When you consider how to install, and how not to install, a bedroom ceiling fan bracket, everything has its do-s and don't-s.
This is one of five ceiling fan locations.
They were installed after these folks moved in.
Not having bedroom ceiling fans, these folks opted for the comfort of having them.
In a previous post about electrical usage, ceiling fan installation is a very smart move from a energy-usage point of view.
A ceiling fan lends comfort to a room for very little money, about the equivalent of a 75 watt light bulb!
So, to put one in each bedroom is a far cheaper way to make the room comfortable then, say, air conditioning!
Let's have a look.
This bracket is perfectly installed.
It is anchored by roof rafters on each side. It holds a lot of weight!
The box wired properly, with a connector clamp, and there is a cover protecting the box so it is properly encased.
They used a box that allows insulation to cover it.
They bought and installed exactly the right bracket.
This is how to install a bedroom ceiling fan bracket!
It is a Best Practice.
But wait! I said this box allows insulation to be laid back over it!
Where is the insulation?
The insulation in this attic is 15" deep. It is a good amount, providing a good thermal barrier, as desired.
But insulation is only effective when it is level and uniform! There should not be holes, gaps, divots, or the like, and it should NEVER be flattened out under plywood for storage in the attic space.
There are five bedrooms in this house. Each has now been equipped with its own ceiling fan.
And each ceiling fan bracket location, from the attic space, looks like the photos above!
This is how NOT to install a bedroom ceiling fan bracket!
Each of these locations represents 6 or 8 square feet of area with insulation, or with little insulation.
It is NOT a Best Practice.
HEAT SEEKS COLD!
In summer, heat is radiating INTO each bedroom. In winter, heat is whooshing OUT from each bedroom!
The job would be perfect if finished. And finished is defined as spreading the insulation back over each ceiling fan bracket so it is level and uniform and provides the intended R-value!
My recommendation: DIY strikes again! Or the electrician! I have found in my vast experience with life that electricians are usually concerned with electricity! The rest is periphery! And the DIY guy just slaps it up, hopefully reading the instructions. But I bet the installation instructions with these brackets say NOTHING about attic insulation!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
It's kind of ironic, isn't it? But, maybe they can add the insulation back. - Debbie
Of course WOW Counsin. This installation was close, but no cigar.
They probably uncovered them so you could find them easier...
How can I inspect the wiring of something covered with insulation, right Fred?
And they'll be complaining about the high fuel costs for heat/cool
Exactly. They were preparing for their inspection!!
This is great DYI information. Interesting to hear that even one hole in an installation spread can have such a drastic effect.
I have heard sellers say one reason they were moving was because it cost too much to heat and cool the house Lenn. And the attic space was full of boxes, missing insulation and plywood.
It took you to help me realize that Fred! Thanks!
Actually it can have the same effect as an open window Vanessa. But don't ask me to calculate the size of the opening!
Jay - Thank you for sharing another excellent blog about how to install and not to install a bedroom ceiling fan bracket.
John - when something is done it needs to be done top to bottom.
Jay~ I'm sure that happens a lot, unless the installer is a general contractor that knows better!
The general contractor thinks he knows everything Donna, as usual. And does not, also as usual.
Looks like a job well done ....Almost! looks like you found another short cut, how long does it take to do it right. A lot time then driving back getting your equipment off the truck to fix your laziness.
Who knows how this was done or by whom Chuck, but the job was not finished!
Let me count the times I have shown a home where the homeowner tried to install a ceiling fan instead of doing the right thing of using an electrician. Thankfully I know my limitations and the last time i checked I didn't have an electrical license.
Best to leave the specialities for the specialists Joe! As you say.
I bet that's exactly why there is no insulation - the instructions didn't tell them to add it!
You are on to something Kat. Here's the conversation - "Honey, what should I do about the insulation? What do the instructions say? Nothing. Then don't worry about it."
Hi Jay,
I'm sure they were just waiting for the inspector to get finished then cover it. HA HA.
Have a great evening in Bristow.
Best, Clint McKie
They were almost there! Luckily it's a pretty easy fix to go back and add that insulation.
This is a great reminder of why I hire out for jobs like these. Yes, I could do it myself, but why? This is something that someone else can do much better and with much less stress.
Looks like they started out the right way but didn't complete the job. Certainly can make a difference.
They wanted me to see the good installation job Clint!
Marc - it's an easy fix for sure. And a good object lesson for my clients, giving me the opportunity to talk with them.
Terri - keep the specialities for the specialists.
Bill - overall this would be about the equivalent of a whole bedroom ceiling without insulation.
It is best to let the experts handle things that we are not familiar with.
Good call Jay....electricians would drill through plumbing stacks if you let'em lol.
For sure Gita! And when you are done, be sure all the steps have been accomplished!
Goran - they will! And so will plumbers, even cutting joists and beams!
Jay, at least it is an easy fix. It's obvious the electrician or the homeowner wasn't schooled in insulation.
I think when you start cutting holes into your attic and wiring things, it's time to call a professional.
Uh oh....I recently had ceiling fans installed....I best go up into the attic to check it out.....
Bill - very often! At least this is easy to fix.
My bet is the homeowner Mike. But who knows?
That's my opinion too, Suzanne, but the electrician may not think about insulation!
Good idea Christine! Let me know!
Great post Jay, I wonder how many ceiling fans are just mounted on a standard light box without the extra support from this fan bracket.
Hard to know Bob! But perhaps too many!
Jay, Have you ever seen a tradesman put insulation back over something like this after work has been performed? I never see it here that I know of.
Not sure I ever have Don! When we had a security system installed in our house, years ago, I asked the guy to please put insulation back over the siren and smoke detector when he was done. He said he would. To be truthful, I have never checked!