The Benefits of Ceiling Fan Installation in Wichita, Plus Other Handyman Services!

Ceiling fan with white blades hanging from a white residential ceiling after installation.
Do you find yourself constantly running your HVAC system during the Wichita summer and winter? Perhaps this reliance on your HVAC unit has caused your energy bills to skyrocket. It takes a lot of energy to run the many appliances and fixtures in your home. When you add heating and cooling into the mix, costs can soar. However, did you know that many Wichita homeowners are paying more than they need to on their energy bills? There are many ways to reduce unnecessary costs, including ceiling fan installation in Wichita.

While it may sound surprising, small changes like installing a ceiling fan can actually make a massive difference on your energy bills—and on your general comfort while being inside your Wichita home. With these extra savings you could put money away for a rainy day, plan that trip to Maui you've always wanted to take, and more.

If that sounds good to you, then we have even more good news for you. You don't have to hire multiple contractors to get all these energy-saving jobs done around your house. Rather, one of our Wichita handyman service professionals has all the qualifications and skills needed to install a new light fixture and ceiling fan, repair damaged drywall, replace areas that have rotted and more. The team at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area are highly experienced at completing a range of tasks across the trades. We can even assist with basic electrical services like ceiling fan installation, so you don't need to worry about hiring an electrician. Rather, entrust your home to the pros at your friendly neighborhood Mr. Handyman.

Ceiling Fan Installation in Wichita

There are numerous benefits to hiring an expert handyman for ceiling fan installation in Wichita. Improving energy efficiency and saving on energy costs are just two of those many benefits. Indoor ceiling fans also increase the air circulation in a room. This helps to bring in fresh air from outside and keeps the air moving so it doesn't become stale. Nobody wants to live in a home that smells musty. As an added benefit, proper air circulation helps those with allergies experience less symptoms, especially when paired with an air filtration system. Keep you and your family healthy by breathing in fresh, purified air with the help of a new ceiling fan.

Most ceiling fans also include lighting fixtures of one variety or another. This is great news for Wichita homeowners, because it means that when you swap out your current lighting fixtures for ceiling fans with lights, you don't compromise on the light within your home. In fact, replacing standard light fixtures with a lighting-fan hybrid can actually boost your home's resale value.

How Does Ceiling Fan Installation in Wichita Reduce Energy Costs?

It surprises many Wichita homeowners to learn that this simple change can actually drastically reduce their energy bills. It may seem like you're using energy to run the device, but the truth is running a ceiling fan uses up much less energy than running an AC system. Amazingly, these fixtures can actually change the temperature in a room by as much as four or five degrees Fahrenheit through improving air circulation. But how does this happen?

Warm air rises, and cool air settles near the ground. So when you run your ceiling fan, it moves the air around from these two places. Thus, it feels more comfortable in your Wichita home as the air is at a more consistent temperature. Since the ceiling fan is doing some of the work to regulate your interior temperature, you don't need to use your HVAC system as much. You can set the AC unit to a slightly warmer temperature in the summer, and set your furnace to a slightly lower temperature in the winter. Thus, the machines use up less fuel to heat and cool your home. In turn, this can lead to significant annual savings on your energy bill.

As mentioned earlier, you may hesitate to run a ceiling fan because it is still using up energy. However, it will use up a fraction of the energy that your HVAC system does. For instance, did you know that the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that it costs around 26 cents per hour to operate an air conditioner? This makes up 25% of your total home energy consumption. Meanwhile, a ceiling fan (installed by the pros at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area) costs about one cent per hour to run. That's a ratio of 36:1! It almost goes without saying that ceiling fan installation is a great way to save a lot of money on your energy bills. Also, these devices are a great way to help lower your carbon footprint and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Don't I Need an Electrician to Install a Ceiling Fan?

Actually, no you don't! Many Wichita homeowners think that an electrician is required for this basic installation task. That's not the case. There is no need to call for a licensed electrician. Instead, you can count on your local Wichita handyman team at Mr. Handyman of the Wichita Metro Area. Our ceiling fan installation experts know everything there is to know about safely and efficiently installing ceiling fans. We'll make sure that the project goes smoothly from start to finish. Not to mention, while we're at your Wichita home for that installation, we can also complete a wide range of other home improvement and repair tasks. This helps you save time and money by avoiding hiring multiple contractors.

What Do I Need for Ceiling Fan Installation in Wichita?

