How to Use a Ceiling Fan Remote Control

Depending on your perspective, modern technology has either improved our lives or made them needlessly complicated. Even the simple home ceiling fan has become more technologically advanced. Gone are the days in which a person would turn his fan on by simply using a wall switch. Many modern ceiling fans now come with fancy remote controls to help make the process of re-circulating air as easy as possible. Before you can use your new ceiling fan, you'll first need to know how to use its remote control.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Batteries

1. Install any batteries necessary to operate your ceiling fan's remote control. In the event that batteries haven't been included with your purchase, consult the user's manual to see which size batteries you'll have to buy.

2. Flip your ceiling fan's wall switch to the "on" position. Regardless of the buttons you push on your remote control, you'll first have to make sure that electricity is flowing to the ceiling fan.

3. Point your remote control in the general direction of your ceiling fan. The remote control will communicate with the fan by way of infrared signals. A sensor on the fan will interpret the commands.

4. Press the "power" button to turn your off your fan. Your specific remote control may label this function with a different phrase, such as "on/off." Wait to make sure the fan blades have started spinning before you press any more buttons.

5. Use the speed mode buttons to change the speed at which your fan blades rotate. The higher the speed, the more quickly air will be circulated throughout the room.

6. Control any lights installed in your ceiling fan by using "on/off" or "dimmer" buttons on the remote control. While not all fans will include lights, the chances are pretty good that any ceiling fan advanced enough to have a remote control will also have lights.

Tips & Warnings

• The technologically inept should have no fear. Most ceiling fans with remote controls can still be operated the old-fashioned way. While the remote control might be a fun novelty, chances are you'll still be able to cool your room without first learning how to use the remote.
• While the broad directions for using a ceiling fan remote control are simple, you may need to consult your individual fan's instruction manual for any unique instructions or features.
• It's unlikely that you'll be able to change the rotational direction of your fan blades via the remote. You'll only need to change the direction of fan blades as the seasons change. Look for a toggle switch on the fan unit itself.