Ceiling Fans

With summer here, you want to keep cool and at the same time keep your energy costs under control (http://www.bishopheating.com/blog/energy-saving-tips-for-summer).  One way to do that is with ceiling fans.  Here are a few thoughts.

Benefits

• They make your room more comfortable, rotating counterclockwise and forcing cool air up in the summer – making a room where the thermostat is 79 degrees feel like 72.
  
• This obviously reduces energy costs – the example above can slash the cost by 30%.
  
• It also reduces wear and tear on your AC system in the summer.
  
• Ceiling fans also can work in the winter by forcing warmer air down, saving energy costs and reducing wear and tear on your furnace.
  
• Fans come in a variety of styles; they can also enhance a room’s appearance.
  
• Fans frequently come with lights or can have light kits installed, providing additional and layered lighting.
  

Buying Considerations
Ceiling fan prices range from under $100 to several hundred dollars, based on numerous factors.  Here are some things to consider when buying a ceiling fan, in no particular order:

• Noise.  Ceiling fans can be noisy.  Quieter fans are more expensive.
  
• Number of speeds.  The more speeds, the greater flexibility you have in level of cooling.  Of course, more speeds will usually mean more money.
  
• Warranties.  More expensive fans may have better warranties
  
• Size.  See the table below
  

Room size              Fan size
Up to 144 sq. ft.      42-inch
Up to 225 sq. ft.      44-inch
Up to 400 sq. ft.      52-inch

Rooms more than 18 feet long may need two medium-sized fans

• Materials and finishes.  There are several options:
  

           o Natural wood and painted blades made from wood, which are more expensive
           o Cross-laminated veneer blades
           o Veneered constant density board
           o Clear or smoked acrylic

• Fans come in a variety of colors.  When in doubt, choose white.
  
• Light kits.  If your room is not well lit, consider a light kit.  
  
• Wall or remote control.  This is a convenience factor to consider.
  
• Heaters.  Some fans have heaters for use in winter.
  
• Reversible motor.  If you want to use your fan year round, make sure the motor is reversible so the blades rotate clockwise.
  

Installation Tips

• Put the fan in the middle of the room.
  
• Be sure the blade tips are at least two feet from walls or sloped ceilings.
  
• The fan should be at least seven feet from the floor to make sure people will not walk into it.  
  
• Make sure the electric box can support the weight of the fan.
  
• Make sure you purchase the appropriate light bulbs if your fan has a light kit.