Get matched with top ceiling fan pros in Charlottesville, VA

Many different types of ceiling fans are available to cool down your home. 

• Standard ceiling fans are the traditional-style fans made from plastic, wood, metal, or fiberboard.

• Smart ceiling fans allow you to control it with your smartphone or voice commands. 

• Dual-motor ceiling fans have two motors that produce more airflow in multiple directions. 

• Energy-Star ceiling fans are similar to standard fans but can be up to 60% more energy efficient than other fans, lowering your utility bill. 

• Large ceiling fans work best in large rooms where the ceilings are between 10 and 25 feet high.

If you need to install electrical wiring for your new ceiling fan, contact a local ceiling fan installer to help with this project. If you’re not a licensed electrician, installing wiring yourself could be a code violation. Even worse, this project can be dangerous if not done correctly. 

However, if you’re replacing an existing ceiling fan, and you are an experienced DIYer, you may be able to install it yourself. This option might involve purchasing a special ladder if you have a vaulted ceiling. Replacing a ceiling fan yourself can save on labor costs, but if you aren’t handy, be sure to call a pro. 

Not every ceiling fan is best suited for every room type. The size of the room dictates the size of your ceiling fan. Consult a ceiling fan installer to determine the right fan for your room and reference this sizing information:

• Rooms smaller than 75 square feet require a fan of 29 to 36 inches.

• Rooms from 75 to 175 square feet require a fan of 42 to 48 inches.

• Rooms from 176 to 350 square feet require a fan of 52 to 56 inches.

• Rooms over 350 square feet require a fan of larger than 60 inches.

The time it takes to install a ceiling fan depends on whether you have existing wiring. If you’re swapping out one ceiling fan for another, it’ll take one to two hours for your ceiling fan professional to make the switch. However, if your ceiling fan installer needs to install wiring or if it's a difficult installation—places like high ceilings, porches, or attics—it could take up to four hours for complete installation.  

The cost to install a ceiling fan is $250 on average, ranging from $85 to $605 or more, depending on the fan type and size and if additional wiring or switches are required. 

Standard fans are typically the most cost-effective, ranging from $50 to $300 to install. Complex ceiling fans like rotational fans with a dual motor are usually the most expensive to install, ranging from $200 to $1,500. It’s important to note that installing a ceiling fan in a room without existing wiring is a very complex job that could cost up to $2,000.