In this article, we will talk about the benefits of a remote for your ceiling fan. One of the key benefits of using a remote control for your fan is that it allows you to easily control your fan, adjust the speed, turn on/off the lights at the ease of a button.
Gone are the days where you had to walk to your fan in order to make any adjustments. We live in a remote area now, where everything is managed by a remote.
Think about it, your TV, your dishwasher, stereo, etc just to name a few. Nowadays everything has become accessible at the click of a button, and that includes ceiling fans.
With this in mind, let´s explore together some of the key benefits of a remote for your ceiling fan.
Why Choose A Ceiling Fan With Remote?
#1 Accessibility
The remote control will transmit a frequency to a receiver within the canopy of the ceiling fan. This frequency will prompt the fan to change in speed, lighting, or direction without needing to walk over the switch or pull-chain.
This can be a major advantage for people who have mobility issues or those who are just simply lazy. Let´s face it, nobody likes to get up several times to adjust the fan. With a remote for your ceiling fan, this is easily sorted by the click of a button.
For many remotes, they are able to effectively send the frequency if it is in a 40-feet range from the fan itself. Even more, other remotes for ceiling can cover even a larger distance depending on the remote and receiver model.
I personally consider that if you have both a pull-chain and high ceiling, then it’s a no brainer to use a remote control. It offers great flexibility and actually enables you to operate the ceiling fan as an air conditioner.
#2 Easy Light Fixtures Integration
Another benefit that you can obtain from a remote-controlled ceiling fan is that it is easier to install, especially when it has lights attached to it. This is because a ceiling fan with lights attached will need to run a fourth wire from the fan to the switch so that it can turn on and off independently.
This basically means that with a remote control function, it is okay for you to have lots of wires on your electric circuit without needing to run more lines, which can be a hassle and expensive thing to do.
#3 One Remote For Multiple Ceiling Fans
Don’t like having multiple switches to deal with because you have multiple fans in one area? A remote control is the perfect solution for you. You can configure the ceiling fan in your house to respond to the commands of one single remote control.
By doing this, you don´t need to guess which switch is for which fan. It will also save you time from going to one fan to another to pull their chains if you have pull-chain type fans.
#4 Safety
If you have children at home who like to jump around to pull the cord of your ceiling fan, opt for a remote control one, which is better in terms of safety.
There have been several cases where the ceiling fan cord caused an electric shock to the user.
Furthermore, if children play with it, there is a chance that the switch or the ceiling fan itself will get damage, which means that you will have to pay for a replacement and repair the appliance.
With remote controlled ceiling fans, you won´t have to worry about any of the things mentioned above.
You can simply keep the remote away from children’s reach so that they cannot play with it.
If your fan has electrical issues, you will also not be directly affected if you turn it on because you will not get in contact with the fan or it´s switch.
#5 Versatility
Having a remote for your ceiling fan allows you to easily set a timer if you wanted to keep it running while you go to sleep or alternative you can utilise this feature to wake up.
The timer will also save you money with your electricity bills as you can easily control and determine when you want to utilise your fan so its a cost-effective solution for your home.
Furthermore, you can easily adjust the speed, turn the lights on/off which comes really handy for the user.
Installing a Ceiling Fan with a Remote
So at this stage you may already be convinced with the benefits of using a remote control on ceiling fans, but you have a traditional ceiling fan at home and have no clue how to install it.
That’s not a problem! You can turn your old ceiling fan into a remote-controlled ceiling fan by following these 7 simple steps:
1) Purchase a remote control and receiver:
You can buy a remote control and receiver online, through home improvement stores and hardware. They can cost around $6 to $10, which is relatively cheap.
2) Remove the fan blades
When you already have your remote control and receiver, you can now start the actual installation process, and the first step is to remove the fan blades.
Ceiling fans have different styles of fan blades, so refer to the manufacturer’s manual of the fan to know how to remove the blades safely.
Furthermore, if your ceiling fan is placed high, take precaution when removing the blades as you might be at risk of falling off the ladder or ledge you are standing on.
3) Lift the canopy
The ceiling fan canopy is the cover of the motor of your ceiling fan. It is also responsible for protecting the fan’s electrical wires and making it look seamless and clean.
Again, just like the blades, how you remove the ceiling fan canopy depends on the model of your ceiling fan. Refer to its instruction manual on how to best remove it.
4) Disconnect the power current of the fan
You do not want to be electrocuted as you work on the fan, so before opening it, make sure that the electric current is turned off.
5) Put the receive on top of the canopy and connect its wires
This step is very self-explanatory, but make sure that you connect the wire securely so that the receiver works properly.
6) Put the canopy and blades back
Reassemble the pieces that you removed a while ago.
7) Test
Turn the power back on then test whether the remote control works or not. If it does, then pat yourself on the back for DIY.
If it does not work, it is probably because the remote and receiver you used are not compatible with the fan.
It is also possible that the wirings were not securely attached, so try to turn the power off again and remove the blade and canopy to check the wires.
Installing a remote on a traditional ceiling fan is easy, right? You do not really need to be a professional in order to do it, and if you are already an avid DIY, then this will be a piece of cake for you.
However, if you plan to replace your old fan anyways, go for one that is already remote controlled so that you do not need to exert extra effort.
Although it can be a little more expensive than traditional ceiling fans, you will find that the convenience and other benefits you will get from it are worth it.
Is a Remote For Ceiling Fans a Luxury or Necessity?
There are several opinions on whether remotes for ceiling fans are considered to be a luxury or necessity.
For people with mobility issues, remote control on ceiling fans is an absolute necessity.
This will help them have a sense of independence to turn on and off the ceiling fan on their own rather than forcing themselves to stand up and go to the switch or the electric fan itself.
Those who think that using a remote on ceiling fans is a luxury think so because they know that these types of ceiling fans are more expensive.
However, it is important to note that it is possible to use remote on traditional fans, although it might require a certain degree of effort.
Regardless of whether you think ceiling fans are a luxury or necessity, their benefits are undeniable.
Almost all of the products available on the market today have been developed to make our lives easier and comfortable so that we can control everything at the tips of our fingers.
The best part is that it has become accessible for almost anyone as they come in all sort of prices and models.
Additional Information and Tips on Remote Ceiling Fans
# Remote Compatibility
The remote that you will buy for your ceiling fan must be compatible with it. To know that, determine the wattage and the amp of your ceiling fan.
This way, you can easily ask in the hardware store which remote is best for your fan.
# Opting for a Remote-Controlled Ceiling Fan
If you are renovating or you are replacing an old ceiling fan, opting for a model that is already designed to be remotely controlled is always a smart choice.
This way, you will not need to figure out the wirings on your own, and it would be a lesser hassle on your part.
Furthermore, you can get more features with already remote-controlled models such as a timer, multiple fan speed, and light fixtures.
# When in doubt, call a professional
If you are not sure whether you can install a ceiling fan with a remote on your own or install a remote for a ceiling fan, call a professional.
They can have the job done in under an hour, and you will avoid any extra hustle and time-consuming efforts on trying to do it on your own.
Final Thoughts
A remote-controlled ceiling fan may initially seem like a luxury but after carefully looking at each of its various benefits I personally consider it that it´s worth spending those extra bucks on a good remote for your ceiling fan.
Make sure to evaluate your ceiling fan requirements in your home so you can make an informed buying decision when choosing the best ceiling fans with remote.
We would like to know if this article was helpful. Also, leave us a comment if you have any inquiries or suggestions and we will be happy to respond. Cheers!
