Stop Shivering: Why Winter is Actually the Best Time to Install Ceiling Fans in Burleson
It sounds backward. Why would anyone living off Wilshire Boulevard call an electrician to install a wind-generating machine in the middle of January? Most people associate ceiling fans with that brutal Texas August heat, trying to escape the humidity without bankrupting themselves on AC bills.
But here is the secret most homeowners miss: ceiling fans are just as critical when the temperature drops.
If your feet are freezing while your heater is running non-stop, you have a physics problem, not a heating problem. Heat rises. In a standard Burleson home—whether it’s a new build near Chisholm Trail or a craftsman in Old Town—the warmest air is trapped at your ceiling, uselessly hovering above your head. By the time you feel warm on the couch, your furnace has worked twice as hard as necessary.

The "Winter Mode" Switch No One Talks About
Every quality ceiling fan has a small, often ignored toggle switch on the motor housing. Flipping this reverses the blade direction from counter-clockwise to clockwise. This isn't a gimmick. It’s science. When blades spin clockwise at a low speed, they create an updraft. This gentle suction pulls cold air up from the floor and forces that trapped layer of warm air near the ceiling out toward the walls and back down to the living space. It’s called thermal destratification.
According to the Department of Energy, using this technique allows you to lower your thermostat by about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
That 4°F difference is money back in your pocket. But to get those savings, the fan has to be hung correctly. A wobble, a loose junction box, or poor wiring negates the benefit immediately.
Why You Need a Licensed Electrician, Not a Handyman
Burleson has its fair share of DIY enthusiasts. We respect the hustle. However, electrical work is strictly regulated for a reason. In Texas, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sets rigorous standards because electricity is unforgiving.
Here is the reality of installing a fan in an existing home:
- The Box Rating: You cannot hang a 50-pound motor from a standard plastic light fixture box. It will rip out of the drywall. An electrician installs a fan-rated brace box that spans the joists, ensuring the fan stays on the ceiling, not on your floor.
- Old Wiring: Many homes in the 76028 zip code built before 2000 may not have the dedicated neutral wires required for modern smart-fan switches. Connecting them incorrectly creates a fire hazard.
- AFCI Protection: Modern code requires Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter protection for bedrooms and living areas. If you swap a fixture and trip the breaker constantly, you’ve likely wired it wrong or have a ground fault.
Burleson A.T. Electric doesn't just "hang fans." We analyze your circuit load, reinforce your structural mounting, and ensure your warranty remains valid. Manufacturers love to void warranties when unlicensed work causes motor failure.
Small Businesses: The Hidden Commercial Benefit
This isn't just for living rooms. If you run a shop near I-35W or a boutique in Burleson’s commercial districts, you are likely dealing with high ceilings. Warehouses and open-concept offices are notorious for heat loss.
Commercial high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans are massive energy savers. They push massive columns of heat back down to the employee level. However, installing these requires heavy-duty conduit work and specific voltage requirements that a general maintenance worker simply isn't qualified to handle. Hiring a professional electrician ensures your business passes fire inspection and keeps your overhead low—literally and figuratively.
The Burleson A.T. Electric Difference
We know this town. We know the difference in wiring between the historic homes near Renfro Street and the modern subdivisions popping up south of town. When you hire us, you aren't getting a random subcontractor from a big-box store list. You get a local expert who understands local code amendments.
We arrive on time. We quote transparently. We leave your home cleaner than we found it.
Winter installation also offers a logistical advantage: availability. While everyone else is panic-calling electricians in July because their AC capacitor blew out, you can schedule your installation in December or January with ease. Be proactive.
Safety First: The Statistics Don't Lie
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), thousands of residential fires occur annually due to electrical malfunction. A significant portion of these stem from improper execution of "simple" upgrades like lighting and fans. Don't become a statistic over a weekend project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ceiling fans actually help in the winter?
Yes. By reversing the motor to spin clockwise at low speed, the fan creates an updraft. This displaces warm air trapped at the ceiling, pushing it down the walls to the floor level without creating a wind-chill effect. This can lower heating costs by up to 15%.
How much does it cost to install a ceiling fan in Burleson, TX?
Costs vary based on complexity. A direct swap of an existing fan is cheaper than installing new wiring and a brace box where no light existed before. Generally, professional installation by a licensed electrician ranges from $150 to $350 per unit, excluding the cost of the fan itself.
Can I install a ceiling fan myself?
While legally a homeowner can perform work on their own homestead, it is not recommended. Ceiling fans require specific heavy-duty junction boxes (rated for 50+ lbs) that standard light fixtures do not use. Improper mounting can cause the fan to fall, and incorrect wiring poses a fire risk.
What is the correct direction for a ceiling fan in winter?
Clockwise. Stand directly under the fan and turn it on. If you do not feel a direct breeze hitting you, but you feel air moving around the room, it is set correctly for winter. This circulates heat without cooling your skin.
Does Burleson A.T. Electric offer warranties on installation?
Absolutely. We stand behind our craftsmanship. While the fan manufacturer covers the motor, we guarantee the safety and reliability of the wiring and mounting labor. If it wobbles or sparks, we fix it.











