Ceiling fan work we do
Most of our fan jobs are one of these:
- New fans in rooms that have never had one
- Replacing old, noisy or wobbly fans
- Swapping a light fitting for a fan, or a fan with a light
- Outdoor fans for patios, decks and alfresco areas
- Upgrading to DC motor fans with remote or wall controls
- Fans on raked or high ceilings with extension rods
- Adding wall controls, speed controllers or smart control
We can supply the fan, or install one you’ve already bought. If you’re still choosing, we’re happy to give you honest advice about what works well in our climate.
AC or DC motor fans?
Traditional AC motor fans are simple and reliable, and they’re usually controlled by a wall speed controller. DC motor fans are the newer option. They use noticeably less power, run very quietly, usually have more speed settings, and often come with a remote.
For bedrooms where a fan runs all night, the quieter operation and lower running cost of a DC fan are worth considering. Some DC fans also have a reverse function for winter, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling. Our blog on ceiling fans for coastal homes goes into this in more detail.
Outdoor fans and coastal conditions
Outdoor areas are where fans take the most punishment. Salt air, humidity and wind-driven rain on the Gold Coast and in Northern NSW will quickly rust or wreck an indoor fan put outside. For patios and alfresco areas, you need a fan rated for outdoor or damp locations, ideally with blades and a finish that handle salt.
We also think about placement. A fan under a roof but open on the sides is still exposed to weather, so the fan, its wiring connections and controls all need to suit that. Outdoor fans need to be on a circuit protected by a safety switch, and if you’re planning outdoor lighting at the same time, our lighting installation service can be combined in the one visit.
Mounting and clearances
A ceiling fan is a heavy, spinning object, so how it’s mounted matters. We fix fans to a solid structural point, usually a ceiling joist or a purpose-installed timber noggin between joists, and never just to plasterboard. That’s what stops the wobble that many older fans develop, and it keeps the fan safe.
There are also clearance rules. Under the Wiring Rules, fan blades generally need to be at least 2.1 metres above the floor, and fans need enough room from walls, cupboards, light fittings and smoke alarms. We’ll check the height and spacing in each room before you buy, especially in rooms with low ceilings or bunk beds.
Smoke alarm placement also comes into it. Alarms shouldn’t sit too close to fan blades, which can blow smoke away from the sensor. If you’re updating your smoke alarms for the Queensland 2027 deadline, we can plan fans and alarms together.
High and raked ceilings
Many Gold Coast and Northern Rivers homes have raked ceilings in living areas. Fans on raked ceilings need a suitable angled mount and often an extension rod so the blades sit at the right height, clear of the slope. The height also affects how well the fan works. Too high and you won’t feel much airflow, too low and it’s a safety issue.
High ceilings need the right access equipment, which can affect time on site. We’ll ask about ceiling heights when we quote so we come prepared.
Controls and switching
You’ve got a few options for controlling a fan: a wall speed controller, a remote, a wall-mounted DC control, or smart control through an app. For fans with lights, it’s worth thinking about whether you want the light and fan on separate switches. If you’re looking at a wider smart setup, see our home automation page.
What affects the cost
Every home is different, but these are the things that usually drive the price:
- Whether there’s existing wiring at the fan location
- Roof space access, especially in two-storey homes or low-pitched roofs
- Ceiling height and whether it’s raked
- Whether a new mounting point needs to be installed
- The type of control you choose
- Whether we supply the fan or install yours
Swapping a light for a fan in a room with easy roof access is often straightforward. A new fan in a two-storey home with no roof access above can take more work. We’ll give you an upfront written quote before starting.
Once a fan is up, we check it runs smoothly at every speed, balance the blades if needed, and test the wiring. All work is done to AS/NZS 3000 and you’ll receive a compliance certificate.