I’d like to buy a new ceiling fan to replace an existing one. The one I have has one switch that controls the light and dimmer, and another on the other side of the room that controls the fan and fan speed. I’d rather not get a remote control. Do I need the fan with a 2-wire control or a 3-wire control to be able to use it like I use the existing one? And if I need a remote to do this, should I get the 2- or 3-wire? Thanks so much.
If the fan doesn’t come with a remote, it will have three wires to connect. A neutral, a hot for the light kit, and a hot for the fan. Any fan without a remote should be a direct replacement for your existing fan.
The new ceiling fan might require a new light dimmer if you plan on using LED bulbs or it requires energy saving bulbs. As far as I know, fan control switches have remained the same so yours will most likely work.
One thing to check on… Sometimes people install small light ceiling fans on boxes that are not rated for a fan, and it can work for a long time (never do this). Just make sure that when you remove the old fan (labeling the wires) that you have a metal, fan rated ceiling box.