Did you know that a ceiling fan can chill and ventilate a garage? Ceiling fans for a garage enhance both summer chilling and winter heating. In addition, installation is reasonably straightforward.
If you enjoy DIY endeavors with substantial returns, this one should be on your list. We have all been in a sweltering garage and desired it would calm down. Perhaps you need to be aware of a solution that wouldn’t break the bank when getting to know which is the best method to install ceiling fans in garage.
Preparing for Installation
Since you are reading this, you may be an expert at attempting new things. And most DIYers will discover they can do this without an electrician.
You must take a few crucial precautions to prevent injury to yourself, your home, and your garage; therefore, you must be familiar with working with electrical systems. Moreover, if you are fortunate enough to have an electrical receptacle in the joist at the center of your garage’s ceiling, mount your ceiling fan there. If not, have no concerns; install a support bar rated for fan support.
Typically, the cables from the preceding garage ceiling fan and light fixture are sufficient for connecting a new fan. If your ceiling fan wiring arrangement differs from ours and you are still getting familiar with wiring techniques, you should seek assistance from an electrician or building inspector.
About the question: should I put a ceiling fan in my garage? Well, there may be minor variations, especially in terms of the illumination and blade mountings, so you should still consult the instructions included with your fan, as you may require a permit from your local building department before beginning the project with any electrical work. The inspector will instruct you on when to schedule an inspection.
There are numerous considerations to take when choosing the size and design of your garage ceiling fan. Safety ratings for humidity and energy efficiency are crucial factors.
When installing a ceiling fan in the garage, remember that the fan must be proportional to the room’s scale. Always measure your space before making purchases. Use the following formula to determine the optimal fan size for your garage: The blade span (in inches) equals the space (in square feet) divided by 4. Reduce the blade span in rooms with low ceilings and increase it in rooms with high ceilings.
The optimal garage ceiling fan depends on its square footage:
- For a small garage from 114 to 225 square feet, a small garage ceiling fan of about 44″ to 50″ ceiling fans will be suitable.
- For a medium garage from 225 to 400 square feet, 50″ or larger ceiling fans will be suitable.
- For a large garage of more than 400 square feet, a large garage ceiling fan of about 62″ or greater ceiling fans will be suitable.
The optimal location for a garage ceiling fan is in the center of the ceiling. This transfers heated air from the garage’s upper levels downward. You should keep the garage door or windows open to allow heated air to escape the space.
There are additional choices to be made. Here is the optimal placement and orientation for box fans to chill your garage: On one side of the open garage door, a fan must be positioned lower than the other. Then, install the second fan a few feet higher and facing outward. This will allow the cold air to enter.
Installing the Ceiling Fan
Remove Power from the Outlet
Verify that the existing junction box is rated for garage ceiling fans. This should be indicated by a label on the ceiling fan’s packaging.
Typically, the case is made of metal. If not, replace it with a junction box rated for garage ceiling fans and a fan reinforcement between the ceiling joists to help support the fan’s weight. Next, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and all wall switches. After turning off the power, cover the wall switches and breaker box with electrical tape to prevent anyone from reactivating the power while you work.
Set Up the Electrical Box
Depending on the space’s construction, there are two methods to install a ceiling fan in a garage:
- Install the ceiling fan using a hanger and box between the joists.
- Affix a ceiling fan-rated “pancake” receptacle to the joists.
Although they have differences in the way you put the electrical box on your ceiling, they also have something in common like wiring, installing a downrod, etc. But in this post, we will guide you with this “using a hanger and box between the joists” method, which is a popular method so it can be easy for you.
Install the Hanger.
Feed the fan support into the opening, position the feet’s flat edge against the ceiling, and center the shaft over the hole. If your ceiling is thicker than 1/2 inch, as was ours, rotate the feet and position the rod the distance between the box and the ceiling. To secure the stabilizer to the framework, rotate the shaft. Place the metal saddle centered over the opening on the shaft.
As the shaft is rotated, the brace extremities rest against the ceiling, and the end fasteners drive into the joints.
