When it comes to enhancing the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your home, a few additions can match the practicality and style of a ceiling fan. From distributing the air throughout your kitchen for better ventilation to blowing it on your face, a ceiling fan does a lot.
Suppose you have just purchased a Harbor Breeze ceiling fan. In such a case, the next step is to attach it to the ceiling and see how it performs. You can begin by turning off the power, attaching the mounting bracket, making wiring connections, and completing the installation.
However, this is just a short overview; you should be careful in the process since the true magic of these fans lies not only in their design but in their proper installation. Be with me to walk through the comprehensive Harbor Breeze ceiling fan installation to learn everything!
Ways To Mount Your Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan
As not every room is the same, so are the ceiling fans. Several types of ceiling fans (in terms of their installation method) are available to meet the specifications and match the height of every space.
The rule of thumb is to install a ceiling fan at a minimum height of 7 feet or above. Moreover, there should not be any interference within 24 inches of the area along the blade tips.
These are the ways to mount your Harbor Breeze ceiling fans.
| Aspect | Flush Mount (Low Profile) | Angle Mount (Sloped Ceiling) | Downrod Mount |
| Attachment to Ceiling | Directly attached to the ceiling | Requires a special adapter or bracket | Suspended from the ceiling using a downrod |
| Gap Between the Fan and Ceiling | Minimal to none | The gap is created due to the adapter/bracket | Visible gap due to the downrod |
| Clearance from Ceiling | Closest to the ceiling | Matches the slope of the ceiling | Adjustable, can vary in length to create clearance |
| Ceiling Height Compatibility | Ideal for low ceilings (7 feet or less) | Suitable for sloped ceilings (e.g., vaulted) | Suitable for standard to high ceilings |
| Stability | Stable, minimal wobbling or imbalance | Stable, maintain a level position on slopes | Stable, adjustable for different ceiling heights |
| Aesthetic Impact | Minimal visual impact, close to ceiling | Slightly more visible due to adapter/bracket | Creates a visible gap between the fan and the ceiling |
| Suitable Room Types | Small rooms with low ceilings | Rooms with angled or sloped ceilings | Larger rooms and open areas with standard to high ceilings |
How To Remove An Old Ceiling Fan?
First, make sure the power to the fan is turned off at the breaker box. You can use a tool, such as a voltage tester, to check if there’s no electricity.
Take out the light bulbs and any covers if your fan has a light kit. Remove the fan blades. They’re usually held on with screws and washers. Take off the screws, and then take the blades off.
Get rid of the decorative cover called the canopy. There are usually screws holding it to the bracket. Take out the screws and then take off the canopy.
Unplug the wires. There are usually three wires connecting the fan to the electrical box: green or bare copper (ground), white (neutral), and black (hot). Use wire nuts to disconnect them.
Take off the metal bracket that holds the fan. There are usually screws attaching it to the ceiling. Remove the screws and then the bracket. Carefully bring the fan down to the floor.
Do You Have An Appropriate Outlet Box?
Take a look at the box in the ceiling where you’ll put the fan. Make sure it’s meant for ceiling fans. You can usually find this information stamped inside the box. It might also show a number for how heavy the fan can be.
Suppose you have an old box that can’t support the fan. If so, replace it with one made for your ceiling fan. This box and its support must be able to handle the weight of the fan, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the right hardware.
If your fan weighs more than 35 pounds, with or without extra parts, you’ll need extra support in addition to the box. You’ll have to buy this separately. To put it in the new box, attach it to a brace that’s between the ceiling joists.
If there’s no wooden brace like a 2×4 inches between the joists, you can add one if you can get to the framing from the attic. Alternatively, you can use a special expandable metal hanger bar designed for ceiling fans.
How To Attach A Mounting Bracket To Outlet Box?
Once you have ensured that the outlet box can accommodate your new ceiling fan, it’s time to attach the mounting bracket to it. As I mentioned earlier, this piece ensures the fan stays firmly in place and doesn’t wobble when it’s turned on.
- Take off the screws for the fan’s motor and any packaging blocks. Keep these screws in a safe place since you’ll need them later to attach the blades.
- Remove the mounting bracket from the fan canopy.
- Use screws and lock washers to connect the mounting bracket to the electrical box in the ceiling.
NOTE: If your fan has a J-hook, put the mounting bracket with the J-hook facing down. This hook will hold the fan while you connect the wires.
- Thread the electrical wires from the ceiling through the middle hole of the mounting bracket.
NOTE: How you attach the fan to the bracket depends on whether the fan hangs from a downrod or is flush against the ceiling.
TIP: If your fan has the 3-position mount, decide if you want it to be flush with the ceiling fan or hang it using a downrod. You can use downrod for both regular and angled ceilings.
Tools & Materials Required For Installing A Ceiling Fan
Whether you have a flush, downrod, or angled mount installation, you will need the following tools and materials to complete the setup/
- Circuit tester
- Ladder
- Screwdriver
- Drill with driver and bit
- Electrical tape
- Ceiling Fan Kit
- Pliers
- Wire Strippers
- Wire Connectors
- Safety Glasses
How To Install Flush Mount Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan?
After having all the tools within your reach, turn off the main power breaker. Use a wire tester to double-check that the circuit has no live current. Now, follow these steps for downrod mount ceiling fan installation.
- For a flush mount fan, pass the wires from the fan motor through the top housing, trim ring (if it comes with one), and the canopy.
- Connect the top housing, trim ring (if you have it), and the canopy to the fan motor.
Note: If your fan can be used with or without a downrod, you might need to make some adjustments to set it up for flush mounting.
- If needed, trim and strip the wires from the ceiling fan. Match up the wires correctly. Remember, blue is for the light kit, black is for the fan’s power, green is for the ground, and white is for both the fan and the light kit.
