Over 75 percent of US homes have ceiling fans. A ceiling fan can help your home feel cooler during the summer. Typically, homeowners use ceiling fans in conjunction with air conditioners, creating a wind-chill effect inside the home.
But modern fans do more than make a comfortable breeze in your home. They can act as stylish focal points and elegant illuminators.
If you’ve been contemplating buying a ceiling fan, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of options on offer. The designs and styles to choose from are almost endless.
But before you start ceiling fan shopping, there are a few things you need to know so you make an informed choice. Here are seven ceiling fan facts everybody should know.
1. Modern Fans Can Mean Huge Energy Savings
A typical AC uses about 3,500 watts of energy to run. In comparison, the average ceiling fan uses a microscopic 60 watts to run, even when the fan is running on high. From these figures, it’s easy to see how much energy you stand to save by using a ceiling fan.
Of course, buying ceiling fans doesn’t mean that you no longer need air conditioning. However, it does mean that you can set your thermostat higher, saving you cooling costs by as much as 8 percent.
But it’s not just during the summer that ceiling fans help you save on energy. In the winter, You can reverse the ceiling fans to push warm air down from your house’s ceiling. Doing so recirculates warm air in your home, allowing you to set your thermostat lower.
Of course, you can save even more using your ceiling fans by investing in an ENERGY STAR ceiling fan. These fans are generally more efficient than their ordinary counterparts.
2. You Need to Pick the Right Fan Size
You want a ceiling fan that’s capable of circulating enough cool air to keep your living space comfortable. For optimal performance, always go for the right-sized fan, based on the dimensions of your room.
Generally, a larger room will need bigger fans. Large double ceiling fans can function perfectly here. To be more specific, if your room measures over 400 square feet, a ceiling fan with a blade span of at least 54″ will suffice.
Smaller rooms of about 50 square feet will do with 29″ fans. A medium-sized room can be served sufficiently by 42″ fans. Of course, you can install more than one fan in one room, especially where you’re dealing with larger living spaces.
3. The Ceiling Fan’s Placement Matters
You need to place the ceiling fan as close to the center of the room as possible for optimal comfort. Ensure that the blade tips aren’t too close to the wall. Have at least 18 inches between the tip of the blade and the wall.
It’s also recommended that fans are placed about eight or nine feet from your floor. Where your ceiling is less than eight feet above, consider a hugger or snugger ceiling fan model to achieve at least seven-foot blade clearance from the floor. If you have a high ceiling, use a downrod extension to hang the ceiling fan so that there’s the desired clearance of eight to nine feet from your floor.
4. Always Check the Motor
A ceiling fan’s motor is by far the most important component of the device. The nature of a motor separates an excellent ceiling fan from a good one.
Look for fans with technologically advanced motors as they tend to operate smoothly and noiselessly. Moreover, these motors ensure that there’s optimal air movement and are generally more energy-efficient.
5. Consider the Blade Material
Most ceiling fan blades are made of metal, plastic, or wood. Each of these materials has its own strengths and drawbacks, but not all will suit your needs.
Most people choose the blade material and finish that blend perfectly with their room’s existing decor. But there are other considerations too. For instance, if you live near the coast or are installing a fan in an area prone to moisture, such as the bathroom, you should opt for rust-proof rust material and finish.
6. There Are Accessories to Consider
Today’s ceiling fans come with an array of accessories that can significantly increase their functionality. For instance, you can choose a ceiling fan with integrated lighting, adding vibrancy and style to your living space.
Some ceiling fans come with remote control, while others feature wall control. Those with homes that have high ceilings can opt for long pull chains as accessories to their fans.
Other popular accessories include timer controls, manual and automatic color-changing, LED light intensity adjustment, and more. Some ceiling fans even have programmable mood lighting features with an array of light options.
7. Installation Is Usually Easy
One of the best things about today’s ceiling fans is that their installation is quite straightforward. All you need is a few basic skills to install the product yourself. The installation itself takes about an hour or so.
Usually, ceiling fans are sold with a step-by-step guide on how to install them. You’ll likely be replacing your existing lights with the fans, so no electrical wiring will be required.
That said, it may still be a good idea to have a professional install your ceiling fan for you, especially if you don’t trust your ability to handle the project yourself. Professional installation helps protect the product’s warranty and eliminates any potential mistakes you might make.
Invest in the Right Ceiling Fan
During the sweltering heat of the summer, a ceiling fan can create a welcome breeze in your living area. More than that, modern fans can add a touch of elegance to your room while saving you considerably on energy costs.
Would you like to read more content on using ceiling fans? Please, keep visiting our blog.
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