Wire A Ceiling Light Fixture

Wiring a ceiling light takes less than an hour.

Ceiling light installation is a good job for the do-it-yourselfer because everything you need is provided with the fixture and it is nearly impossible to make a wiring mistake. Most fixtures for sale in North America have three color-coded wires that match the wires in your house circuitry, so even if you don't understand electricity, you can easily connect them correctly. Since you will probably be working from a ladder, be sure it is high enough that you can work from the second highest rung, and be sure the house circuits are dead before you start.

Instructions

1. Set a stepladder in place under the location of the new light and unfold the tray at the top of the ladder. You'll need more tools than you can carry at once, so it's handy to have a place to set them down when you're not using them.

2. Turn off the power to the electrical circuit powering the light. This may be as simple as turning off a wall switch, or you may have to shut off a breaker in the main panel.

3. Pull the circuit cable through the electrical box so you have about 8 inches of slack, then remove 6 inches of sheathing with a utility knife by cutting around the circumference of the cable. Be sure not to cut into the insulation of the enclosed wires when you do this. Pull off the sheathing with pliers.

4. Strip off 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of the black and white wires with a wire stripper.

5. Attach the adapter plate that came with the light fixture to the electrical box. This plate will have holes at the proper spacing so you can screw it to the holes on the corners of the box, using the provided set screws.

6. Support the fixture on the top rung of the ladder and twist the black wire together with the black circuit wire. Twist them clockwise with pliers, then cap them with a wire cap by screwing it on clockwise. Twist the white wires together and cap them in the same way, then twist the bare circuit wire together with the fixture's ground wire, which is either bare or green. You don't need to cap the ground wires.

7. Push the wires into the electrical box, then attach the fixture to the adapter plate with the provided screws. When the light is secure, turn on the power to test it.

Tags: adapter plate, circuit wire, provided screws, sheathing with, together with, white wires

Remove Popcorn Ceiling Texture From Your Home

Remove Popcorn Ceiling Texture Yourself

If popcorn ceilings are keeping your home stuck in the past, don't despair. You can update the look of your home by removing the bumpy texture -- as long as it doesn't contain asbestos. If your ceiling texture was applied before 1986, asbestos could be an ingredient. Wet a little of the texture, scrape it off and send it to a lab for testing. If there's no asbestos, you can get to work removing the popcorn texture. Although it's not difficult, the job is messy and takes time. When you're done, though, your ceiling will be smooth.

Instructions

1. Move as much furniture and other items out of the room where you will be removing the popcorn texture. Cover any remaining furniture, as well as the floor, walls and ceiling fixtures, with plastic drop cloths. Secure them in place with painter's masking tape.

2. Fill a spray bottle with water. Put on a hat and goggles to protect yourself. Set up your ladder and climb up to the ceiling with the bottle. Spray an area of texture about 3 feet square. Apply just enough water to dampen the texture -- you don't want the water to drip off.

3. Wait a few minutes for the water to soak in. Spray more water to saturate the texture. Wait 10 minutes for the popcorn texture to soften.

4. Hold the scraping edge of your flat-edged scraper or drywall knife at a 15-degree angle to the ceiling. This will help you from scraping too deeply and damaging the drywall underneath. Scrape deeply enough to flatten the surface of the texture, removing as much as you can from each swipe of your blade. Let the texture fall onto the drop cloths below.

5. Continue working in the same way in manageable sections, moving your ladder as you go. If the texture is difficult to remove, spray more water and wait a few minutes. Try working in larger sections if the texture is coming off easily, but don't make the sections too big -- your ceiling might dry before you get a chance to scrape it. Work around the room until you've scraped off the whole ceiling.

Tags: popcorn texture, your ceiling, Ceiling Texture, drop cloths, more water, Popcorn Ceiling, Popcorn Ceiling Texture

Decorating Ideas For Floor To Ceiling Mirrors

Floor to ceiling mirrors help widen the look of a small bedroom.

Mirrored walls often get a bad rap for having a dated or tacky look. However, floor to ceiling mirrors can actually create appeal if used in the right way. Their ability to reflect light allows them to brighten any room, so they are ideal for spaces that lack natural light. Use floor to ceiling mirrors in several different ways, depending on your needs and preferences, but if you are worried about giving your home an out-of-date look, limit their use to a single room.

Widen A Bedroom

If you have a small master bedroom, mirrors are an ideal decoration because they reflect light and help make the room seem larger than it actually is. Using floor to ceiling mirrors amplifies the effect to provide a wide, open feeling for your bedroom. Choose a wall in your bedroom to serve as a mirrored accent wall. A wall opposite the windows is an effective option since it will receive the most light for the mirror to reflect. Instead of using several mirrored sheets, it may be easier to install mirrored tiles that cover the entire surface and create an interesting textured appearance for the wall.

Create Dining Room Ambiance

While a mirror's ability to reflect light can help widen a room, it also helps soften the light and creates a warm, cozy glow. This effect is particularly attractive in a dining room where soft, mood lighting is appropriate for dinner parties and special events. To create a dining room with an inviting ambiance, paint the walls in a warm, rich color such as wine, rust or gold. Use mirrored tiles to cover one of the walls from floor to ceiling and hang a decorative chandelier in the center of the room. Choose light bulbs for the fixture that mimic natural light so they provide a soft glow instead of a harsh, bright light. The mirrored wall will reflect the light to soften it further, so your dining room has the ideal mood lighting for dinner parties.

Create A Dance Space

If your children are interested in dance, consider adding floor to ceiling mirrors to a wall in their bedroom or playroom. Create a mini dance studio by mounting a ballet barre to the wall, so they can practice their dance routines. To make the setup more authentic, build a small wooden platform to serve as a stage where your children can put on shows. Add a velvet curtain to surround the platform, and your children will have their own theater for recitals.

Enhance A Home Gym

Another area of your home that may benefit from floor to ceiling mirrors is the home gym. Adding several mirrored panels to a wall in your gym allows you to verify that you are practicing proper form when stretching, lifting free weights or performing other exercises. It's also ideal for a home gym housed in a basement or garage that receives limited natural light. The mirrors reflect the light that is present to make the gym brighter. Paired with a bright, colorful shade of paint on the walls, it may help make your home gym a space where you actually enjoy spending time.

Tags: ceiling mirrors, floor ceiling, reflect light, floor ceiling mirrors, natural light

Repair Patch And Paint A Popcorn Ceiling

Airless paint sprayers make painting a popcorn ceiling easy.

Popcorn ceilings, also known as acoustic ceilings, provide a practical way to cover the dirt, flaws and imperfections in your ceiling. While patching and repainting these ceilings can be quite a chore, you're nearly guaranteed to love the clean, bright look of the finished product. Because of the forgiving nature of popcorn ceilings, you don't have to be a professional to get the look you want. However, the job can be quite a strain on your back, so go ahead and schedule a massage in advance.

Instructions

Patching and Repairs

1. Correct the cause of the problem first. If your ceiling is damaged by mold, leaks or water stains, make sure you've dealt with the original problem.

2. Cover walls, furniture and flooring with large plastic sheets for easy cleanup. Secure the sheets in place with painter's tape.

3. Clean the ceiling with a broom or vacuum cleaner extension. Not only will this help prepare the surface to absorb paint, it will break off any loose pieces before you begin painting.

4. Spray a generous amount of water onto areas where the texture needs to be reapplied. Allow several minutes for the water to penetrate and soften the ceiling texture. Spray multiple times if necessary.

5. Scrape the texture off with a putty knife, being careful not to damage the drywall above it. Let the loose pieces fall onto the plastic below for easy cleanup later.

6. Reapply the ceiling texture. Many home improvement stores sell tubes of patching compound designed specifically for popcorn ceilings. These are ideal for patching areas that measure less than 1 square foot. For larger spots, patch the area with a can of pressurized texture medium. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as they will vary according to the brand you purchase.

7. Give the texture time to dry thoroughly. Since painting the ceiling will put added stress on the texture, you want to make sure your patches are fully dry before attempting to paint them. Check the directions on the patching product you used to see how long you should wait.

8. Paint your ceiling. Use an airless paint sprayer to provide even coverage and significantly less effort than using a roller. However, both methods work well for popcorn ceilings.

