How JustAnswer Works:
  • Ask an Expert
    Experts are full of valuable knowledge and are ready to help with any question. Credentials confirmed by a Fortune 500 verification firm.
  • Get a Professional Answer
    Via email, text message, or notification as you wait on our site. Ask follow up questions if you need to.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
    Rate the answer you receive.
By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them.
Ask canuck the pro Your Own Question
canuck the pro
canuck the pro, Handyman
Category: Home Improvement
Satisfied Customers: 4542
Experience:  Handyman
64367226
Type Your Home Improvement Question Here...
canuck the pro is online now

I want to replace a ceiling light in my bedroom with a fan

This answer was rated:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hello
JA: Hi. How can I help?
Customer: I want to replace a ceiling light in my bedroom with a fan and integral light. Currently the light is switched with a switch that is part of a two way switch from the hallway. Can I wire the fan and still use the two switch to operate the integral light from the hall? Thanks
JA: I'll do all I can to help. How long have you been dealing with this?
Customer: About 20 mins?
JA: Do you plan on doing the work yourself?
Customer: I was hoping to unless it's v complicated. I an do the installation but not the wiring if it's not straightforward
JA: How old is the system in question? And have you consulted an electrician yet?
Customer: About 2 years and no
JA: Anything else we should know to help you best?
Customer: Sorry - 20 years not 2. And I don't think so
canuck the pro

Hi, my name is ***** ***** I have been in the home improvement and repair field for 20 years. I will be glad to help you today.

Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question
Customer: replied 2 months ago.
OK Thanks

Is there a second switch that is not being used for anything now? So you have the one switch in two locations that operate the light but is there another switch next to that one that currently does not operate anything?

Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question
Customer: replied 2 months ago.
There is a single switch in the bedroom but a double switch in the hall , which is downstairs. So I use the hall switch to turn on the bedroom light from downstairs - so I have light when going upstairs and the single switch in the bedroom to turn the bedroom light on and off.
Customer: replied 2 months ago.
There is a fault on the site. My messages aren't sending. Are you still there?
It will be a pretty straightforward installation then. When removing the light only disconnect the wires that are connected to the light. There's a black,white and ground wire. Those are the wires you'll connect to the fan. The fan will have blue,black,white and ground wires. The blue will connect with the black wires. This is in case there is a separate switch for the fan. You don't have that so you'll have to turn the fan on and off with the pull chain or install a remote control.
Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question
Customer: replied 2 months ago.
Thanks. Can I install a new switch just for the fan (not the light) instead of a remote?

Not really. You can if you get some new wires put in. You can get a remote control that looks like a light switch though.

canuck the pro and other Home Improvement Specialists are ready to help you
Ask your own question now
Customer: replied 2 months ago.
Ok. I had a look at the fan manufacturer website (Westinghouse) and they say you can’t use a remote and a wallswitch but maybe they are referring to the fan only. I’ll try your solution. Thanks

It was good talking to you. Let me know if you have any issues.

Ask Your Own Home Improvement Question