Remotes have revolutionized how we use ceiling fans in the past.
But now, it’s time for smart switches to take over.
There are even prototypes of gesture-controlled smart switches.
Smart switches do work with ceiling fans, and you can use a standard smart switch to turn the fan on and off. If you want to control fan speed, you’ll need a smart ceiling fan switch. And if your ceiling fan has a remote, a universal remote switch can handle it.
This article will explain if you can control a ceiling fan using a smart switch.
Also, you’ll learn a few handy tips that’ll help you install a new smart switch for your ceiling fan.
Can a Smart Switch Control a Ceiling Fan?
A smart switch can control a ceiling fan. You can use any smart switch, but those made for ceiling fans will work better. A standard fan can only turn it on and off, but a ceiling fan switch can adjust the fan speed.
There are a few ways that you can use to turn on a ceiling fan.
Everything from pull chains and remotes to various wall control switches can control a ceiling fan.
But by far, the best way to control a ceiling fan is by using a smart switch.
If you always keep your ceiling fan at 100%, a basic smart switch that turns on and off will be good enough.
That’s great if you already have a leftover smart switch that you aren’t using. But don’t go out to buy one for that purpose.
It’s better to get a smart ceiling fan switch instead. The main difference is that it can control the fan speed, but it doesn’t end there.
You can get a 2-in-1 switch for the light fixture and ceiling fan.
Next, you can automate the light to turn on when you walk in, like any other smart light.
And then automate the ceiling fan to turn on when the room gets too hot.
All in all, smart switches are miles ahead of traditional ones that you have to operate manually.
5 Tips on Using Smart Switches With Ceiling Fans
Before you install a new smart switch for your ceiling fan, here are a few things that you should know.
1. You Can Use a Single Smart Switch for Your Ceiling Fan
Using a regular smart switch with a ceiling fan makes a lot of sense.
I know many people who always keep their ceiling fan at 100%.
For them, it’s either on or off with no in-between. And if you’re one of those people, then any smart switch is a welcome addition.
For smaller, weaker fans, fine-tuning the fan control doesn’t really matter. You’re already struggling to feel the light breeze.
So, perhaps you bought a pack of smart switches and are now looking for ways to use them.
Sure, you can use any smart switch with a ceiling fan (except for dimmer switches).
But that’s only if the ceiling fan also uses a standard switch already.
Also, pay attention to the wiring. Some ceiling fans and switches need a neutral wire, whereas others don’t.
My recommendation is the Kasa Smart Switch (available on Amazon.com). It’s standard-sized and requires a neutral wire to work.
The Kasa switch works via WiFi and supports voice control.
It’s also nice to see that the product description lists ceiling fans as a supported home appliance.
Check out: Lutron Vs GE Smart Switches: 21 Pros & Cons (Guide)
2. Use a Double Switch for the Ceiling Fan and Light Fixture
Any smart switch adds several handy features.
However, you still have to control the light fixture somehow.
Again, you can use two separate smart switches for the two. But why would you?
There are several double switches to choose from.
A double smart switch lets you control both the light and ceiling fan simultaneously.
It’s a more elegant solution, and it likely has more functionality too.
For example, you could automate the two separately. And you can use it both to control the fan speed and dim the lights.
The best one is the Treatlife Ceiling Fan & Light Dimmer Switch (available on Amazon.com).
It does everything I just mentioned, and it has handy buttons to adjust the fan speed as a nice bonus.
3. Never Use Dimmer Switches for Ceiling Fans
Dimmer switches are great for lights to create a cozy atmosphere in the evenings.
However, the way they work isn’t suitable for ceiling fans. It might even work, but it’s very bad for the motor.
The dimmer switch could overheat and cause a fire. Equally bad, the motor will struggle to work and could overheat too.
If you’re using a dimmer switch, smart or otherwise, replace it.
You can still use it for the light fixture, though. But that only works if it has separate wiring.
4. Smart Fan Control Switches Work Best
If you don’t have a smart switch yet, buy the right one.
Installing a smart fan control switch takes the same time and effort as a regular smart switch. So, it’s worth stepping up to it.
It’s similar to a double switch but without the light switch part. So, it’s perfect if you have a ceiling fan without a light fixture.
Keep in mind that most of these smart switches still don’t have fan speed sliders.
Instead, they give you three to four speeds, which is probably enough.
Fan controllers let you control the ceiling fan remotely or using your voice.
You can also combine them with a smart thermometer and motion sensor.
You can set it to only turn on when you’re in the room and when it’s scorching hot.
Or maybe you just want the ceiling fan to turn on to save power whenever the AC is on.
The Leviton Smart Fan Speed Controller (available on Amazon.com) does everything you want.
It supports voice controls, works without a hub, and is compatible with IFTTT.
So, if your light switch and ceiling fan switch are separate units, get a fan speed controller.
Editor’s pick: 6 Ways To Use SmartThings With IFTTT + How To Connect
5. A Universal Smart Remote Works With Ceiling Fans
Pretty much every consumer ceiling fan on the market today comes with a remote.
Most of those ceiling fans use infrared, so any universal remote could control them.
So, you don’t even need a smart switch to turn your ceiling fan on and off.
Instead, get a universal smart remote.
In addition to the ceiling fan, you can control the TV, the fireplace, and everything else that uses IR or even RF technology.
The best remote for your ceiling fan is the BOND Remote Control (available on Amazon.com). It’s an elegant solution that adds WiFi to your ceiling fan.
The setup process is surprisingly quick and easy. Just follow the instructions in the BOND app.
It’s worth mentioning that a smart remote isn’t very cheap, though.
So, it’s only a good solution if you have some other remote-controlled devices that you’d love to control too.
But the best thing is that smart universal remotes have all the same functionality as your remote.
You can put whatever fan speed you want. And you can even make it turn in the opposite direction if it’s a reversible ceiling fan.
Final Thoughts
Smart switches can control ceiling fans without any problems. If you only want to turn the ceiling fan on and off, any smart switch will do.
But if you want to control the fan speed, you’ll need a dedicated smart fan controller.
Double switches come with both a fan controller and a light dimmer.
And if you’re already in the market for a smart remote, it’s good to know that you can control the ceiling fan with it.
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