Spraying

9. Water down the paint by about 1 pint of water per gallon. This will allow the paint to come out of the sprayer properly.

10. Fill an airless sprayer with the diluted paint and set it on the lightest pressure possible.

11. Spray the first coat of paint, moving with straight, vertical strokes across the entire ceiling. Once the first coat dries, apply a second coat moving horizontally this time.

12. Cut in the edges of the ceiling with a 2-inch round brush, dabbing the paint straight onto the ceiling instead of applying it with the typical brush strokes.

13. Take down plastic sheets and place directly in a trash bag for easy cleanup.

Rolling

14. Dilute the paint by 1 to 2 pints of water per gallon. Rolling undiluted paint onto the ceiling can cause the texture to stick to the roller and peel off.

15. Roll the ceiling in straight, even strips until the entire first coat is applied. Don't apply the paint in a "W" pattern like you would on a wall. If possible, use a roller where paint is delivered directly through the handle so you don't have to reload your roller frequently.

16. Allow the first coat a few hours to dry.

17.Apply the second coat of ceiling paint, moving in the opposite direction you rolled the first time.

18. Take down plastic sheets and throw away.

Tags: first coat, easy cleanup, plastic sheets, popcorn ceilings, your ceiling

Update Suspended Ceiling Lighting

The idea of suspended lights, which hang down from the ceiling instead of being up against it, is basically as old as electric light itself. So just because you like the concept of a suspended light doesn't mean that the one in your home is the one you want. Replacing that suspended light with the new one is relatively simple, as the connections work the same way as with any other type of light. Keep in mind that you need head clearance under the light, so don't let it hang too low.

Instructions

1. Cut the electricity to the existing fixture at the house circuit box.

2. Remove the existing fixture, extracting the screws that hold it up the electrical box in the ceiling and disconnecting the wires behind it. You should be left with an exposed electrical box and a black wire, a white wire and a bare copper wire hanging from inside it.

3. Find the mounting bracket that came with your new light fixture. Attach it to the box by lining up the screw holes and inserting the provided screws.

4. Connect the copper wire (the ground) from the box to the green screw on the mounting bracket. Tighten the screw.

5. Assemble the suspended light unit as instructed on the fixture's packaging. You should end up with the socket fixture and a ceiling canopy connected by a cord, chain or other length of the support, with electrical wires (black and white) running from the fixture to the canopy.

6. Hold the canopy near the electrical box. Connect the wires from the canopy to the box by color, white to white and black to black. Make the connections by holding each pair of wires side by side and twisting a wire cap over both at once.

7. Tuck the wires up into the electrical box. Hold the canopy up to the mounting bracket. Secure it there with the provided screws.

8. Turn on the power and test the light.

Tags: mounting bracket, suspended light, copper wire, existing fixture, Hold canopy, provided screws

Plaster Skim A Ceiling

Skim coating a ceiling can be done over a small portion for repairs, or over the entire ceiling. A thin layer of plaster is applied to the ceiling, leaving a smooth surface. Occasionally, several layers are required to create an extremely smooth surface. Remember to use extra safety measures when working overhead to avoid accidental falls.

Instructions

1. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes and a safety mask to avoid inhaling dust. Place a bandana or hat on your head to prevent plaster and dust from falling into your hair.

2. Ensure the surface is as smooth as possible. Use a putty knife or trowel to remove all loose paint or texture. Sand the ceiling with fine- to medium-grit sandpaper. Wipe the area with a wet cloth to remove all plaster dust. Allow the ceiling to dry.

3. Dip a putty knife or trowel into ready-mixed wet drywall joint compound. Smooth the plaster on in a thin layer-similar to buttering toast or icing a cake. Clean the trowel after each stroke of plaster by wiping on the lid of the joint compound bucket. For extreme plaster buildup, wash the trowel in water and wipe it with a damp cloth. Use all vertical or all horizontal strokes. The plaster should not be thicker than 1/4 inch. Allow the plaster to dry.

4. Sand the newly applied plaster with medium sandpaper-inspect it to see if the area is smooth. Remove any ridges created when troweling by scraping raised areas with the trowel. Add additional layers of wet plaster and repeat the process until the ceiling skim coat is as smooth as possible. Work in vertical strokes if the first layer was applied with horizontal strokes and vice-versa. Continue to alternate stroke direction for each layer.

Tags: horizontal strokes, joint compound, knife trowel, plaster dust, putty knife

What Is The Glass Wall Effect

It's no secret that in business hierarchies, some people are more fortunate than others; some get promoted while others stay at the middle or even the bottom of the positional ladder. This inability to rise in rank may not be a result of inexperience or lack of capabilities, many activists claim, but rather other factors like gender or race. This school of thought deals with what is known as the Glass Wall effect.

Basics

The Glass Wall effect shares many similarities with the Glass Ceiling effect. The "Glass Ceiling" is a metaphor for an invisible barrier that prevents women and minorities from moving up in rank within a business infrastructure despite their capabilities and credentials. Instead, these jobs, as many argue, are given to men who may not be as qualified, as indicated by the vast disparity between men and women in high-ranking jobs.

Glass Wall Vs. Glass Ceiling

The Glass Ceiling refers to a metaphorical barrier blocking a woman or minority who is in a position within a company to move up. The Glass Wall is slightly different; it represents a barrier preventing a woman or minority from moving to a position that has a promotional ladder. In other words, instead of simply blocking a woman or minority's potential rise, the Glass Wall effect works laterally, taking away the very opportunity for the said group to be promoted.

Features

Several features have been attributed to the makeup of this metaphorical Glass Wall, with similar traits being found within the concept of the Glass Ceiling. They include different pay, typically far lower for women than for men, despite the same amount of work and skill involved; exclusion from networks and groups; and harassment within the workplace.

Concrete Wall

The Concrete Wall is a term used to describe the lack of promotion within the female minority demographic. Being both a minority and a female, according to the concrete wall effect, impairs one's ability to reach a job with promotional potential vastly more than being a Caucasian female does. It takes the lack of opportunity for both women for minorities into account, making the Glass Wall increase in strength two-fold.

Modern Usage

The Glass Wall effect is a relatively new concept, with its parent, the Glass Ceiling effect, dating back to 1979. It is used today in association with another term, the Sticky Floor effect, and some can argue that the two conditions are inherently interchangeable. The Sticky Floor effect refers to women trapped in a low-paying job with no opportunity for advancement, which is a definition nearly identical to that of the Glass Wall effect.

Tags: Glass Wall, Glass Ceiling, Wall effect, Glass Wall effect, woman minority, blocking woman, blocking woman minority

Wire A Hampton Bay Ceiling Fan With A Light

Hang a ceiling fan in any room.

Having a ceiling fan in your home can help heat and cool a room. In the summertime, the blades on your Hampton Bay ceiling fan should turn counterclockwise to push the air straight down from the fan. In the wintertime, change the fan blades to turn clockwise to push the warm air from the ceiling to the floor. Hampton Bay ceiling fans are a proprietary brand of the Home Depot and made exclusively for the company. You can wire a Hampton Bay ceiling fan and light without prior electrical knowledge.

Instructions

1. Turn off the breaker inside the main electrical panel to disconnect the electricity to the ceiling fan location.

2. Assemble the Hampton Bay ceiling fan according to the manufacturer's instructions. Attach the ceiling fan mounting bracket to the ceiling electrical box using the screws provided with the ceiling fan's mounting hardware.

3. Hang the assembled Hampton Bay ceiling fan on the mounting bracket to allow you to wire the fan without holding it in place.

4. Twist a red wire connector onto the black house wire from the ceiling electrical box, connecting it to the black and blue wires from the Hampton Bay ceiling fan. The black wire supplies power to the ceiling fan motor, and the blue wire supplies power to the light.

5. Twist an orange wire connector onto the white house wire from the ceiling electrical box, connecting it to the white ceiling fan wire. Twist another connector onto the bare copper ground house wire, connecting it to the green ceiling fan ground wire.

6. Push all the fan wires into the ceiling electrical box. Attach the ceiling fan canopy to the hanging bracket with the four screws provided.

