Ceiling Fan FAQs

Why buy a ceiling fan?

The use of indoor ceiling fans can reduce prices on your energy costs up to 40% in the summer and 10% in the winter, using only as much as energy as a 100 watt light bulb. During the summer ceiling fans create a "cooling effect", lowering temperatures as much as 7 degrees and re-circulating the heat in the winter from the ceilings to the living area. Where can I have my fan repaired or purchase parts? We service what we sell. For Free. If you purchased your fan from Fan Diego, we do not charge labor – all you pay for are the parts. Fan Diego is a certified service center for the brands we sell.

Can ceiling fans really help reduce energy costs?

Ceiling fans can reduce heating costs by reducing the load on heating equipment. When used in conjunction with your air conditioner, a ceiling fan can also lower energy costs by allowing you to set your air conditioner's thermostat at a higher temperature.

Do I really an "outdoor rated" fan for outdoor use?

Yes. Outdoor fans are made to handle moisture in damp or wet locations. Outdoor fans can provide added air movement for exterior areas such as gazebos, patio, and pool areas and can help keep away air born pests and bugs.

Do I need to purchase an outdoor light kit for my outdoor fan?

If your outdoor fan is located in a wet or damp environment, YES, you will need to purchase a compatible outdoor light kit.

What do Damp or Wet Location ratings mean?

DAMP rating requirements: (Interior locations protected from weather and subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as basements, barns, cold storage warehouses, screened in or covered porch, etc…. not in direct rain):

• Stainless Steel hardware throughout the fan.
• Metal parts are treated prior to painting to resist possible rusting.
• No plated finishes, only painted finishes.
• All surfaces of metal parts are painted.
• We recommend plastic blades for DAMP rated fans.

WET rating requirements: (Location unprotected and exposed to the weather. You can spray a wet rated fan off with a garden hose, or have in direct rain.

• All damp requirements apply.
• Different motor is required. Motor with no vent holes "totally enclosed".
• Downrod to fan connection must be watertight so water does not pass down thru the motor shaft.
• Plastic (or other weather resistant) blades required.

Can I use a remote on my outdoor fan?

It will depend on the model of the fan. There are a few companies that make outdoor remote controls that can be added to outdoor fans.

How low should a ceiling fan hang?

Ultimately, the hanging distance will depend upon a few facts. The motor strength is the most important factor because it determines the quantity of air the fan can move. For maximum air movement, smaller motored fans should be installed as close to the 7’ level as possible. Ceiling fans should not hang any lower than 7ft from the floor.

How close to a wall can I put a ceiling fan?

For maximum air movement, a ceiling fan should be at least 18" from the wall.

Where do I find the model and serial number?

The model and serial number is typically located on the top of the fan body on or around the UL label.

Do I need to lubricate my fan?

Unless you have a Hunter Original fan, there is no need for Lubrication. The precision motor at the heart of your fan features sealed bearings that are lubricated for life.Do not attempt to oil the motor.

What is the diameter of the canopy that goes up against the ceiling?

Diameter of the canopy depends on the fan model. Most, however, are between five and a half and six inches in diameter.

How do I care for my fan?

For cleaning the motor housing, a soft brush or lint-free cloth should be used to prevent scratching the finish. A vacuum cleaner brush nozzle can remove heavier dust. Surface smudges or an accumulation of dirt and dust can be removed easily using a mild detergent and slightly dampened soft cloth. An antistatic agent may be used, but never use abrasive cleaning agents as these will damage the finish.

How do I care for my fan blades?

Wood-finish blades should be cleaned with a furniture polishing cloth. Occasionally, a light coat of furniture polish may be applied for added protection and luster. For painted and high-gloss blades, surface smudges or an accumulation of dirt and dust can be removed easily using mild detergent and slightly dampened soft cloth. An antistatic agent may be used, but never use abrasive cleaning agents as these will damage the finish

What direction should the fan turn in the summer?

Clock-wise, counter-clockwise?! Try this. All fans blades have a low edge and a high edge. When the high edge of the blade leads the rotation, the fan is moving in the summer mode. Conversely, when the low edge of the blade is leading the rotation, the fan is moving in the winter mode.

CONTROLS

Can I use one wall or remote control for two fans?

Yes, you can. It is possible that fans will get out of sync with time as your body might block the signal to one of the fans. It is recommended to use a separate frequency control for each fan.

My remote control is not working correctly. What should I do?

Check your batteries to see if they need to be replaced. – Check the dip switches in both the remote and the receiver to make sure both are in the same position. -If the switches are in the correct position and the remote is not functioning, the alternative cause could be the receiver in the fan. Check the wall switch by flipping it on and off, then retry.

Can I use a dimmer to control a ceiling fan?

No. A dimmer may create a restrictive power flow to the fan causing the motor to not operate properly.

Can a fan remote wall control be mounted in a multiple gang junction box?

Yes. The wall remote is designed to fit into a standard wall receptacle.

I have a remote control fan and it turns on and off on its own. What could be wrong?

The remote controls are designed to use radio frequency to control the fan and lights. The cause of your remote turning on and off on its own may be because it is picking up another radio frequency. They are designed to pick up any range up to 40ft. If you have multiple fans in your home using different remotes, you will need to change the individual remotes to different frequencies.

LIGHT KITS

Are most light kits "universal"?

There are quite a few "universal" light kits. However, not all are and not all finishes will match.

SLOPED CEILING KITS

Do I need a slope ceiling kit if I have a sloped ceiling?

Most fans come with a hanger bracket and ball which will be okay for use up to a 28 to 30 degree angle. If the ceiling is sloped more than the 28 to 30 degrees, you will need a sloped ceiling kit.

LIGHT BULBS

Which bulbs are dimmable and which are not?

Incandescent bulbs are dimmable; fluorescent bulbs are not. Some LED bulbs are dimmable; however, LED bulbs usually have a limited dimming range.

Is the socket base for incandescent bulb the same for a fluorescent bulb?

Only for the medium base compact fluorescent bulbs. Some of our fans have GU-24 two-pin fluorescent or circuline fluorescent bulbs.

What are the fluorescent bulbs equivalents to in incandescent bulbs?

9-watt compact fluorescent ~ 40-watt incandescent
13-watt compact fluorescent ~ 60-watt incandescent
18-watt compact fluorescent ~ 75-watt incandescent
23-watt compact fluorescent ~ 100-watt incandescent

My fixture says I need to use a 60 watt bulb. Can I use a higher wattage?

It is not recommended that you use a higher wattage than specified. Exceeding the recommended wattage can create a great safety risk to your home

Any suggestions for replacing the lightbulbs?

Be sure to turn the power to OFF at the wall switch or circuit breaker before changing lightbulbs. Replace bulbs with the same type as you removed from the light fixture.

WARRANTY

What is a limited lifetime warranty?

This warranty covers the motor of your ceiling fan for as long as you own it against all defects on workmanship and materials. The other components and accessories of your ceiling fan have a 1 year warranty against all defects on workmanship and materials. Please refer to your Owner’s Manual for details.

Do I need to register my fan to be eligible for warranty?

It is not required to register for warranty rights. However, it is recommended to send in the registration card.