Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

Prepare for summer heat

Bill Campbell

Summer is almost here! Remember last year? It started off cool and wet, but July and August were scorchers. Record temperatures for extended periods brought miserable conditions that strained the capacity of cooling systems. You can relieve some of the pressure on your cooling system this summer by installing a ceiling fan.

These fans come in a variety of styles, with prices to match. The main advantage they offer to your cooling and heating systems is that they stir the air. This prevents hot and cold zones from forming in the room where they are located and can help circulate air in adjoining rooms. Fans help your thermostat maintain even room temperatures.

Can you install a ceiling fan in your home? I would say "Yes" to everyone, but I should qualify that answer. I would say all homes can have fans installed, but not all people should do the installation. I look at the installation process as needing three levels of expertise.

Level one, no expertise. If you are more comfortable letting someone else do the installation for you, you should hire a qualified electrician or locate a handy but knowledgeable friend to do the installation for you. If this is the route you choose, make sure the requirements outlined below describing the other two levels are followed by your installer.

Level two is installation of the fan hardware. A spare set of hands and a couple of sturdy ladders or step stools make this procedure easier to complete. Fan manufacturers provide easy-to-understand instructions for each model of fan they produce. Quality fans have installation tricks designed right into the hardware. One fan company even provides a hook on their fan ceiling plate for you to temporarily suspend the fan motor while making wiring connections. If you neglect to read the instructions, you may miss out on the benefits of these hardware design tricks. As always, follow proper ladder safety guidelines to prevent falls.

And last, the electricity level. This is the most advanced level, but it must be completed first for fan installation. Whether you do the wiring or you have a qualified electrician handle the job, please follow proper wiring procedures as outlined in the National Electric Code (NEC). All new wiring should meet current NEC requirements. Instructions accompanying fans give details for proper outlet box support, which is necessary since some fans may weigh up to 50 pounds or more when accessories such as lights are added. This is usually the toughest part of the installation, since it requires work above your ceiling in either the attic or between upper story floor joists to provide fan support.

Electricity safety procedures such as disconnecting circuits requiring work at the circuit breaker or fuse box should be followed to prevent electrocution. In addition, when working in attic spaces, provide sufficient lighting and support to prevent falls through ceilings.

Properly installed ceiling fans will increase the comfort, beauty and value of your home. They also increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems by redistributing the air in your rooms. This is especially important in homes with vaulted or high ceilings during heating season.

Just remember, whether you install the fan or have someone else do it, have it done right.

Bill Campbell is an Extension Educator, Farm Systems, at the Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. You can write to Campbell in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: 217-782-6515. E-Mail: campbellw@idea.ag.uiuc.edu

10 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JUNE 1996