Bedroom Fan Lights: To Install Or Not?

should I have light kit on bedroom fan

Ceiling fans with lights are a convenient way to cool and illuminate a room. They are a good option for rooms that require bright and direct light, such as kitchens and laundry rooms. However, ceiling fans with uplight kits that provide indirect illumination are more suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, and dens. Ceiling fan light kits are available in a variety of styles and models, making it easy to find one that fits your individual décor and lighting needs. They are also relatively simple and inexpensive to install, costing around $20 to $50 depending on the fixture type and features.

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Cost of a light kit for a bedroom fan

The cost of a light kit for a bedroom fan varies depending on the style, material, and features of the kit. Prices can range from as little as $50 to as much as $1,400. The typical homeowner spends less than $250 on the unit alone.

There are three main types of ceiling fan light kits: multi-light, uplight, and downlight. Multi-light kits have several lights that can face up or down but typically face down, providing bright and direct light. Uplight kits are mounted above the fan motor, with the lights angled towards the ceiling to provide indirect, soft illumination. Downlight kits are mounted to the bottom of the motor and provide direct light.

When choosing a light kit for your bedroom fan, consider the level of light output you need. If you want a softer, more ambient light, an uplight kit might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you need brighter light for tasks or other activities, a multi-light or downlight kit would be a better option.

In addition to the type of light kit, you'll also want to consider the type of light bulb. LED, halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs are all options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. LED bulbs, for example, are the most energy-efficient option, while halogen bulbs produce a warmer light.

The cost of installing a ceiling fan light kit will depend on whether you already have the wiring in place. If you do, the average cost of installation is around $300. Without pre-existing wiring, the price can go up to $2,000 or more.

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Energy efficiency of light kits

Light kits can be an energy-efficient addition to your bedroom fan, but it depends on the type of light bulb used. LED lights are the most energy-efficient option, consuming less power than traditional lights and lasting over 25,000 hours. They are ideal for hard-to-reach ceiling fans as you won't need to change the bulbs often. Although more expensive, they save money in the long term.

Halogen lights are another option, consuming 15% less energy than traditional incandescent lights. They produce a warm, welcoming light but create the most heat of all the bulb types. Fluorescent light ceiling fans are another energy-efficient option, using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) and 75% less energy than incandescent lights. However, they are not dimmable and are not recommended as the sole lighting source for a room.

For maximum energy efficiency, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These fans are 60% more efficient than conventional fans, using improved motors and blade designs. They also meet strict energy efficiency, quality, and performance criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

When choosing a light kit for your bedroom fan, consider the room's lighting needs. Bedrooms typically require less light output than high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. You can also adjust the light level and atmosphere using wall controls or a fan remote control.

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Installation of a light kit

Firstly, turn off the electricity to the fan at the breaker or fuse box. It is recommended to turn off the entire panel to ensure safety. Double-check that the fan is off by attempting to turn it on.

Before removing the fan, ensure it has a housing assembly at its centre. This may be hidden by an embellished cover or décor. If there is no housing assembly, you will not be able to add a light kit.

Remove the screws hanging below the fan's centre, holding the decorative centre plate in place. Then, remove the plate to expose the wiring. Keep careful track of the parts set aside.

On most fans, dedicated wiring for a light kit will be visible and labelled, for example, "lighting power". You are looking for two wires: a white (neutral) and a black (power) wire that will correspond with the wires on the new light assembly.

Feed the light fixture's white and black wires through the hole in the centre plate. Line up the matching wires so they are parallel, then screw a wire nut to each set: white to white, and black to black. The light fixture is now wired.

Screw the light assembly onto the centre plate of the fan, ensuring it is firmly attached. Re-attach the centre plate to the fan body, replacing the screws that hold the centre plate in place.

Install the light bulbs, shades, and pull chains as instructed by the manufacturer. Re-install the fan onto the ceiling, then turn the electricity back on to check your work.

Safety and professional advice

Although adding a light kit to a ceiling fan is a relatively simple DIY project, it does involve working with a live power supply. If you are uncomfortable with this, it is advised to leave the job to a professional electrician.