Worried about forgetting to purchase a key element before your handyman arrives to complete ceiling fan installation? Not to worry, we have you covered! While most fan assembly kits will come with all the components you need, it doesn't hurt to be certain. The parts needed for proper installation and assembly include:

  • Ceiling fan blades
  • Fan brace or ceiling bracket
  • Ceiling medallion
  • Ceiling fan controls, like a wall switch or remote control
  • Switch housing
  • Cable connector
  • Light fixture box
  • Ceiling fan box or pancake box
  • Ceiling fan wiring
  • Screws and other necessary hardware
  • Basic tools
  • Safety glasses

It's also important to note that your handyman will need to be able to safely access your circuit breaker box, so that they can turn off the power in your Wichita home while working on your installation.

Where is the Best Place for a Fan to be Installed?

Really, you can add a fan to nearly any part of your Wichita home and experience its benefits. However, the best place to complete ceiling fan installation is a large area of the home where you spend a lot of time. This includes common areas like the living room, bathroom, kitchen or dining room. However, you can also add these devices to bedrooms and the basement for additional comfort. That said, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when choosing a location for Wichita ceiling fan installation:

  • The device's blades need to be at least seven feet away from the floor, or eight feet for metal blades. This means that you need to consider your ceiling height depending on the type you buy for installation.
  • The unit needs to be well out of reach from bunk beds or any other type of tall furniture that can be climbed on by children or pets—notably, cats.
  • The device must have full clearance away from cabinets or any other structural elements the blades could bump into, otherwise you risk damaging your home.
  • Blades cannot pass underneath a lighting fixture. If the fan unit has a lighting fixture attached, it will be out of range of the blades.
  • An extender kit will be needed for fans installed on angled ceilings. Your handyman will ensure that the lowest part of the fan still meets height requirements for installation on a ceiling slope.

How Else Can I Save Money on My Energy Bills in Wichita, KS?

There are a number of Wichita handyman services you can hire to help you save on energy costs. In fact, our team of experts would be more than happy to help you reduce air leakage and enjoy a more comfortable home all year round.

Vacuum Out Dryer Vents

Clogged dryer vents are a serious safety hazard. Nearly 3,000 homes are reported to have caught fire every year in the United States due to clogged dryer vents. And, when your dryer vents are clogged they also inhibit your dryer's ability to work properly. This means the machine is straining to properly dry clothes. In turn, it uses more energy to dry clothes because the cycle has to last longer—thus draining your energy bill. You should make sure that your dryer vents are vacuumed out at least once a year by a qualified handyman professional. Our team knows exactly what’s required for dryer vent cleaning in Wichita and can get the job done right, so that you can reduce the risk of a house fire, have a more efficient machine, and enjoy lower energy bills.

Signs You Need Your Dryer Vents Vacuumed Out:

  • Clothes are taking longer than usual to wash
  • You notice a burning smell when the dryer runs
  • The dryer is hotter than normal
  • Lint is escaping from the outside vent opening
  • It's been more than a year since your dryer vents were cleaned

Repair Damaged Drywall

Granted, drywall is not insulation. However, it does help keep drafts out of your home. When your drywall is compromised, it's important to repair the damage as soon as possible. Not only can holes and other damage to your drywall cause drafts to leak into your home—in turn forcing your HVAC system to work harder to keep a consistent temperature within your home, burning more fuel and boosting your energy bills—but there are a wide range of other problems associated with damaged drywall. For instance, your sound barrier will be compromised, meaning there is less privacy between rooms. Also, rodents and insects can take advantage of damaged drywall and sneak into your home. Perhaps most importantly, holes and cracks could allow moisture to penetrate through the drywall, causing issues with the material itself such as mold and mildew, and possibly enabling wood rot to set foot in your home's wooden frame.

Signs You Need Drywall Repairs

  • Popping nails
  • Visible cracks and holes
  • Water damage, including brown stains
  • Bumps and bulges
  • Large holes
  • Peeling paint

Water Heater Insulation

You don't need a plumber or an electrician to help you with this task, and it's a great way to conserve energy in your home. Most water heaters use up a lot of fuel, whether they’re natural gas or electric. This is because the heater has to constantly warm-up a large tank of water, so that you have ready access to hot water. By adding an insulating foil wrap to the outside of the tank, the machine will hold in heat more efficiently. Thus, it doesn't need to work as hard to heat up the water already in the tank every time you turn on the hot tap. Subsequently, you save money on your energy bills.

Hire Mr. Handyman for Wichita Ceiling Fan Installation

If you're ready to save money on your energy bills with a few simple handyman jobs, including ceiling fan installation, then reach out to our Wichita handyman team today. Our hardworking experts have years of experience helping residents in and near Wichita with their home improvement needs, including in the communities of Bel Aire and Andover.

To make a service request, give our friendly and hardworking customer service staff a call us today. We provide a wide range of services for property improvements and repairs, for both homeowners and business owners. We look forward to hearing from you, and helping with your next home improvement project!