7. Turn the breaker on inside the main electrical panel.

Tags: ceiling electrical, Hampton ceiling, ceiling mounting, connector onto, from ceiling, house wire, Attach ceiling

Remove A Popcorn Ceiling That Has Been Painted Over

Popular during the 1950s through the early 1980s, popcorn ceiling or acoustic ceiling is a term used to describe a spray-on technique for painting ceilings that would give ceilings a somewhat "cottage cheese" looking texture. This technique was once highly favored because it could be done cheaper than regular painting and could hide imperfections in older ceiling. Over time this type of ceiling attracts dirt and is difficult to repair if it becomes damaged. While it is somewhat simple (although messy) to remove a popcorn ceiling that has not been painted, you will find it requires an extra step to remove a popcorn ceiling that has.

Instructions

Testing For Asbestos

1. Test the popcorn ceiling for asbestos before you attempt to remove it. Prior to the 1980s this type of ceiling was often manufactured using asbestos. Federal law does not allow individuals to remove asbestos that has more than a 1-percent asbestos in the sample that is analyzed.

2. Use a putty knife to scrape a sample of the ceiling into a sandwich bag.

3. Send the sample into a testing service in your area. If there is less than 1-percent asbestos in the sample, you can then safely remove the popcorn ceiling without the aide of a professional.

Preparing The Workspace

4. Take all furniture out of the room.

5. Turn off the heating and air, as well as the electrical power to the room. Remove all light fixtures and vent covers. Use scissors to cut plastic sheeting to cover vent and fixture openings. Tape into place with painter's tape.

6. Spread a painter's tarp across the floor of the room. Secure the painter's tarp in place by taping it against baseboards or the bottom of the wall with the painter's tape.

7. Use the painter's tape around the ceiling to attach and secure plastic sheeting onto the walls. Tape the plastic sheeting to the plastic tarp at the bottom to prevent dust, water and debris from covering walls.

Removing The Popcorn Ceiling

8. Don protective clothing, safety goggles and a dust mask. You may also wish to wear a painter's cap to keep falling debris out of your hair and off your head.

9. Apply a chemical paint stripper to the section of the ceiling you will start on. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the label and allow to set as specified in the directions.

10. Place a few drops of dish detergent in a pump up sprayer. Fill the sprayer with warm water. Spray the mixture on the surface area of the ceiling. Wet a 4-to-6-foot section of the ceiling and allow 15 to 20 minutes for the water to absorb into the ceiling.

11. Set a large trash can under the section you are working on. Use a plastic scraper to remove the popcorn texture from the ceiling. Allow it to drop into the trash can for easy cleanup and removal.

12. Continue the removal process working in 4-to-6 foot sections until the job is complete.

Tags: remove popcorn, painter tape, plastic sheeting, popcorn ceiling, remove popcorn ceiling

Building Codes For Bathroom Lighting Fixtures

The National Electrical Code addresses the proper installation, arrangement and type of lighting fixtures for bathrooms.

The National Electrical Code, published and maintained by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), provides the basis for most local, state and federal construction laws throughout the United States. With regard to lighting fixtures in bathrooms, the NEC outlines safe and responsible guidelines for installation. Before engaging in any electrical work or repair, seek professional help to ensure full safety procedure and complete compliance with any laws beyond the scope of the NEC.

Shower and Bath Zone

The National Electrical Code requires that all bathroom lighting fixtures be kept outside a set perimeter surrounding any bath or showers. Lighting fixtures include any chain-suspended, cable-suspended, cord-suspended or track lighting systems as well as ceiling paddle fans. None of these devices may be placed within three feet horizontally from the exterior edge of the bath or shower. Likewise, they cannot be placed less than eight feet vertically from the uppermost edge of the bath or the threshold of the shower stall. (See reference 1.) For lighting directly above or adjacent to a shower or bath, the code does permit certain kinds of lighting fixtures. Fixtures must be marked for damp or wet locations and all electrical wiring must be completely concealed inside junction boxes. (See reference 2.)

GFCI Protection

The National Electrical Code mandates use of GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupters, in all bathrooms. As it's common to use a number of high-current devices in the bathroom, the room does not share a circuit with the kitchen or garage as it did in the past. Any bathroom must have at least one 20 ampere rated electrical outlet, which is used exclusively for items in the bathroom. A plug-in nightlight or lamp, for example, would use such an outlet. If you use several light fixtures or heat lamps a secondary circuit may be necessary, depending on the precise calibration of the equipment load. This GFCI protected outlet must be located somewhere within 30 inches of the bathroom basin. When replacing an old non-GFCI receptacle, you must use a GFCI-protected device in its place. Light fixtures placed within the shower or bathtub zone are not required by code to be on a GFCI protected circuit, though it is strongly recommended and may be mandated by local laws. (See reference 2.)

Receptacles for Lighting

The National Electrical Code's definition of damp and wet locations includes outdoor use in addition to bath and shower areas. Receptacles may also be designated for damp or wet locations. In such cases, they must be marked as such and comply with specific dimensions outlined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. While these devices are approved for damp and wet locations, the NEC categorically prohibits installing any receptacles within shower or tub zones. (See National Electrical Code, 2008, 406.8A-B)

Tags: National Electrical, Electrical Code, National Electrical Code, damp locations, lighting fixtures, bath shower, edge bath

Build Garage Bicycle Racks

If you have more than one bike, storing them can take up a lot of space. The garage is a logical place to keep your bikes, but simply leaning them against the wall not only takes up a lot of space, but leaves your bikes susceptible to damage by accidents. A bicycle rack in your garage is the solution for you. Here's a design for a simple bike rack that stores your bikes safely and takes up only a little bit of space.

Instructions

Building the Rack

1. Decide where your rack will be placed. You'll need a spot that: has a ceiling six to eight feet high; is two to three feet away from a wall; is six feet wide, and has clear floor space below it.

2. Screw your 2 by 4 board into the ceiling's joists with the lag bolts. The 2 by 4 board should be placed so the wide side is parallel to the ceiling. Have an assistant hold the board against the ceiling, and drill a hole through the board and into the joist with a one-fourth-inch drill bit every time the board crosses a joist. Then screw the lag bolts into the these holes to hold the board.

3. Drill a small hole into the center line of the 2 by 4 every 18 inches with a one-eighth-inch drill bit. Screw a hook into each of the holes, turning the hook until at least one inch of the threads are in the board. Turn each hook so that the opening is parallel to the board. See additional resources for the hooks.

4. Hang your bikes from each hook by hanging it from the front wheel. The bike will hang safely and no damage will be done to the wheel by hanging it. You'll be able to keep a good number of bicycles in a small space with this method.

Tags: your bikes, board into, each hook, hold board

Project Stars & Clouds On A Ceiling

Teach your kids about astronomy.

If your children have a natural curiosity and interest in the night sky, you can foster that creativity and love of science by projecting stars and clouds on the ceilings of their bedrooms. With a star projector, you can enjoy the night sky without ever going outside. These projectors are designed to fill the ceiling, and the walls as well if you wish, with an ever-changing display of stars, clouds and other objects.

Instructions

1. Clear out a spot in the middle of the room. The projection will look better and cover more of the ceiling if the projector is placed in the center of the room.

2. Place the star projector on a table, a desk or simply put it on the floor. Open the projector and insert the photograph you want to use. You can use the assorted photographs that came with the projector, or you can use ones that you took yourself or found online.

3. Plug the projector in and turn it on. Wait for the photographs you inserted to be projected on the ceiling.

4. Dim the lights in the room. The darker the room the more visible the projected stars and clouds will be.

Tags: star projector, stars clouds

Install A Ceiling Fan Without A Down Rod

There are two basic ways in which ceiling fans are positioned off the ceiling. On high or slanted ceilings, hanging fans are installed with "down rods" that lower the fan housing and blades a few feet down from the ceiling. For lower ceilings, flush-mounted ceiling fans sit directly up against the ceiling. Generally, the fan should be at least 8 feet off the floor, meaning you should flush-mount the fan if the ceiling is 9 feet or less.

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the existing ceiling light fixture at the home's circuit box.

2. Take off the fixture by removing the screws holding it to the ceiling and then disconnecting the wires behind it. There should be three exposed wires: one black, one white and one bare copper ground wire.

3. Set the mounting bracket for the fan against the electrical box, lining up the screw holes. Attach it with the provided screws.

