Can a ceiling fan be installed in an apartment? The simple answer is yes. As long as the ceiling fixture is capable of supporting the weight of the ceiling fan, you can receive the many benefits that owning one can provide.
In reality, the answer is more complicated. A ceiling fan can help you warm up your space or cool it down, but you’ll need to review your lease first.
There is a good chance that you’ll need the permission of your landlord or property manager before you install a ceiling fan. In most leases, any changes that add value to the apartment will become the property of the building owner as well. That means you will lose the value of the ceiling fan if or when you need to move.
That is why the best cheap ceiling fans are your best option. Energy-efficient budget-friendly models can keep you comfortable, help save you some money on the utilities, and eventually pay for themselves if you stay in the apartment long enough.
If you’ve been given permission to install a ceiling fan in your apartment, here is what you will want to do to get the job done.
1. Place the ceiling fan in the center of the ceiling. If your apartment doesn’t have the light fixture in the center of the room, then you can’t install the ceiling fan. You’ll need to ask your landlord to move the fixture to the center and there’s a good chance that won’t happen.
2. Install your junction box (optional). You’ll need the electrical main shut off to your apartment. Use a voltage indication tool to ensure there is no power to where you are working. Then install the junction box, if needed, by removing the old fixture and replacing it with the one that works with your ceiling fan. If the current box works for your fan, make sure it is fixed to a support beam so that it will support the weight of the fan.
3. Assemble the ceiling fan. Depending on the brand of ceiling fan you purchase, you will find a handful of steps or a complicated series of assembly instructions to follow. Always assemble your ceiling fan on the ground. If you are installing a flush-mount ceiling fan, then you’ll want to attach the blades to the motor on the ground as well.
4. Attach the ceiling fan to the box. You’ll want to place the hanger pipe into the hole on the top of the motor. Pull the wires in the center. Then use a set screw to tighten the pipe placement. Install the hanger bracket on the box with included screws, bolts, or washers and attach it to the box.
5. Wire it up. Now you’re ready to attach the fan to a power source. White house wires go to the fan white wire. Bare or greenhouse wire is your grounding wire. Black goes to ceiling fan black, though sometimes the ceiling fan may have a blue wire.
Always test your connection before finishing the job.
When you have the right set of permissions, a ceiling fan can be a great addition to any apartment. Talk to your landlord today if you’re interested in having one installed.