If you choose to tackle the installation yourself, be sure to follow the guidelines included with your light kit, as well as the safety advice outlined above.

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Types of light bulbs for a light kit

When choosing a light kit for your bedroom fan, it's important to consider the type of light bulb it uses. Different light bulbs have different colour temperatures, ease of use, and visual appeal. Here are some common types of light bulbs for light kits:

  • LED lights are the most energy-efficient option, consuming less power and lasting longer than traditional lights. They are ideal for locations where changing the light bulb may be difficult, such as fans installed on high ceilings. LED lights are now dimmable and can be used outdoors as well.
  • Halogen lights consume 15% less energy than traditional incandescent lights and produce a warmer, more welcoming light. They are suitable for living rooms or dining rooms. All halogen lights can be dimmed with the appropriate dimming control.
  • Fluorescent light bulbs, or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), use 75% less energy than incandescent lights and have a longer lifespan than halogen bulbs. However, they are typically not dimmable and are not recommended for exposed bulb fixtures due to their appearance.
  • Incandescent light bulbs are the traditional style of light bulb but have fallen out of favour due to advancements in lighting technology. They use more electricity than other options and are being phased out due to new energy-efficient standards. Incandescent bulbs can be used with dimmer switches and do not contain mercury.

When choosing a light bulb for your bedroom fan, consider the desired light output, energy efficiency, and colour temperature to create the perfect atmosphere for your space.

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Lighting options for a bedroom fan

Ceiling fans with light kits are a convenient way to cool and light a room. They replace existing light fixtures, eliminating the need for major rewiring. They also help save money on utility bills by using less power than an AC system.

Types of light kits

There are several types of light kits available, including multi-light, uplight, downlight, and no light.

  • Multi-light kits have several lights that can face up or down but typically face down, providing bright, direct light across a wide area.
  • Uplight kits are mounted above the fan motor, with lights angled towards the ceiling to provide indirect, soft illumination.
  • Downlight kits are mounted to the bottom of the motor and provide direct, bright light.
  • No light kits are a cost-effective option for areas with an existing lighting scheme.

Types of light bulbs

The type of light bulb is also an important consideration.

  • LED lights are the most energy-efficient option, lasting longer and consuming less power. They are ideal for hard-to-reach fans.
  • Halogen lights consume less energy than traditional incandescent lights and produce a warm, welcoming light.
  • Fluorescent light bulbs use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) and consume much less energy than incandescent lights.
  • Incandescent light bulbs are the traditional style but have fallen out of favour due to modern advances in lighting technology.

Factors to consider

When choosing a light kit and bulb for your bedroom fan, consider the following:

  • The existing lighting in the room: If your bedroom is lit primarily by lamps or natural light, a fan without lights may be a better option.
  • The desired light level: For task areas like kitchens and dining rooms, brighter lights are recommended. For bedrooms, softer, indirect lighting from uplight kits may be preferred.
  • Energy efficiency: LED and fluorescent bulbs save energy and reduce costs.
  • Heat output: LED and fluorescent bulbs emit less heat than halogen or incandescent bulbs.

With a variety of styles, designs, and features available, you can find the perfect ceiling fan with a light kit to suit your bedroom's unique needs and décor.

Frequently asked questions

A light kit for a bedroom fan is an attachment that adds a lighting fixture to your fan. It typically consists of light bulbs, lamp shades or covers, a housing component, and a wiring harness.

A light kit on a bedroom fan can enhance your existing decor and provide functional lighting. It can also help you save money on your utility bills by using less power than your AC system.

There are several types of light kits available for bedroom fans, including multi-light, uplight, downlight, and no light. Uplight kits provide indirect illumination and are suitable for bedrooms, while downlight kits provide bright and direct light and are more commonly used in kitchens and laundry rooms.

The cost of a light kit for a bedroom fan can vary depending on the fixture type and features. Typically, they range from $20 to $50, but some can cost up to $1,400 for luxury brands.

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