4. Twist the copper ground wire from the electrical box around the green ground screw on the bracket.

5. Assemble the fan on the floor according to the manufacturer's instructions, leaving off the blades for now.

6. Lift the assembly to the electrical box. If the bracket includes a mounting hook, let the assembly hang from the hook while you wire it. If not, then set it on top of the ladder, close enough to connect the wires.

7. Link the black wire from the fan to the black wire from the box, twisting a wire cap over both of them together. Repeat for the white wire from the fan and the white wire from the box.

8. Raise the fan unit to the electrical box and attach it to the mounting bracket, using the screws provided. It should sit flush against the ceiling, hiding the bracket completely.

9. Restore the electricity. Test the motor. If it works correctly, install the blades with the provided screws and washers.

Tags: wire from, against ceiling, black wire, black wire from, ceiling fans, copper ground

Texas Grants For Air Conditioning Replacement

Texans can access grant funding to replace or repair air conditioning systems.

Texas residents can apply for grant funding to replace inefficient air conditioning systems. State agencies, municipal governments and private organizations provide funding for low-income residents, seniors, schools and residents to improve their energy conservation and lower their utility costs. The amount of grant funding and application deadlines vary, depending on the funding provider.

State Grants

The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program provides funding to low-income households for the repair, retrofit and replacement of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The purpose of the grant is to help recipients lower energy costs, meet their energy needs and educate the public about energy efficient products. CEAP is funded via the federal governments Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. As of the time of publication, applicants can apply for funding by contacting their local CEAP service provider, visiting the Help for Texans website (tdhca.state.tx.us/texans.htm), call 211 and ask for information on the program, or call (877) 399-8939.

Municipal Grants

The Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement Program sponsored by the city of Irving, Texas provides funding to residents with disabilities and senior citizens to replace or repair an inefficient air conditioner system. To apply, applicants must complete the program application form, and provide family income information and household demographics.

Grants for Schools

Schools in Texas located along the border with Mexico can apply for up to $50,000 in funding to replace air conditioning units with energy efficient models, via the Texas/Mexico Small Schools Grant Project. The project provides funding for schools to improve air quality, and enhance the quality of the classroom environment for students. To apply for funding, schools must contact the Texas State Energy Conservation Office and request grant information.

Private Grants

Reliant Energy in partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services, offers the Home Weatherization Program for low-income residents. The $5,000 grant provides grant recipients with funds to make improvements in energy-efficiency, including servicing of air conditioning systems. As of the time of publication, Reliant Energy will provide 10 grants of $5,000.

Tags: conditioning systems, apply funding, funding replace, grant funding, provides funding, Assistance Program, Energy Assistance

Use Of Ceiling Fans In The Winter

In addition to their aesthetic decorative quality, ceiling fans, if used properly, can help cool and heat a home. The operative word is properly. Many people who employ ceiling fans fall short of the proper operation intended for their use. Because of this, the ceiling fans waste energy more so than conserving it. One resource suggests ceiling fans conserving energy for winter use is merely theoretical. Many ceiling fan manufacturers and home builders, however, swear by them.

How the Ceiling Fan Works

The main function of the ceiling fan is to circulate air in the room. Most ceiling fans have two positions--forward and reverse--that need to be changed during the season they're being used in. If the ceiling fan only has one position, although very rare, it is intended for summer use only and should not be used in the winter months.

As the blades rotate, they recirculate the air. Just as standard floor-style or window fans work, fans only make it feel cooler to the person when they're in the room. Ceiling fans are not going to cool the house down by being used. They will recirculate the air and make it feel cooler to the occupants in the room by mildly reducing condensation in the air. In the summer, when no one is home, leaving the fans on to cool the house is not going to work and will waste energy

In winter months, however, quite the opposite is true.

Winter Use

Placed in the reverse position--this is set in clockwise motion when looking at the rotating blades--and placed on the lowest setting possible, the ceiling fan moves the air around the ceiling. Since hot air rises and since most ceiling fans are installed on tall or cathedral ceilings, the temperature near the ceiling when the heat is running can be in upwards of 30 degrees Fahrenheit higher than near the floor. With the fan running, the air is pushed around the room from the top down. A ceiling fan is not going to push the air back down to the floor. It will circulate the ceiling and because the motion of the air is constant, it will drop some of that air onto the edges of the room and walls. Placing the speed position of the ceiling fan any higher than the lowest speed possible is only going to create a draft in the house that will defeat the purpose altogether.

Unlike summer usage, a ceiling fan operating in the winter can remain on, since no matter what heat setting you place the thermostat on, the heat is most likely still going to operate on really cold days. The purpose of the fan in the winter is to move the trapped hot air rising and recirculate it around the room.

Energy Savings: Fact or Fiction

The only way to tell if you're getting any results in energy efficiency is to compare two winters back to back--one using the fan(s) and the other not using the fan(s). Since no two winters are ever alike, however, you make not be comparing apples to apples. The energy cost to operate a ceiling fan is equivalent to running a 100-watt light bulb. So running one in the summer when no one is in the room is the same idea as leaving a 100-watt light on when no one is home. In the winter, it can be left on--lowest setting possible--and it will recirculate the air trapped in the ceiling area. Whether this saves money or not, the fact remains that it's more appealing to many people to recirculate the trapped air than it is to just let it sit there and keep the ceiling warmer than the rest of the room.

If desired, you can turn off the fan when no one is home in the winter and only use it when someone is home. While this will certainly save you some money, it may not work as efficiently as you desire. The debate about whether to adjust your thermostat down when you leave and turn it up when you're home is another energy efficiency debate. If you're worried about conservation, then by all means, turn the fan off and the heat down. If you're trying to even out the house with radiant heating to minimize the furnace operation, set the thermostat to a comfortable, acceptable energy-saving position, and leave the fan on the lowest setting.

Tags: ceiling fans, when home, 100-watt light, around room, being used, cool house

Hang Stained Glass Lighting

Make sure the hanging mechanism can support the weight of the stained glass lamp.

Take special care when hanging stained glass lighting because of the delicate nature and heavier weight of stained glass. It is helpful when hanging a larger stained glass lamp to have an assistant help hold it in place while you are working with the wires and ceiling attachment. Stained glass lamps are hung either with a chain from a hook or from an electrical box installed to support the weight of the glass.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the ceiling electrical box at the circuit breaker.

2. Unscrew and remove the existing light fixture. Untwist the old lamp's wires from the ceiling electrical box wires and unscrew the ground wire from the crossbar. Do not let the wires touch.

3. Check the ceiling electrical box installation to make sure it will be able to hold the weight of the stained glass lamp. The box should either be firmly connected to the ceiling joists or have a mounting bar that expands between the ceiling joists or studs to grip them firmly. If the stained glass lamp is hung from a chain, locate a stud in the area in which you would like the lamp to hang and screw a heavy-duty lamp hook into it. A drill can be used to start the screw hole if needed.

4. Twist the lamp's neutral wire (usually white) to the neutral wire in the ceiling electrical box, then twist the hot wire (usually black or red) to the wire for the lamp and screw on the wire caps. Attach the copper ground wire to the grounding screw on the crossbar for the ceiling electrical box.

5. Screw the decorative canopy into place and attach the stained glass lamp to the ceiling electrical box, either with screws or with a mounting post and decorative finial. If the lamp is hung from a chain, attach the chain to the hook, twisting the electrical wire through the chain to the electrical box.

6. Install the lightbulbs and restore power to the ceiling electrical box at the circuit breaker. Turn the light switch on to test the power.

Tags: ceiling electrical, glass lamp, stained glass lamp, stained glass, stained glass

Paint Your Acoustic Ceiling Tile

If you can use a paintbrush or roller then you can paint acoustic ceiling tile. There are a few points to learn that will make it easier but once you get through one or two tiles, you will have mastered the learning curve. Remember that acoustic ceiling tile takes ample drying space so figure that into your planning phase before you get started on tackling that ceiling job.

Instructions

1. Remove existing acoustic ceiling tile and lay out on a flat surface. If it is a new ceiling installation, the layout should be planned out in advance to cut any tiles necessary before painting otherwise touch ups will be necessary. Removing the tile before painting is much easier than trying to paint it while in the ceiling due to the textured surface and floating action of the acoustic ceiling tile within the grids. The older style of nailed or tacked tile cannot be removed for painting. (Note that drop ceiling tile, acoustic ceiling tile, and suspended ceiling tile often refer to the same thing and wording can be used interchangeably).

