All About Ceiling Fans - Ceiling Fan Information, Ceiling Fan Installation, Ceiling Fan Benefits

Ceiling Fans - Decorative and Functional!

Ceiling fans are both decorative and functional. A ceiling fan's breeze can make you feel two to six degrees cooler, and this lets you raise your thermostat. As such, ceiling fans are an efficient way to stay cool, and they can even let you save anywhere from 16 to 48 percent on your electric bill. Learn about the benefits of a ceiling fan, how to choose one for your home, and even some basic installation instructions here.

What is a Ceiling Fan?

Ceiling fans have been used around the world even before the advent of air conditioning and have remained popular as an inexpensive, energy efficient, and even decorative cooling appliance. Essentially a type of electric fan suspended from the ceiling of a room or other type of indoor area, ceiling fans utilize hub-mounted, rotating paddles to circulate air to and to provide a destratification or cooling effect.

The key components to a ceiling fan are an electric motor; two to six paddles (or blades) constructed of wood, metal or plastic; metal arms called "blade irons"; and some sort of mounting mechanism. Depending on the type of ceiling fan, a unit can also have a down rod (metal pipe that suspends the fan from the ceiling); motor housing (the decorative case that holds the motor); switch housing; blade badges (decorative accoutrements that are attached to the underside of the blades that hide the screws); lamps; and switches. Operation greatly depends on the fan style and manufacturer, but usually consists of the following:

Pull-Chain/Pull-Chord Control: This is the most common method of control and involves a bead chain or cloth. When pulled, this chain cycles the fan through various speeds and then turns the fan off. Typically, pull-chain controls have three speeds: high, medium, and low.
Variable-Speed Control: This usually involves a dial mounted onto the fan which, when turned in either direction, varies the speed at which the blades rotate. This type of ceiling fan was very popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
Wall-Mounted Control: This type of ceiling fan has controls that are mounted on a wall instead of the fan and they usually consist of switches. Wall-mounted ceiling fans can either be digitally controlled or choke controlled.
Wireless Control: This type of ceiling fan has become very popular recently. A handheld remote transmits signals to a receiver unit installed within the fan, and this acts on the signals.

Ceiling Fan Benefits

Almost all ceiling fans have some sort of mechanism - most commonly an electrical switch - that reverses the blade direction of the fan. When used during the warmer months, a ceiling fan's direction of motion is set so that air is blown downward and counter-clockwise. The breeze created by the fan hastens the evaporation of perspiration on human skin, and this is felt as a cooling effect. Thus, ceiling fans offer a low-cost alternative to air conditioning and can even be used in conjunction with an existing AC system in order to keep you comfortable and your electric bills low.

However, some may not realize that ceiling fans can even be used in the winter to cut down on heating bills as well. Because warmer air normally rises to the ceiling while cooler air sinks to the floor, a ceiling fan that is set to rotate in the opposite direction (clockwise) takes cooler air from the floor of the room and pushes it up towards the ceilings and to occupants in the room. Reversing the blades in the winter also slightly heats up the entire room by forcing heat along the entire surface area of the ceiling.

Lastly, another great benefit of a ceiling fan is its appearance. Because ceiling fans are often more decorative than utilitarian in design, a unit's blades and motor housing can compliment a room's d?cor much like a piece of fine furniture or work of art. Ceiling fans with built-in lights also commonly replace existing light fixtures so that you can enjoy cooling and illumination.

Choosing a Ceiling Fan

When deciding on a ceiling fan, remember that it is more than just a household appliance. A quality ceiling fan will also make a tremendous difference in your room's d?cor, and always keep in mind the unit's form, fit, finish, hardware, and controls. Quality is important, so look for ceiling fans with die cast, steel, or brass components that will give them both weight and beauty. Below are some additional features to consider when choosing a ceiling fan.

Purchase the right sized fan for your needs. Ceiling fan blades can span anywhere from 29 to 54 inches, and the most popular size is 52 inches. In order to determine the right sized ceiling fan, measure the room in which the ceiling fan will be installed and look to this chart:

Room Dimensions	Fan Size (Suggested)
Up to 75 square feet	29 -36 inches
76 - 144 square feet	36 - 42 inches
144 - 225 square feet	44 inches
225 - 400 square feet	50 -54 inches

Choose the appropriate mounting system for your ceiling. Your ceiling fan should be installed in the middle of the room and at least 7 feet above the floor and 18 inches from the walls. If space allows, install the fan 8 to 9 feet above the floor for maximum air flow. Look to the chart below to see the different mounting systems:

Mounting System	Ceiling Type
Standard Mount	Usually comes with a 3 -5 inch down rod that is 1/2 or 3/4 inch in diameter.
Extended Mount	Used for tall ceilings and used to hang the fan 8-9 feet from the floor.
Sloped Mount	Used for vaulted or angled ceilings.
Flush Mount	Anchors the fan directly against the ceiling; ideal for rooms under 8 feet or in situations where the fan and light would hang too low.

Look for fans with a wet/damp rating (if applicable). If you place a ceiling fan in a bathroom or other damp area, be sure to purchase a fan that has been UL listed with a "damp" rating. If the fan will come in contact with water such on a patio, look for a "wet" rating. These ratings signify that these fans will have moisture-resistant motors, housing, and all-weather blades.

Installing a Ceiling Fan

As always, follow your fan's manufacturer's directions when it comes to installation. However, to get a general feel for what you will need to do to install your fan, you'll probably need to follow these steps:

1. Remove the existing light fixture.

2. Remove the box and cut a new hole. Attach the new electric box.

3. Glue the ceiling medallion and mount the ceiling plate.

4. Assemble the fan's components, make the wire connections, and attach the blades and lights.

5. Test your new ceiling fan!

Five Reasons to Purchase a Ceiling Fan

1. Energy Efficient: Ceiling fans are a great alternative to standard air conditioners. The electricity consumed by a ceiling fan is only pennies per month when compared to dollars a month for a standard AC.

2. Multi-Functional: In the summer, ceiling fans run counter-clockwise to provide cooling comfort. However, in the winter, ceiling fans can run clockwise to draw heat to occupants in a room.

3. Provide Ambient Illumination: Many ceiling fans come with light kits that add ambient lighting to your room. Therefore, with a ceiling fan, you get one appliance that functions as two.

4. Decorative: Ceiling fans provide an attractive visual focus to a room and can dramatically compliment your indoor d?cor.

5. Add Circulation: Circulation is perhaps the most effective (as well as underrated) use of a ceiling fan. They eliminate hot and cold spots and provide a much more comfortable environment.

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