Does ceiling fan installation require a licensed electrician?

McCurdy: If a fan is already there, it's a fairly simple process a homeowner can do. If not, it's always best to use a licensed electrician.

Brooker: Typically it does require a licensed electrician, but not always. Homeowners can do their own work.

Doster: It's better to use someone who's licensed. I have a master electrician on staff.

How do ceiling fans make it more comfortable in summer and winter?

McCurdy: In winter, it pushes down the heat that's risen to the top of the room. In summer, when you switch the fan direction, it pulls cool air up from the floor toward you.

Brooker: It makes it cooler by moving air over your skin, which pulls the heat out. In winter, it forces down the warm air near the ceiling, making it feel warmer.

Doster: Moving air makes you cooler because of evaporation. In winter, you switch the direction so it pushes warm air down.

How high does a ceiling fan need to be?

McCurdy: Installing anything lower than 7 feet is a problem.

Brooker: We don't do anything with a clearance of less than 8 feet. You can buy a flush mount fan if you don't have a high ceiling.

Doster: You can do it as low as 7 feet with a fan that mounts flush to the ceiling.

What's popular right now for ceiling fans?

McCurdy: People are going more for brushed nickel, stainless steel and oil-rubbed bronze finishes.

Brooker: Remotes and fans with timers are more popular.

Doster: People are excited about the remote controls.

How much does it cost on average to have a ceiling fan installed?

McCurdy: It's usually anywhere from $40 to $75 to install. Fans can cost $40 to $350.

Brooker: It's usually $80 to $100 for installation. We've installed fans that range from $25 and all the way up to $10,000 or $15,000.

Doster: It costs about $125 to replace a ceiling fan, not counting the fan. Fans on average are about $85 to $100.

What safety factors should I keep in mind?

McCurdy: Make sure the wiring is properly grounded.

Brooker: The most important thing is a mounting box that's rated to hold the fan's weight.

Doster: I tell people to watch what they put on the pull chain, because sometimes I run into them.

How do you fix the annoying noises some fans make?

McCurdy: For the amount you'd spend to have someone come out and service, you're probably better off just replacing it.

Brooker: If it's squeaking or rattling, call an electrician. It's usually more cost effective to replace it.

Doster: It's just as easily replaced than fixed. You can buy another fan with the money you'd spend fixing it.