Ceiling fans in SFH: Remove or replace?

Question

Hi all, I recently closed on my first rental property - a 3/2/2 SFH in the greater Houston area. There are ceiling fans in all the bedrooms. They're in pretty bad shape. If I want the house to have the fans, I'd have to replace them. Or I could just remove them. Here's what I'm thinking:

REPLACE ceiling fans because:
1.  They would probably save wear and tear on the AC.  (Tenants will be responsible for the actual AC bill.)
2. They might increase the perceived value and allow me to charge slightly more rent.

REMOVE ceiling fans because:
1. I'd have to keep fixing them if they break.

What do you all think?

Kevin Hwang · Answer

Everybody seems to be of one accord; that is, to replace the fans. It's on my rehab list now. I appreciate the responses from everybody!

John Chapman · Answer

Hi Kevin, I would totally replace the ceiling fans.  In my experience, tenants love/demand them anyway, and particularly for a 3/2 house, I would think they would expect them.  I used to not put them in but quickly learned that tenants in Texas really want them so now I budge for them in every rehab.

Al Williamson · Answer

Kevin Hwang Sacramento is hot, but less humid than TX. I vote for replacing the fans with a quality ceiling fans (of course). John Chapman stole my thunder, but is giving you great advice.

Kevin Hwang · Answer

Thanks George.

George P. · Answer

depends on your budget. they are no cheap to purchase, but nice to have. even if tenants do not use them. i take mine out since the ceiling heights in the older homes make it dangerous to have them. and it's michigan...we really do not need them for the most part.

Kevin Hwang · Answer

Thanks, Dave and Karen, for your input! I will think about this.

Karen Margrave · Answer

I moved from an area that was extremely HOT, with temperatures that could go up to 118 in summers. Every house has air conditioning. We put ceiling fans in every room (except bathrooms and kitchens) to help circulate air. It does also save on air conditioning on those days when it's not really hot. I'd say, replace with energy efficient fans!

Dave M. · Answer

Hi Kevin Hwang & Welcome!

I am surprised by the amount of positive feedback I get when showing my apartments with ceiling fans.  You're in an area where they likely get much more use so I'd assume they'd be that much more valuable to your tenants.

As far as fixing fans, I have not had to replace one but the internal switch (for the pull chain) tends to go bad, so I find myself replacing.

Ceiling fans in SFH: Remove or replace?

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