2. Use the brush to apply paint to the beveled edges of the suspended ceiling tile. This is a necessary step because tile can move within the suspension grid and show the white borders of the tile. If snap in suspension grid work is used, save time by brush painting these to match.

3. Roll paint on the textured surface of the acoustic ceiling tile in a "V" formation. Because the surface is uneven and textured, it will require a substantial amount of coverage. Using the "V" painting technique helps to cover the entire surface adequately. Allow drop ceiling tile to dry completely before applying a second coat of paint using the same technique as noted. Again, allow to dry before installing acoustic tile in ceiling.

Tags: acoustic ceiling, ceiling tile, ceiling tile, acoustic ceiling tile, acoustic ceiling tile, before painting, drop ceiling

Install A Progress Fan Universal Light Kit

Installing a Progress Fan Universal Light kit can be done in about 20 minutes. This article deals specifically with the Progress Fan Universal Lighting Kits No. 2642, No. 2643 and No. 2647. However, it applies to 99 percent of all available ceiling fan light kits. The only differences being the shape, style and number of bulbs. Even with the differences they all attach the same way. Adding light kits to ceiling fans can change the look of an entire room, making it not only more aesthetically pleasing but also adding more light.

Instructions

1. Turn off the circuit breaker or fuse controlling your ceiling fan to make the wires safe to handle. Locate and loosen the three screws holding on the cover at the lowest level of the ceiling fan. They are positioned around the side of the cover equally spaced. Loosen the screws enough for the cover to be able to spin. One screw may not have slots and will need to be completely removed. Twist the cover counter-clockwise to line up the screws with the vertical slots then pull it straight down to remove it.

2. Remove the plastic plug located in the center of the cover. Squeeze the two little plastic tabs on the inside of the cover together and pull the plug out from the other side. Remove the nut and washer from the light kit's threaded tube where the wires come out.

3. Insert the wires into the hole in the cover where you removed the plastic plug, with the cupped side of the cover facing away from the light kit. Thread the cover onto the light kits threaded tube clock-wise until it's tight. Slide the washer then the nut over the wires from the threaded tube, and tighten the nut.

4. Hold the light kit up to the fan where you removed the cover. Attach the white wire from the fan to the white wire from the light kit. The Progress fan has quick-connect wires that only need to be pushed into each other. Other types of light kits have wire nuts on the wires for the connection. Attach the black (or blue) wire from the fan to the black (or blue) wire from the light kit.

5. Push the wires into a location where they won't interfere when you reattach the cover (now attached to the light kit by the threaed tube) back on to the fan. Line up the slots in the cover with the screws and slide the cover back on.Twist the light kit and cover clock-wise until the screws are at the end of the horizontal part of the slot. Put in the screw that you had to remove then tighten all three screws.

6. Attach your glass covers onto the light kit with the screws provided. Put your light bulbs in and turn the circuit breaker or fuse for the ceiling fan back on.

Tags: from light, light kits, wire from, Progress Universal, threaded tube, black blue

Install & Balance A Ceiling Fan

Today's ceiling fans are usually made for do-it-yourself installation.

Today's ceiling fans are usually made for do-it-yourself installation. They mount on new or existing ceiling fan rated electrical boxes. Among the innovations for homeowners are easy-to-use fan-balancing kits that either come with the fan or can be bought separately. It's important that the electrical box is solid and properly mounted to hold the weight of the fan. If the box moves at all, consult a contractor before going any further with the project.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the existing ceiling light fixture at the fuse box. If unsure which breaker, turn off the main breaker and verify with a non-contact voltage tester that there is no power present in the sockets. Remove the screws from the fixture and drop the fixture a few inches to expose the wires within the box. Check all wires within the box with the tester to verify that there is no power present in the box. Remove the fixture by taking out the screws from the base and disconnecting the wires behind it. Leave the wires hanging out of the exposed ceiling box. Generally, there will be one black, one white and one bare grounding wire.

2. Find the mounting bracket that came with your fan. It will be a flat circular or rectangular plate of metal with screw holes in it and a green grounding screw on the surface. Install the bracket to the ceiling electrical box with the provided screws.

3. Wrap the bare grounding wire from the box around the green screw on the bracket and tighten it.

4. Carry the fan unit up your ladder and position it close enough to the box to connect the wiring. Connect the white wire from the fan to the white wire from the box, and the black wire to the black wire. Make the connections by putting wire nuts over the ends of the wires and twisting them together. Make sure they're completely covered. If your fan has an additional blue wire (for a light), connect it to the black wire.

5. Lift the fan to the mounting bracket and attach it with the provided screws.

6. Turn the power back on and turn on the fan. Watch its movement. If it wobbles, stop it and clip a blade weight to the side of one of the blades. Run the fan again and watch it. If the wobbling persists, try another blade. If the wobbling is lessened but still present, move the weight to a different point on the blade. Continue moving and testing the weights until the fan is balanced.

Tags: black wire, wire from, bare grounding, bare grounding wire, ceiling fans, ceiling fans usually, do-it-yourself installation

Install A Drop Tile Ceiling

Drop tile ceilings have many benefits over other types of ceilings. They reduce sound traveling from the floor above, while also increasing the insulating capability of the ceiling. The drop tile systems also cover unsightly duct work, wires and plumbing. There are numerous colors and materials of tile and grid systems available for most applications; you can customize your ceiling tiles to complement your home.

Instructions

1. Establish the correct height for the ceiling with a laser level or chalk box.

2. Fasten the outer trim pieces to the wall with screws. The screws should be long enough to go through the wall and into the wall studs.

3. Hang the suspension wires from the ceiling. Depending on the ceiling and the installer's preference, the hanger wires can be attached using different types of screws or bolts made for drop ceiling applications, or by wrapping the grid hangers around the joist or other stationary objects. The spacing intervals between the hanger wires is commonly 48 inches throughout the entire ceiling, and should hang a foot lower than the ceiling height.

4. Hang the main runners of the metal grid using the hanger wires to tie the grid in place. The main runners will run from one side of the wall to the other; they will snap into the trimming that runs along the wall. The runners will have pre-drilled holes that the grid hangers will slip through and tie. The direction of the main runners should run at right angles to the joist when installed. To make sure that the metal runners are level, use a laser to site the grid, or stretch out a string from wall trim to opposite wall trim.

5. Install the cross tees between the main runners and secure them into position using the tabs at the ends of the cross tees, which engage in the slots of the runners. The typical ceiling tile will be either 2-by-2-foot or 2-by-4-foot.

6. Place the ceiling tiles in the grid flanges. Cut the tiles by scoring them with a sharp knife and then snapping them. For radius cuts, use a jigsaw or compass saw to cut the tiles.

Tags: main runners, hanger wires, ceiling tiles, cross tees, grid hangers, runners will, wall trim

Clean Foreclosed Houses For Banks

Home owners are losing their property at an increasing rate.

Since 2006, economic upheavals in the mortgage lending market have led to a marked increase in the amount of loan foreclosures. Individuals who lose their home often are left emotionally devastated, dispirited and angry, and that sometimes leads to neglect or intentional damage to a property. Cleaning foreclosed properties for banks and other agencies can be the foundation of a lucrative cleaning business.

Instructions

1. To attract buyers a home should be well maintained.

Contact banks and property management companies to present your house cleaning services. Provide a list of fees and the services offered. Note if you do exterior yard maintenance, pool cleaning, carpet cleaning, window washing and minor repairs. Advise if you will winterize the plumbing, board up windows or haul away abandoned vehicles or furniture.

2. Inspect the property and provide the client with a complete list of services required to return the home to marketable condition. Banks require that the home be presented in the best possible condition to attract a buyer. Offer initial cleaning services, trash removal, minor repairs, preservation and scheduled maintenance services.

3. Clean the outside of the home. The exterior appearance is the first impression a buyer receives when viewing a property. Sweep sidewalks, patios and driveway. Remove garbage, leaves and debris to make the home appear neat and tidy.

