Ceiling fans are a smart, energy-efficient way to stay cool in Adelaide’s Mediterranean-like climate, especially during those long, dry summer days. Whether you’re installing new fans or upgrading old, noisy models, switching to modern DC ceiling fans can offer a range of benefits.
Why Upgrade?
DC fans also offer more speed settings, better control, and reversible modes for use in both summer and winter, helping circulate warm air during colder months.
Old AC (alternating current) fans can be loud, clunky, and inefficient. In contrast, modern DC (direct current) fans are whisper-quiet, use up to 70% less energy, and often come with sleek designs with remote controls. They’re great for bedrooms, living areas, and even outdoor entertaining spaces.
Installing a new fan
Installing a brand-new fan where one isn’t already present requires a bit more effort. In this case, we will need to:
- Install a secure mounting bracket in the ceiling (fans must be fixed to timber or a ceiling joist—not just plaster)
- Run new cabling, generally from an existing light circuit, and run switch wires down walls
- Patch and paint if holes are required for access
This can take 2–3 hours per fan, depending on ceiling access and the wiring layout. You can expect costs of around $550 per fan installed, depending on the model fan selected and the complexity of installation, including labour and materials.
Feplacing an existing fan
Replacing an existing fan is an easier job, which generally takes 30 minutes; however, for one fan, allow an hour total as we need to set up the job at the start and pack and clean up when we’re finished. You can expect costs of around $350 – $400 per fan installed, depending on the model fan selected and the number installed, including labour and materials.
Is replacing an existing light fitting with a fan an option?
If you already have a light positioned centrally in a room, it may be possible to replace it with a fan/light combo, especially when using a remote-controlled DC fan/ light. This avoids the need to run new switch wires to the wall.
In this scenario, replacement may take around 1–1.5 hours and costs approximately $500 per fan installed, depending on whether the ceiling needs reinforcement, and once again, on the model of fan selected.
All options are chaper if you want to run with a new AC fan, which can be up to $100 cheaper than the more expensive DC models. The prices provided are a guide only, and we would need to take a look at your specific scenario and provide you with a tailored quotation in all instances.
Whether you’re upgrading or installing from scratch, modern ceiling fans are a smart investment for comfort, energy savings, and style.