Choosing a Light Kit for your Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan is the ultimate solution to cooling and heating efficiency in just about any room. By circulating air around the room—whether it’s heated or cooled by central HVAC systems—a ceiling fan helps to raise or lower ambient temperatures of the room, thereby decreasing the need for the air conditioner or heater. But a ceiling fan without a light kit is only taking advantage of half of what a fan can offer any room. Use this guide to buying a ceiling fan light fixture when you’re in the market for a new fan and you’ll be sure to get the exact light kit to fit your design.
With or without you
Many ceiling fans kits that come straight out of the box might have a light kit or not. Before you buy any ceiling fan, always check to see if it comes with a light kit or not. Further examination should reveal if the fan will accept a light kit at all. Always double check manufacturer’s specification to ensure your new ceiling fan is capable of accepting a light kit.
Installation Tip: Not only does the fan have to be adaptable to fit the light kit, but the light kit should be of the same brand name or a universal design that fits most major brands.
Hang low, sweet chariot
Whether you plan on installing a light kit on an existing ceiling fan or installing a new fan and kit, height restrictions must be taken into consideration before you choose any fan or light kit. Always take a measurement of the bottom of the existing fan housing. Manufacturer’s specifications always tell you the height of the new light kit. Add this to your fans overall height to find the true dimensions of your new light to see if you can safely navigate around it or not.
Installation Tip: It’s easy to get the right fan and the right light kit height even if you have low ceilings. Flushmount ceiling fans can give you just the room you need to install your ceiling fans light kit at the perfect height.
The great outdoors
Just because you’re outside doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the usefulness and pleasure of a fan. Outdoor porch fans are specially designed to take the brunt of outdoor conditions like moisture, heat and dust. Make sure that any ceiling fan you buy is specifically designed for outdoor use and is UL approved for safety. And the same holds true for the fan light kit. Outdoor light kits are installed with moisture proof gaskets that prevent damage to precious electronics in the ballast.
Installation Tip: Outdoor ceiling fans install just like a conventional fan with the exception that rubber gaskets are used to keep water out of the housing. Always ensure these gaskets are well sealed during installation to prolong the life of your ceiling fan and light kit.
About Kristen Crosby
Kristen is an avid design blogger who loves DIY projects. She gets her inspiration from fashion and music. Connect with Kristen, or find more home decor inspiration from Arcadian Home on Google Plus!