4. Clean windows showcase marketable views.

Wash all windows. Clean, sparkling windows allow in plenty of light to show off the home's best features. Use a pressure washer or garden hose with a pressure nozzle for exterior panes. Scrub off dirt and cobwebs with soap and water and rinse well. Wash interior windows with a solution of 1/4 household white vinegar to 2 quarts of warm water. Shine with paper towels or a soft, lint-free cloth.

5. Use the right cleaning tools to make the work go quickly.

Vacuum all carpets, drapes and dusty surfaces. Shampoo carpets if required. Mop and wax floors. Clean all appliances including the dishwasher, stove top, oven, refrigerator and freezers. Polish surfaces to remove all smudges or fingerprints. Scrub toilets, shower stalls, bathtubs, sinks and counter tops. Polish mirrors and hard surfaces. Empty fireplace ashes and clean brick or stone with a brush and vacuum cleaner. Open windows and allow fresh air to circulate.

6. Pay attention to small details, cleaning ceiling fans, light fixtures, base boards and cupboards. Do a thorough job. Ask your client to inspect the property and provide a recommendation of your work. Referrals will build your business.

Tags: cleaning services, minor repairs, property provide, windows allow

Install Can Lighting Clips

Recessed lighting cans have the clips attached, so installation is simple.

Can lighting can provide attractive, even lighting in any room. Can lights, otherwise known as recessed lighting, are installed with most of the fixture above ceiling level so that only a small rim appears in the room below. Home theaters, kitchens, dens, bedrooms and bathrooms can all benefit from the nearly invisible can lighting, especially if the room is small or the ceiling is low. Installing them is a matter of clipping them into place once the wiring is done.

Instructions

1. Finish wiring the can light to the main circuit of the building. You will now be standing, probably on a ladder, at the hole where the wires are coming out of the ceiling. The can light will be connected by its own wires to the house wires

2. Push the clips on the can light into the interior of the can. Push the wiring up through the hole in the ceiling. Push the can light up into the hole as well. The rim of the can light should seat flat against the ceiling.

3. Pinch one of the can lighting clips and pull it toward the center. Some styles of can light clips must be unlocked from the can in this way, others do not. Push the clip through the small hole in the side of the can until it locks in place. Some can light clips require a flat-head screwdriver to push them through. The end of the clip you pushed through will now be resting on the upper surface of the ceiling, supporting the can. Repeat for each clip.

Tags: light clips, light into

Calculate Acoustical Tile

Installing an acoustical ceiling has become a common do-it-yourself home remodel project due to the tiles' ease of installation. Before you begin this project, determine the grid placement in the room to figure out how many acoustical tiles your project requires. Knowing how the grid is placed will take the guesswork out of ordering the acoustical tiles. More than likely you will need to install partial tiles. Count each partial tile, as a full tile, when placing your order. Always purchase a few extra tiles than you need to allow for error.

Instructions

1. Measure the room's length and width. To achieve a professional-looking ceiling, all partial tiles should be installed around the room's perimeter, with the grid positioned to allow for the largest partial tiles possible.

2. Divide the room's length by the acoustical tile's length. For example, an 11-foot room divided by a 2-foot tile leaves you with a 1-foot gap at the end of the room. Add the tile's length (24 inches) to the gap's length (12 inches) and divide by two to determine the best way to fill the gap: 18-inch tiles on either end of the room.

3. Divide the room's width by the acoustical tile's width. If you are left with a gap, repeat the calculations in Step 2 to determine the best way to fill the gap.

4. Draw a scaled-down version of the room on a piece of graph paper. For example, a 12-by-8 foot room becomes 12-by-8 inches on a piece of paper. Mark out the room's perimeter tiles on the drawing. Fill in the area inside the perimeter with full tiles. Count the number of grid spaces to determine the number of acoustical tiles you need.

Tags: acoustical tiles, partial tiles, best fill, determine best, determine best fill, Divide room

Fix A Rocking Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can get out of balance over time.

Ceiling fans can begin to rock for a few different reasons: The blades are carrying uneven amounts of dust and dirt or are out of balance, or the fan motor is loose on the mounting bracket. To solve this problem, you'll need a ceiling fan duster and a ceiling fan balancing kit, which contains both clip and adhesive weights to balance the blades. You may substitute clothespins and coins for the kit, but the correct weight distribution will be harder to find.

Instructions

1. Turn off the ceiling fan. Place a drop cloth underneath it. Put on goggles or some other type of eye protection. Next, clean the dust and dirt off the fan blades, using a ceiling fan duster. This will aid in balancing the fan, as dust accumulation is generally not even on all the blades. This slight weight imbalance contributes to wobble. Clean your fan on a regular basis.

2. Place a stool or ladder off-center from the ceiling fan. Unfasten the blades with a screwdriver, and turn on the fan. If it still wobbles, unfasten the mounting assembly that holds the motor to the ceiling, using a screwdriver. Ask someone to assist you by holding the fan motor while you're fixing the rocking.

3. Tighten the retaining bolts on the mounting bracket, using a pair of pliers or a wrench. Reconnect the fan motor to the mounting bracket tightly. Turn on the fan; it should no longer rock or sway. Turn the fan off again.

4. Fasten the blades to the motor with a screwdriver. Turn the fan on. If the blades begin to rock or wobble again, one of the blades is unbalanced. Open the fan balancing kit. Take the clip-on blade weights out. The clip-on weights are "test" weights to help you find which blade is out of balance and at what point on the blade.

5. Clip the weights onto the fan blades, following the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several attempts before you find the right position. Once you've found the correct spot, wipe down the blade with a damp cloth. Dry it with another cloth and stick the adhesive weights to the fan blades at the proper location.

Tags: mounting bracket, adhesive weights, begin rock, ceiling duster, Ceiling fans, dust dirt, with screwdriver

Installation Techniques For Cement Fiber

Renovating your bathroom is one of the best home improvement projects you can undertake. While other home renovations will add beauty and charm to your home, renovating your bathroom with new ceiling tiles, new lighting and other improvements can actually increase the value of your home. But if you are planning to install ceiling tiles in your bathroom it is important to prepare the ceiling for the extra weight by first installing a quality cement fiber board.

Choosing the Right Cement Fiber

Before you can get started with the cement fiber installation, it is important to prepare carefully. The purpose of installing cement fiber on the ceiling of your bathroom is to enable that ceiling to withstand the additional weight of the ceiling tiles. Failing to prepare the ceiling for this extra weight could mean that your newly installed tiles will sag, or even come crashing down. When getting started, be sure to choose a high quality cement fiber board designed for use in the bathroom. Bathroom ceilings must withstand additional challenges, like moisture, so be sure you choose the highest quality cement fiber board you can afford.

Securing the Cement Fiber in Place

How you secure your cement fiber is very important. Nails should never be used for the installation of cement fiber board, as they can damage the structural integrity of the installation. Instead of using nails, secure the cement fiber board in place using bolts and screws. It is also very important that the cement fiber board be given as much support as possible, so be sure to use a stud finder to find the best places to anchor the cement fiber into place.

Take the Proper Safety Precautions

No matter where you are installing your cement fiber panels, it is important to follow the proper safety precautions. It is important to use a respirator when cutting the boards, especially if you will be using a power saw to cut small narrow strips. Most of the time you will be able to cut the cement fiber panels by simply scoring each end with a special blade and then snapping the panels. Cutting cement fiber panels does require a special tool, so be sure to ask for it when you pick up your panels. If you need to cut small strips with a power saw, never do so inside, and be sure to wear a respirator even when cutting the panels outdoors. The dust these panels give off is fine enough to enter the lungs and cause silicosis, so always were your safety equipment when making cuts.

Tags: cement fiber board, fiber board, cement fiber, cement fiber, your bathroom, ceiling tiles, cement fiber panels

Cut A Ceiling Trim

Mitsubishi DLP home theater projectors are capable of receiving high definition video data from a video source.The device can then project that data out onto a screen or wall with high quality. If you want to connect your Dish Network dual receiver box to your Mitsubishi DLP projector, you should use either a HDMI or component video cable. These two cables are capable of transmitting the high definition video data while taking advantage of the high quality of your projector.

