Selecting the Proper Ceiling Fan for Maximum Performance

Fans circulate air, producing a wind chill effect by moving air across the skin and evaporate the moisture, making you feel cooler regardless of the temperature.  In a home, a ceiling fan could save you up to 25 percent on energy bills for cooling and keeping your home more comfortable all year long.  A local qualified electrician can install your ceiling fan properly.  Here are facts to help you find the perfect design and performance ceiling fan to fit your space.

• Air movement is determined by the speed and pitched of the fan blades.  Choose a large enough motor and a fan with blade pitch (angle of the blade relative to the fan) of 14 to 15 degrees for maximum air circulation.  The motor is the heart of the ceiling fan and is important to air circulation; a high quality motor should have heavy duty windings and sealed bearings that are always lubricated.  Cubic feet per minute (CFM) measures the amount of air moved:  the higher the number, the more air dispersed by the fan.  The fan’s overall efficiency is determined by the amount of energy a fan consumes and the volume of air the fan moves.  

• Finding the right size ceiling fan for your room:  The ceiling fan should be installed or mounted in the middle of the room and at least 7 feet above the floor and the fan blades should be at least 18 inches from the walls.  The ceiling fan size represents the distance from the tip of one fan blade to the tip of the opposite.  For rooms 225 square feet or larger use 50-to 52-inch fan; rooms 65to144 square feet use 42-to 44-inch fan; rooms 64 square feet or under use 32-inch fan.  When in doubt, choose a larger fan to maximize your comfort level at a low to medium speed.  Square area creates optimum circulation; if you are cooling a large rectangular room, consider two fans evenly spaced to distribute air.  If ceiling height allows, install your ceiling fan 8-9 feet above the floor for optimal air flow. 

• For humid location such as a bathroom, buy a ceiling fan that has been UL (Underwriter’s Laboratories) listed with a “damp” rating.  For ceiling fan that may come in direct contact with water like on a patio or a porch look for a UL “wet” rating.  These fans include features such as a sealed /moisture resistant motor, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all weather blades. 

• Ceiling fans are efficient and consume less energy on average than a 100-watt light bulb.  To cut your home energy costs, use the ceiling fan year round.  In warm weather, run the ceiling fan in downdraft mode with the fan blades running counterclockwise to circulate cool air.  The wind chill-effects created by ceiling fans give you opportunity to raise the thermostat setting and reduce your energy use without losing comfort.   You should feel the cool air when you stand directly under the ceiling fan.  In the winter, use the ceiling fan to save energy on heating bills by reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This gentle updraft forces the warm air trapped near the ceiling down into the occupied space to mix with the cooler air at the bottom of the room and warming up the living space.  Reverse switches usually are located inside or on top of the motor housing. 

• For a coordinated look, match the fan blade finish to furniture or wood molding.  Choose a fan body finish that matches doors or cabinet hardware.  For a barely-there design, select a traditional white model that matches the blade color to the ceiling.  Blade finish affects longevity; look for painted real wood or plywood with Mylar-like coating for moisture and warping resistance.  To suit a range of tastes and budgets, many manufacturers offer mix-and-match options for blades and lights.  Wireless remote controls are a popular accessory for convenient, easy operation in bedrooms and rooms with high ceiling:  Light intensity and speed can be regulated and many models have memory to keep your previous setting on hand. 

Ceiling fan is a good deal and very efficient home improvement product; it keeps you cool and comfortable, helps to improve the air quality in your home, and helps you save money on home energy costs.  Hire a qualified electrician to properly install your ceiling fan to ensure quality and product performance.