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Wondering if ceiling fan installation is possible for older homes in Metro Detroit? While it is possible to add a new ceiling fan to your home, there may be some challenges depending on its age.
A lack of wiring, no drywall, and an outdated electrical panel are all common issues in older homes. However, it’s still possible to add a ceiling fan if you work with an expert electrical contractor.
At Don’s Electric, we provide professional electrical services for homes and businesses across Metro Detroit. Contact us today to learn more about working with our team.
3 Challenges of Ceiling Fan Installation in Older Homes
Older homes in Metro Detroit come with charming character. However, they often have vintage electrical systems that can’t keep up with modern expectations for comfort.
For example, many older homes have a single light switch that controls an outlet and small, outdated electrical panels. In addition, vintage homes often have no overhead lighting at all, let alone ceiling fans.
If you want to modernize your home’s climate control system, adding a ceiling fan installation is a great idea. To ensure the fan is installed properly, it’s crucial to work with electrical contractors who are familiar with older homes in the Metro Detroit area.
Experienced contractors understand common challenges of installing ceiling fans, such as:
1. Lack of Wiring
Many older homes have rooms with flat ceilings and no electrical boxes, making it difficult to add an overhead fan.
Depending on which room you want to install the fan in, you may need to have an electrician fish wires through existing walls and ceilings. This process allows power to run from a nearby circuit to the new fan.
It also involves minimal to no damage to the surrounding drywall, making the installation process faster. A professional electrician can also install wireless remote receivers, so it’s not necessary to damage your home’s walls.
2. No Drywall
A significant problem with older homes is they’re often made with lath and plaster, rather than drywall. Lath and plaster is heavier and brittle compared to modern drywall, and it can make mounting hardware more difficult. This is especially the case for heavier hardware like ceiling fans.
Attempting to mount a ceiling fan without the proper setup can cause the plaster to crack and sag.
You’ll need to add specialized, heavy-duty braces that grip the structural joists behind the plaster. These braces provide extra support to the plaster, so it doesn’t sag from the fan’s constant movement.
3. Outdated Electrical Panel
An outdated electrical panel is another hurdle to a ceiling fan installation. Modern ceiling fans are energy-efficient, but they still create a large electrical load that can overwhelm old panels.
It’s crucial to work with a professional electrician who can check the capacity of your electrical panel and circuits. If a ceiling fan would overwhelm your existing circuit capacity, we’ll upgrade your panel. This way, you can avoid tripped breakers and flickering lights.
We can also upgrade old, ungrounded wiring to ensure it’s safe and complies with local regulations.
Contact Us to Add a Ceiling Fan in Your Metro Detroit Home
At Don’s Electric, our expert technicians specialize in lighting fixture and ceiling fan installation in Metro Detroit. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we’re known as one of the best electricians in the area.
Our family-owned company is local to Detroit, so we have an in-depth knowledge of older homes in the community. We also understand local electrical codes and regulations.
When you hire us to add a ceiling fan to your home, you can rest assured you’re getting quality service.
Ready to add a ceiling fan in your Metro Detroit home? Contact us today to request a quote.