Spring has sprung here in Maryland, and it’s time to start thinking fans.
Ceiling Fans are a great way to cool down you and your home. As they circulate air, they create a “wind chill”, making you feel up to 8 degrees cooler . If you have air conditioning, a well placed fan can help improve your utility costs by keeping your inside cooler, requiring less energy from your AC unit.
If you do not have air conditioning, well, a ceiling fan can keep you comfortable up to 85 degrees.
- Location, Location, Location
Ceiling fans are useful not only in the summer, when you are hot, but in the winter to circulate warm air. Because warmer air rises, fans circulating counter clockwise will move the warm air from a fireplace and/or heating vents to other areas in the home. When considering location, use where people congregate: living/ family rooms, master bedrooms, etc. For winter months consider rooms with cathedral ceilings, and fireplaces. - Is bigger better?
Smaller rooms or smaller occupied spaces can be adequately served with a smaller fan—bigger areas would require a larger ceiling fan. Below are somegeneral guidelines for sizing. Blade size is also a big consideration, the longer the blade, the more air it moves—the more square feet one fan will serve. However, the number of blades makes no difference in the amount of air that is circulated. - How High to Install?
Ideally fans are installed 8-10 feet above the floor. Although sometimes it can be installed at 7 feet, it should be a bit higher. If you are installing in a vaulted room, or a room with cathedral ceilings, an extension rod is used to achieve the proper installation height. - Three Speeds Is Best
When purchasing a fan, get one with the three speed option. Speed can be controlled with pull chains attached to the fan, or with a remote controlled or wall control unit for convenience. But varying speed is so important for your individual comfort level. - Professional Installation Is Key
Professional installation is the key to avoid your ceiling fan emitting noise, or wobbling. Both are a result of the fan not being installed and balanced properly.