- Ensure that all the wires are securely connected inside the wire connectors. Once the wiring is done, gently push the wires into the electrical box.
- Use the screws provided to firmly attach the canopy to the mounting plate.
How To Install Downrod Mount Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan?
Some fans can be installed without using a downrod, which means they’ll be closer to the ceiling. The steps for angled-mount ceiling fan installation are different from the flush mount. The following are those steps.
- Put the fan parts together and connect them to the motor part.
- Carefully pull the wires down through the canopy and the downrod.
TIP: I have a trick for you: put a long object like a piece of wire through the opposite side into the downrod. Use tape to attach the wires to the wire you want to pull through. Pull the other end of the wire to bring the group of wires to the other end.
- Slide the downrod into the fan housing. Secure it using the connector pin and counter pin. Make sure it’s tight.
- Locate the set screw on the side of the downrod and tighten it.
- Put the hanger ball on the top end of the downrod and secure it.
- Lift the assembled fan unit and place the hanger ball into the collar yoke of the ceiling plate/mounting bracket. Ensure both the hanger ball and mounting bracket are positioned properly.
- Connect the green ground and white neutral wires to their respective counterparts in the ceiling box.
- If your fan has a light kit, attach the remaining wires (usually black and blue) to the matching colored wires in the ceiling box.
- Use electrical tape to secure the wire connectors.
- Carefully push the wires up into the electrical box.
- Seat the canopy over the fan’s motor and secure it with the screws with the fan.
What About The Angled-Mount Ceiling Fan Installation?
The angled-mount ceiling fan installation is almost the same as the downrod installation. The only difference is the inclusion of a specialized adapter or bracket to let the fan hang level on sloped ceilings in the case of angled-mount installations. The rest of the installation is the same.
How To Attach Harbor Breeze Ceiling Fan Blades?
If your fan blades have two sides, pick the one you want to see when the fan is on. The chosen side should face downward. Use the screws and washers that came with the fan to connect each blade bracket to a fan blade. Repeat this for all the blades.
NOTE: Sometimes, your fan kit might include small parts called grommets that need to be placed in the holes of the blades before attaching them to the brackets. Also, in some cases, you won’t need screws; the blades simply snap onto the brackets.
How To Install A Ceiling Fan Light?
Once you have installed the ceiling fan on the mounting bracket and attacked the fan blades, the next step is installing the ceiling fan light. This is how you can do this.
1. Get the Light Kit Ready
Take off the cover plate that’s on the fan, and remove the plug from the middle of the plate. Use a circuit tester to check if there’s no electricity. We want to make sure it’s safe.
Thread the wires from the light kit through the hole in the cover plate. Screw the plate tightly onto the light kit to keep it in place.
NOTE: Only use light kits that the fan maker says work with your fan. Different fans may have different ways to attach the light kit, so follow the instructions that come with your kit.
2. Connect the Wires
Find the wires inside the fan that are meant for the light kit. They should be labeled. Connect these wires to the wires from the light kit, following the instructions from the manufacturer.
Some fans have easy plug-in connections. If you’re using wire connectors instead of plug-ins, wrap them with electrical tape to keep them secure.
3. Tuck the Wires Away
Carefully put the wires back into the fan’s switch housing. Use the provided hardware to attach the light kit to the switch housing.
4. Put in the Bulbs
Use the light bulbs that the light kit maker recommends. Depending on your light kit, you might have to put on light shades before you put in the bulbs.
5. Attach the Light Cover
If your kit has a light globe or bowl, put it on. If there are pull chains for the fan and light, attach them. Turn the power back on, switch the lights, and ensure they work.
Tips & Tricks For Installing a Ceiling Fan
Read the Manual. Always start by reading the instructions given by the manufacturer. They contain important safety information, warnings, and tips specific to your fan model.
Safety First. Turn off the power supply to the fan’s location. Use a circuit tester to make sure there’s no electricity in the wires, and remember to set the wall switch to the “off” position.
Use the Right Box. Ensure you mount the ceiling fan on a securely fastened metal electrical box, not a plastic one. A sturdy metal box provides better support and safety.
Choose the Correct Bulbs. If the light kit doesn’t come with bulbs, buy ones that match the specified wattage mentioned in the instructions. Don’t use bulbs that exceed this wattage to prevent overheating.
Follow Local Codes. Make sure all your electrical connections meet local building codes. It’s also a good idea to check with local authorities to see if you need any permits for the installation.
Use Approved Controls. Only use fan speed-control devices or switches specifically designed for ceiling fans to minimize the risk of fire or electric shock. Using incompatible controls can be dangerous.
What Should Be The Downrod Length?
As I told you in the previous section, downrod mounting uses a downrod that can help us fit the ceiling fan at different heights. Our goal is to suspend the ceiling fan at a height of 7 feet to 9 feet, so needed an appropriate downrod length to achieve this.
That said, here is the table that can help you choose the downrod length to suit the ceiling height. TIP: Measure the height of your ceiling accurately to make things easier.
| Ceiling Height | Downrod Length |
| 7 feet – 9 feet | Flush mount – 6 inches |
| 10 feet – 12 feet | 12 inches – 24 inches |
| 13 feet – 15 feet | 36 inches – 48 inches |
| 16 feet – 17 feet | 50 inches – 60 inches |
What Ceiling Fan Size Will Suit My Room?
Once you have decided how high you will install your ceiling fan, it’s time to decide an appropriate size of the ceiling fan according to the size of the room. This is the table for this process.
| Room Size | Ceiling Fan Size |
| 12×12 sq ft or less | 36 inches |
| 12×12 sq ft – 15×15 sq ft | 42 inches |
| 15×15 sq ft – 18×18 sq ft | 52 inches |