What a fan swap covers
- The existing box inspected and confirmed as rated for a fan before anything goes up
- The old fan or light fixture removed and the wiring checked
- The new fan assembled, hung, and connected to the same wires
- Blades balanced and the downrod length chosen for your ceiling
- Pull chains, wall control or remote set up and every speed tested
Fans in older San Gabriel houses
San Gabriel’s homes are mostly older: the 2020–2024 Census survey counts 5,316 of 13,818 built before 1950. Ceiling boxes from that era were usually meant for a light, not a spinning fan, which is why we look at the box before quoting.
A good fan earns its spot. ENERGY STAR says certified ceiling fans “are up to 44% more efficient than conventional fans,” thanks to “improved motors and blade designs.”
If the box is rated, the swap is straightforward. If it’s a light-only box, the fan waits for an electrician to fit a proper one.
When an electrician comes first
We only swap fans on an existing fan-rated box with wiring already there. A box that isn’t fan-rated, a fan where there is no fixture now, a new wall switch, or anything that needs a new circuit or wiring is a job for an electrician. Once that’s done, we can hang the fan.
What to send
Text a photo of the current fan or fixture, and if you can, one with the canopy lowered so we can see the box, to (626) 684-3505. Add the new fan’s model if you’ve picked it.
Fan swap questions
Do you message before coming?
We do. A text goes out before we leave for your place.
What if the box turns out not to be fan-rated?
We stop there and tell you. We don’t put a fan on a box that isn’t rated for one, and nothing else happens until you decide on the next step.
Who buys the fan?
Whichever you prefer. Parts depend on the job, so we can quote one or install the fan you choose.
What if it starts wobbling later?
Text us. If our install isn’t right, we come back and fix it.
Related guides
- A move-in checklist for an older houseWhat to check and fix when you move into an older San Gabriel home, from shutoffs and smoke alarms to locks, outlets and window hardware.
- New porch and outdoor lights on stucco wallsHow to replace porch, garage and exterior light fixtures on stucco walls in San Gabriel homes, including weather sealing and sensors.
This job sits in our electrical fixture swaps group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.