Can we easily replace our 1998 ceiling fans with lights in our sunroom, or is it too complicated for my handy husband?
Asked by Marthe Nordlie 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 3, 2024
I hope this isn’t a silly question, but we’ve got two ceiling fans in our sunroom from around 1998. They don’t have lights. Do you think it would be tricky to switch them out for fans with lights? My husband is skilled with electrical work and has swapped out all our other light fixtures and fans before.
Yes, it’s a simple task.
You don’t have to replace the entire fan, . You can simply buy light attachments for ceiling fans. I’ve done it before, around 10-15 years ago. I found them at Home Depot, but you can also check any hardware store or electrical supply store.
We’re looking to swap out the whole fan. They’re white and gold from around ’98.
I’ve had really good fortune spray painting ceiling fans. I remove them, disassemble, and paint them.
Hey Linda, I painted mine while they were still on. Just remove the blades to paint the brackets. Haha
As Linda mentioned, you can purchase a ceiling fan light kit. The ceiling fan should be pre-wired for it. Sometimes they simply plug into a connector, while others use wire nuts. There may be a wire on top that may or may not be connected, especially if a light was not originally installed when the fan was put up.
Linda is right on the money.
If you do decide to switch out the fan, it shouldn’t be a problem.
The fan with lights will come with two power cables – one for the fan itself and a separate one for the lights. You just need to connect both to the hot wire from your panel.
Absolutely!
Of course you can
Check out the kits available for adding a light bulb to your unit. If you’re not sure which unit you have, then you might want to skip that idea
Pretty straightforward. Just follow the instructions. Your switch controls the unit and the pull strings are used to adjust fan speed or turn on the light
If you enjoy the fans, you have the option to purchase light kits for them
They’re super old and need to be replaced!
Absolutely! Piece of cake.
Sure thing!
Affirmative
Keep in mind that if you connect the fan and light together, they will both turn on simultaneously unless your fixture has pull chains.
When you’re upgrading the fan labeled “ceiling fan use”, might as well replace it. It’s a new code, but considering you’re removing the fans anyway and they’re only around $4 each.
Hey , personally I wouldn’t see the need to replace the box. I’ve had boxes that have served me well in my 70-year-old homes, they’re probably better made than current ones. I admit I’m a bit lazy. Still, it’s always good to follow the rules and regulations.
Hey , if we decide to sell or hire an electrician in the near future, we should consider upgrading the box. But for now, it’s just a project for my husband.
I completely agree with you on that.
It’s super simple. The fans include directions for wiring. You just need to connect a blue wire to your black wire.
Many fans are customizable with the option to add a light kit.
Sure thing! Sometimes there might be an additional wire, possibly blue, that allows you to control the light and fan separately from the switch. However, instructions on how to bypass that and connect everything to a single switch are usually provided.
Opt for ceiling fans that come with remotes. It simplifies things.
For numerous fans, you can attach a compatible light kit. Installing a new fan is also simple.
Yes, you can find a remote control at any major hardware store – they only require power, no need for three wires. This setup lets you control the light and fan separately. You can also swap out the wall switch for a matching remote that is hard-wired. I personally use them frequently.