Instructions

1. Measure the edge of one ceiling corner.Mark the measurement on a piece of ceiling trim.

2. Lay the trim on the miter saw upside down from how it will sit on the ceiling. The part that will face up against the ceiling should be sitting down on the saw platform.

3. Set the mark under the blade. Turn the blade 45 degrees toward the main span of the trim. The blade will appear to be going in the wrong direction, but this is because the trim is upside down.

4. Cut the piece in one smooth, quick motion.

5. Repeat the whole process for the other end of the piece as well as for the piece that is off the other side of the first corner.

6. Nail the trim in place with a trim nailer, sinking nails in both directions (toward the ceiling and toward the wall). Space the nails about every foot.

Tags: definition video, definition video data, high definition, high definition video, high quality, upside down

Install A Ceiling Fan On A Prewired Ceiling Fan Outlet

A ceiling fan is very convenient. It can cool the house down during the summer and circulate the warm air from your heater during the winter. Installing a ceiling fan on a pre-wired ceiling fan outlet can be a simple process as long as you have the right tools and a knowledge of electricity. Doing this project yourself can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Instructions

1. Turn the breaker off for the room where you are putting the ceiling fan. Disconnect the old light by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver. Cut the wires that are holding the light to the light box with the wire cutters.

2. Take out the old light box by unscrewing the screws holding it in place. Clean the wires with the wire cleaners. Do this by going up the wires 1/2 inch to an inch and taking off the insulation that is on the wires.

3. Run the wires through the new light box by popping the knot out of it, which is in the center of the light box, using a screwdriver and a hammer. Put the wires through the knot and screw the light box to the ceiling with the Phillips screws that came with it and a Phillips screwdriver. Put the wires through the new light bracket and attach them to the light box with the screws that came with the bracket.

4. Attach the black and blue wire coming from the light box with a wire nut by placing the wires in the nut and turning the nut clockwise. . Attach the white wire to the white wire with another wire nut. Attach the copper wire to the ground screw on the light box. Use the black tape to tape up the wire nuts; do this for safety reasons.

5. Attach the ceiling fan to the light box using the screws that came with the ceiling fan Attach the ceiling fan blades, light and globe in the same fashion, using either a Phillips-head or flat-head screwdriver, depending on what type of screws came with the unit.

6. Caulk around where the light fixture connects to the ceiling with a caulking gun. Use silicone caulking. Do this to seal any holes in case the ceiling fan does not match up with the light box and the ceiling. Turn the breaker back on.

Tags: came with, light with, screws that, screws that came, that came

Decorate With Ceiling Globe Lights

Decorate With Ceiling Globe Lights

Ceiling globe lights come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors. Some are extremely decorative with a scrolled metal design over the fixture, while others are the classic round white bulb. Globe lights can be hung in varying heights to create your own interesting design. Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, globe lights are a classic decorative fixture to use throughout the home.

Instructions

1. Hang a ceiling globe pendant light over a kitchen bar to add task lighting and create a focal point in the room. Install them at various heights to create a cascading effect above the island.

2. Install a set of metal-encased ceiling globe lights in a foyer or entryway for an unexpected design. Decorate a tall foyer using two to three dropped globe lights centered over a foyer table.

3. Decorate a child's bedroom with colorful ceiling globe lights. Hang these fun and cheerful lights over a changing table for added light or centered in the room as the main source of lighting. Their fun and colorful shapes add a playfulness to the space.

Diy Ceiling Light Shade

Replace a standard glass dome with a modern lampshade.

Standard ceiling light fixtures aren't known for being especially stylish or attractive. While it would certainly be ideal to replace a dated, boring fixture with a new, dramatic chandelier, that isn't a realistic option for every budget. A fresh, updated fixture is still within reach no matter your budget limitations. By replacing the existing glass dome with a stylish lampshade of your choosing, you can quickly upgrade a dated ceiling fixture without breaking the bank.

Instructions

1. Remove the glass dome shade from the existing fixture. Standard glass domes are usually held on with a single finial or three small screws that can simply be unscrewed by hand.

2. Locate the nipple, a threaded metal rod that extends downward from the center of the existing fixture.

3. Slide the lampshade onto the nipple. The nipple should be fed through the round, washer-like hole in the center of the lampshade's spider fitting.

4. Verify that no part of the shade, whether metal or fabric, is in contact with the light bulbs.

5. Screw the finial onto the threaded nipple until it's secure. The finial will hold the lampshade in place.

Tags: glass dome, dome with, existing fixture, glass dome with

What Way Should Your Ceiling Fan Spin To Make It Cooler

Ceiling fans are decorative and functional.

Ceiling fans add a decorative ceiling and light fixture to your home area. They help save on your utility bills all year-round. During the summer months the blades rotate to move cool air around the room. In the winter months, the fan blades force the warm air that naturally rises down onto the people in the room. The blades are adjustable for different speeds as well, depending on the amount of air you want circulating throughout the room.

Ceiling Fan Installation

Use the correct UL-listed metal box. It needs to be marked, "For Use With Ceiling Fans." This outlet box mounts above the ceiling and at the point where the fan attaches. It contains all the necessary wiring for the installation and to connect the fan. Ceiling fans are heavy, and, if possible, should be mounted onto a ceiling joist. If you do not have one, use a special mounting bracket.

Rotations to Cool

Stand on a sturdy chair or a ladder so that you can change the rotation of the blades. Ask another person to hold the chair or ladder firmly to ensure your safety. Find the switch on the ceiling fan. You can review the owner's manual to easily locate the switch. Generally, the switch is directly beneath the fan blade area. Push the switch in the opposite direction of where it is during the winter months. You want the fan blades to turn in a counterclockwise direction.

Rotations to Warm

During the winter months, change the rotation of the fan blades so that they go in a slow, clockwise direction, which will help to keep your home warm and cozy. Push the switch in the opposite direction of where it is during the hot, summer months.

Other Energy Saving Tips

Turn off the ceiling fan when no one is in the room. The fan creates a breeze that cools people, not the actual room itself. Check the temperature outside during the summer months; if it is 75 degrees F or below, you can use the outside air to cool your home by opening windows. Place box fans in your window frames and allow them to pull the cool air into your home. Fans use less energy than air conditioners. Open windows on second floors to help release warm air out of your home. Draw the curtains and close window blinds in your home during the day to block out the sunshine and help keep your home cooler.

Tags: your home, summer months, winter months, Ceiling fans, Ceiling fans decorative

Install A Plywood Ceiling

Plywood is a durable material that can be quickly installed and stained or painted without the need for specialized tools.

Remodeling a basement sometimes means adding a ceiling. Drywall is the standard joist covering in such a situation. But, drywall is more expensive and time consuming to install than plywood. A plywood ceiling installed with screws also allows for easier access to your wiring, plumbing and duct work that is running through your joists. Plywood can be quickly stained or painted without the need for specialized tools or skills. The most important things to remember when installing your plywood ceiling are to always end a piece of plywood in the middle of a joist and keep your seams separated.

Instructions

1. Measure across the ceiling by running your tape measure from one corner and across as many joists as possible to the point nearest 96 inches. Move back along your tape measure to the center of the nearest joist and take note of the measurement at that point.

2. Place a 96 inch board flat on your chop saw. Measure along the board to find your ceiling measurement. Hold the board firmly against the guide of the saw and lower the saw arm without pulling the trigger. Move the board along the saw to line up the blade with your mark. Pull the trigger and cut the board at the pencil mark.

3. Attach the board to the ceiling with the Phillips bit on your drill using the 3 inch drywall screws. Run a screw through the board and into every joist in the ceiling. Continue attaching boards while making sure that every board ends in the middle of a joist unless it meets a corner of the room. Place a row of boards every 2 feet across the ceiling parallel to the first line. Place your last row of boards against the far wall of the room.

4. Cover the boards with plywood. Run 1 inch screws through the plywood and into your boards every 8 inches along each row of boards. Measure any cut pieces and use your 'T' square as a straight edge when drawing your cut lines. Cut the plywood with your jig saw by following each cut line. Drill a hole with your 1/2 inch bit and cut out necessary sections with your jigsaw for lights and vents in the ceiling.

5. Remove existing lights and vents from the joists with your screwdriver. Attach the fixtures to the outer face of your new plywood ceiling with their original hardware.

