electrician visit your home.

The Electric Connection is proud to serve the people of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. We have been installing bathroom fans for over 30 years. Our electricians are licensed and insured to bring you the best services in the area. Give us a call today to get on schedule.

Bedroom Ceiling Fans by Electrician in Los Angeles

Posted on March 31, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

The first warm days have already visited and it is a good sign we are going to enjoy another warm, southern California summer. While the warmth is nice, it can get a little old. Sometimes, you need a break from the heat, especially after a long day at the beach or working in the yard. Your body needs a chance to cool down enough for you to relax comfortably and be able to sleep soundly. One way to do that, especially if you don’t have central air, is with the installation of a ceiling fan in your bedroom by an electrician. Los Angeles residents can call The Electric Connection to have the job done before the heat of the summer hits.

Even if you have central air, a ceiling fan can provide a gentle breeze that is soothing and relaxing. For some people, the white noise is cathartic and can help lull them to sleep. Relying more on the ceiling fan to keep you cool and comfortable will save you money on your electric bill explains an electrician in Los Angeles. You won’t need to have your AC unit set below seventy to be cool enough to sleep. The fan will rotate the air, providing a cool breeze for you to sleep under.

When it comes to choosing a fan for the bedroom, generally, they tend to be a bit smaller than fans installed in a large living room says a Los Angeles electrician. It is important you look at the recommended square footage of the room in the specifications for each fan. Blades that are too long can make the fan ineffective. There are plenty of colors and designs to choose from that will enhance and compliment your room décor. When you are ready to have the fan installed, give The Electric Connection a call.

Bedroom Ceiling Fans by Los Angeles Electrician

Posted on February 27, 2018 | by Kim Hopkins

With summer temps just around the corner, it is a good idea to prepare your home for the hot weather. Keeping your air conditioner in good running condition is only half the battle. On days when it is stuffy, an air conditioner doesn’t always do much good. Sometimes, the wet air produced by an air conditioner can leave a home feeling stagnant. A fresh breeze could clear it all out, but opening the window and letting the air you paid to cool out doesn’t make sense. This is why you need a bedroom ceiling fan installed by an electrician. Los Angeles homeowners can count on the team at The Electric Connection to install a fan in every room.

A ceiling fan can help move the hot air that tends to collect near the ceiling. This can make a room feel stuffy and cloying. People struggle to sleep in the summer because of the heat. A ceiling fan overhead can create a gentle breeze that washes over the bed. This soft breeze cools the body while keeping the stagnant air from gathering says a Los Angeles electrician. Some people like the white noise the fan motor produces as well as the spinning fan blades, which is another bonus to the installation. They also look nice in a room.

It isn’t just about being more comfortable. When you use a fan to help keep you cool and comfortable, you aren’t going to be tempted to crank up the AC and running up your electric bill. Keeping the fan running during the day will keep the cool air circulating through the area and lessening the demand on the air conditioner. This will save you money explains an electrician in Los Angeles. Head to the store today and pick out your new ceiling fan and then call The Electric Connection to have it professionally installed.