Before beginning work, turn off the switch and the light fixture’s circuit breaker. If a functioning bulb is present in the fixture, switch it on. Then, when the bulb burns out, you’ll know you’ve got the correct breaker. Verify with a voltage tester that the wires are disconnected after removing the fixture and before replacing the wall switch.
Next, remove the existing plastic or metal electrical box and install a “fan brace” to support ceiling fans. You can acquire a fan brace when purchasing a garage ceiling fan. If the framework is accessible from the attic or is a new construction, you can choose braces secured with fasteners.
After disconnecting the cable, leave the old box in place rather than attempting to force it through the opening in the ceiling. Then, draw the cable through the hole, insert the fan brace through the aperture, and secure it according to the brace’s instructions. If your ceiling is thicker than ours, rotate the extremities for proper spacing.
Install a new ceiling fan mounting box with an electrical box and a wiring suspension bracket.
To install a metal ceiling fan junction box, first, pass the existing electrical wire through the cable clamp at the top of the new box. Next, slide the box over the saddle screws, and use a nut driver or deep-well socket to affix it to the shaft. To complete installation, secure a coil of grounding wire around the grounding fastener and twist it in place.
Attach the bracket for the fastener.
Place the hanger bracket’s aperture on the ascending side of the sloped ceiling. Then, using the special fasteners provided with the fan brace, attach it to the box.
The first step in installing the garage ceiling fan is to feed the wiring into the designated box and secure it. Then, attach the box with a brace, followed by mounting a bracket suitable for fan installation.
Install a Downrod
Before installing a downrod, always verify the garage ceiling’s height and pitch. For ceilings with sharp angles or a slope, a special downrod is required. Slip the canopy onto the downrod using a flat surface, such as a table, and thread the main wires through. Connect the downrod to the fan’s base by inserting the clevis and cotter pins onto the downrod.
Attach the bulb-shaped fitting atop the downrod to the ceiling-mounted mounting bracket.
Installing a flush-mounted fan requires threading the electrical wiring through the canopy ring.
Install Wiring for the Ceiling Fan
If your garage ceiling fans mount bracket has a latch, use it to suspend the fan while you begin cabling or enlist the assistance of a friend while you begin ceiling fan wiring. Connect the fan’s wires to your home’s electrical system. Certain fans include additional connections; therefore, consult the owner’s manual for specific installation instructions. Use the wire fasteners included in the kit to secure the wires.
If there is no wiring, install a new electrical receptacle with two switches. One switch controls the fan, while the other controls the illumination. Even if your garage ceiling fan has no light, pre-wire the switch.
Match the wires, i.e., black wire with black wire, white wire with white wire, etc. In many instances, the copper or green-insulated wire of the fan is connected to the ground wire. The black motor wire of the fan is connected to the black supply wire. The blue or striped wiring ceiling fan lights connect to the black supply wires. The white motor wire of the fan is connected to the white, or neutral, supply wire.
Once these wires are securely connected, slide them into the junction box.
Cut the wires with wire cutters if they do not fit into the enclosure. This will prevent them from vibrating against the canopy as the fan operates.
Screw the canopy to the mounting bracket.
Connect the Blades and Bulb.
Attach each blade bracket to a garage ceiling fan blade using the included fasteners. Start each screw in each blade of the ceiling fan before tightening them. Attach each blade to the fan next. Some fan blades are quick-installed, allowing for quicker installation. Align the blade arm posts with the blade keyhole openings and slide them outward until they clack into position.
Attach the fan blades to the blade arms for fans without quick-install blades by screwing them on. The side of the blade you wish to display should be facing downward.
Installation of garage ceiling fans with accu-arm blade attachments can also be accelerated. Attached to these brackets are the blade fasteners. In addition, the bracket features an alignment post that aids in mounting the blade arm without exposing the mounting hole.
Attach the blade assembly to the motor with two fasteners for fans that lack the accu-arm feature. Slowly insert the fasteners to avoid shearing and distorting the blades.