Tags: with your, across ceiling, boards every, ceiling with, lights vents, middle joist, need specialized

Become A Stretch Ceiling Designer

Stretch ceilings can be used to create multilayered looks.

Stretch ceilings, most made of PVC or plasterboard, can be used to cover an older ceiling or to create a distinct look overhead. Designers use stretch ceilings to modernize a living space, entryway or kitchen. You can become a stretch ceiling designer by studying interior design or architecture. If you are already working in one of these areas, you can take online courses in stretch ceiling design to expand your repertoire.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a college or university program in interior design or architecture. Though interior design programs lead to a bachelor's degree at some schools, architecture programs are always graduate courses, requiring a bachelor's degree in art or art history and prior completion of courses in freehand drawing and calculus.

2. Complete classes that focus on design theory and practice. These courses likely are offered as part of the standard curriculum, but they may not be required.

3. Take courses that explore the use of smart materials, lighting and modeling a geographic space.

4. Participate in stretch ceiling seminars, such as those offered by Stretch Ceiling Systems.

5. Sign up for internships with firms that specialize in stretch ceiling design or that use stretch ceilings regularly in their work. These internships will help you gain experience with professional stretch ceiling designers. Professional designers will provide useful, practical insight into the stretch ceiling design trade. In addition, networking with these professionals can open up paths to employment opportunities through recommendations.

6. Apply for stretch ceiling designer positions at stretch ceiling boutiques, interior design shops and architecture firms.

Tags: stretch ceiling, interior design, ceiling design, stretch ceiling design, bachelor degree

Ceiling Fan Cleaning Tools

Clean a ceiling fan to improve the room's air quality.

A dirty and dust-covered ceiling fan easily spreads that dirt into the air and on room surfaces. A ceiling fan should be cleaned regularly to avoid this dust build up. There are special tools designed to clean a ceiling fan and others that can also be used.

Ceiling Fan Duster

A ceiling fan duster is specifically designed to clean ceiling fan blades. The duster's long handle allows you to clean a ceiling fan without climbing a ladder. The handle is also sometimes adjustable, to reach even further. The brush on the end of many dusters is electrostatic, allowing it to attract dust and dirt using static electricity. The brush surrounds both the top and bottom side of the ceiling fan blade as you wipe it with the duster.

Step Ladder

If you don't have the use of a ceiling fan duster, use a step ladder to climb and reach the ceiling fan instead of standing on furniture, such as a chair or small table. The biggest concern when using a ladder is to keep your balance while working and looking up and to watch out for dizziness or vertigo. If standing on the ladder does not allow you to be above the ceiling fan while cleaning it, wear goggles or safety glasses so that the dust you wipe off the ceiling fan does not get in your eyes.

Vacuum Ceiling Fan Attachment

An attachment, often a brush, that you attach to the hose of a vacuum is used to clean the dust from ceiling fan blades, while you stand on the floor. One problem that can arise with a vacuum attachment is that the vacuum hose is not long enough to effectively reach the ceiling fan. In this case, you will need to use the vacuum and attachment on the ceiling fan while standing on a step ladder. Climbing and standing on a ladder while balancing yourself holding the vacuum hose can be dangerous.

Feather Duster and Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloths can be used to wipe the ceiling fan blades clean, either used with water or used dry. Wiping down the ceiling fan with these cloths or dusting it with a feather duster requires that you utilize a ladder to reach the ceiling fan, depending on how high the fan is located. After using these tools to clean the ceiling fan, a vacuum is used to collect the dust that has fallen to the floor underneath.

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Contemporary Lighting Ideas

Saucer Lamp from George Nelson

Lighting can be used to set a mood: create drama, serenity, or enhance productivity. Good lighting involves conceiving a design strategy as well as choosing the right fixtures that are aesthetically appealing. If you desire a contemporary look for your home, you might consider one or more of the following lighting strategies. Most spaces incorporate at least two of these strategies at the same time, so that the lighting can adapt to various activities throughout the day.

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting, or directional lighting, can be used to highlight a special feature in a room, whether that be an architectural feature such as a fireplace or a decorative feature such as a painting or sculpture. Spot lights are dramatic and can be used for special occasions, such as when guests are over. Other types of accent lighting are provided from track lights or recessed lights. As a general rule of thumb, accent lighting should be three times stronger than surrounding lighting, according to the American Lighting Association.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed can lighting is a very popular option in contemporary lighting schemes. By recessing the fixture, it "disappears," leaving the ceiling plane less cluttered for a more minimal, contemporary look. This lighting type is ideal for spaces with low ceilings that do not provide enough clearance for traditional fixtures. The light supplied by recessed fixtures is generally even across the room if they are spaced appropriately.

Pendant Lighting

A contemporary pendant fixture can become the focal point of a space. A pendant is any type of fixture that hangs from a wire or chain, such as a chandelier. This type of lighting is appropriate above a dining table or in a foyer, and is also very popular as counter lighting in contemporary kitchens.

Contemporary pendants are often made of glass and brushed nickel or aluminum, and fabric-wrapped drums with bright graphic prints are very trendy. Choose a pendant fixture when you want the light itself to be the focus of a space, as if it were a piece of art.

Task Lighting

The phrase "task lighting" usually applies to lamps, or any other fixture that is focused to promote a specific activity, such as reading or working. Task lighting can be used in place of overhead lighting for a softer effect, and have the advantage of being easily adjustable in terms of dimming and positioning. Contemporary task lights, or lamps, often feature clean lines, white fabric or glass, and again, silver-colored metals instead of brass or gold. Place tasks lights on end tables by sofas, in bedrooms, or on desk.

Concealed Lighting

Lighting can be concealed under soffits or behind reveals, creating a soft glow emanating from behind the surface. Concealed lights, often called cove lights, are almost the opposite of accent lighting, though in some ways they accomplish the same thing in a more subtle way. They can highlight an architectural feature and establish a relaxing or romantic mood for the space. LED fixtures are often used for an especially contemporary lighting effect.

Tags: accent lighting, architectural feature, contemporary lighting, contemporary look, feature such, fixture that, pendant fixture

Align A Ceiling Mount Projector With The Screen

Align a Ceiling Mount Projector With the Screen

A ceiling-mounted projector can transform any normal television room into your own home theater. The ceiling-mounted projector can provide an incredible picture and surround sound while helping to keep those pesky wires out of the way. A ceiling-mounted projector, however, is only as good as its orientation to the screen. If the projector is not aligned correctly, the visual will be distorted and hard to see. If you are planning on hanging a projector, you need to make sure that it is aligned correctly.

Instructions

1. Hang your screen according to the manufacturer's directions. Measure the width of your screen on the diagonal from the top corner to the opposite corner on the bottom. This measurement will determine how far back you need to hang your projector (See Resources for tips.)

2. Measure the projector distance which corresponds to the size of your screen using the measuring tape and make a mark on the ceiling. This mark should be measured from the center of the screen.

3. Place a stud finder on the ceiling at the mark and use it to locate the ceiling beams. A stud finder is a tool that locates beams and studs in the wall via an infrared signal. Slide the stud finder over the ceiling to locate beams on opposite sides of the center mark. Use the pencil to mark the location of the beams.

4. Place the piece of plywood on the ceiling so it covers both the center mark and the ceiling marks. Drill through the plywood into the beams using the 3/8-inch drill bit making at least four holes, two in each beam. Attach the plywood to the ceiling by driving the 3-inch screws through the plywood and into the beams.

5. Remeasure the distance from the center of the top of the screen to the location of the projector and make a mark. The mark should now be on the plywood and it should match the distance you measured in Step 2. Measure the distance from the center of the projector to one of the side walls. Measure the distance from the projector location to the same side wall. It should be the same.

6. Place the mounting plate for the projector on the plywood at the mark you drew. Screw the mounting plate to the plywood at this location using the drywall screws. Attach the projector to the mounting plate, following the manufacturer's instructions.

7. Turn the projector on. Measure the distance from the lens of the projector to one of the image's top corners. This should match the measurement from the lens to the other corner. Use the keystone keys on the projector to widen or shrink the image so it matches the size of your screen. Twist the focusing dials on the lens to get a sharp image.

Tags: distance from, your screen, ceiling-mounted projector, from center, Measure distance, Measure distance from, mounting plate