If you want the best garage ceiling fans with light, install the globe and light source included in the kit.
Install The Switch
Verify and, if necessary, recalibrate the code toggles on the wall-mounted electronic switch to correspond with those on the receiver. Remove the existing wall switch and use wire connectors to connect the two black wires on the new switch to the wires connected to the previous switch. Install the cover plate and switch in the compartment using the screws provided.
You can skip this step if you choose for yourself a ceiling fan for the garage with a remote.
Testing Your DIY
So how do you know whether your garage ceiling fan is functioning properly:
Checking ventilation is one of the best methods to determine whether a ceiling fan is functioning properly. When standing precisely underneath the fan, you should experience a forceful airflow. There may be a problem with the motor or fan blades if there is little ventilation.
Checking the ceiling fan’s speed settings is another way to determine if it is in good working order. Two or three distinct speed settings should be available on your fan, and switching between them should be simple. The motor or control may malfunction if your fan is locked on one speed or has trouble changing frequencies.
A properly functioning ceiling fan should produce a manageable amount of commotion. If you hear grating or clanging noises emanating from your fan, there may be a problem with the motor or the blades.
Finally, it is essential to determine if your ceiling fan is swaying. A slight sway is normal, but excessive trembling may indicate a problem with the fan’s blades or motor.
Examining these elements lets you determine whether your garage ceiling fan is functioning properly. If you want to know more about the tips to maximize your ceiling fan productivity, you can read this post: which way are fans supposed to turn in the summer? (Link to how to make a ceiling fan cooler)
Maintenance Tips for Your Ceiling Fan
Follow these ceiling fan maintenance tips for using your garage ceiling fan longer
Clean and Dust the Fan.
While cleaning, you may don a face mask to avoid inhaling particles. Using an old pillowcase to sanitize the blades is another popular home solution. Repetition is required for each blade. You may also clean each blade with a moistened cloth.
Tighten Bolts for Safety
If you hear rustling while your fan is running, a fastener or other fan system component may be loose. Check all components and use a screwdriver to tighten anything that may have become loose. In addition, replace any missing fasteners to ensure your garage ceiling fan is secure.
Purify the Blower Motor
Checking the motor of your garage ceiling fan periodically is an essential part of its maintenance. Apply a vacuum to the openings on the top of the motor cover to clear the motor. This should help remove excessive grime from the motor of your fan.
Apply Grease to Ceiling Fan Bearings
The easiest method to determine your ceiling fan type is to consult the owner’s manual. If you no longer possess this item, search for an oil reservoir. Generally, there is a small opening at the tip of the fan for motor oil lubrication. Inquire about fan lubrication with the model number by contacting the manufacturer.
It may require lubrication if you hear creaking or grating noises when the fan is running. Contact an expert for assistance with lubricating your ceiling fan.
Other Ways to Cool Your Garage
We all like options. It may appear daunting to cool your garage, but there are a variety of solutions ranging from the simplest to the most complex. You can select from the following options based on your budget.
A straightforward oscillating household box fan. You are familiar with them. They are typically lightweight, white or gray, box or square-shaped, and readily available at most hardware and home improvement stores.
A highly effective box fan. Box fans are available in various sizes. In addition, the high-powered or high-velocity models will feature industrial-strength blades and a motor with ball bearings.The use of air conditioning. As one might expect, this option offers some advantages for the ultimate chilling control. However, if your garage needs to be adequately insulated and your budget is not limitless, this option is still available.
Garage ceiling mounted fan. These may be difficult to install, but they offer the best of both worlds. Inexpensive, elegant, and functional. If you want to install a garage ceiling exhaust fan, insulate the walls and ceiling and install attic ventilation to maintain year-round comfort in the garage.
Conclusion
Installing a ceiling fan in your garage is a great way to enhance the airflow and overall comfort of the space. To install a ceiling fan effectively, you should ask for the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also essential that the fan is installed securely and at the ideal height for maximum efficiency. So, let’s complete this project in a few hours and begin appreciating a cool, more comfortable garage.
