How Ceiling Fans Work
How much cooler will a ceiling fan make your room? Two degrees? Five Degrees? Ten?The
answer may surprise you: it's none. Unlike an air conditioner, a ceiling fan won't lower
room temperatures even one degree. So how does it make a room feel cooler? Instead of actually cooling the air, a ceiling fan creates a gentle breeze that makes a
room feel more comfortable. A ceiling fan can create a fresh, pleasant "wind chill
effect" inside your home.
More important, ceiling fans are incredibly efficient. While air
conditioner guzzle energy, a ceiling fan uses only about as much energy as a 100-watt
light bulb - even on its highest setting. How to save energy Summer How to save energy Winter
| The Motor When you're comparing ceiling fans, the motor is the very first component you
should consider. Why? Because the motor is the heart of any fan. It turns the blades that
move the air. It's the real working part of the fan.
 Poor motor design can create most of the problems that are associated with ceiling
fans. if the fan has an annoying click, buzz or hum during operation, the motor is the
likely culprit. The very best quality motor will be an induction motor with precision ball
bearings that are permanently lubricated for maintenance free operation.
 A motor that works too hard will burn itself out. A motor that's too big will be
inefficient. Ideally, a ceiling fan should be designed to strike a balance between power
and efficiency.
| The Blades
A fan's blades are another of it's most important components. They can complement a room's
decor like fine furniture. They also have a job to do, so the quality you want in a blade
is not merely cosmetic.The amount of air movement from a ceiling fan depends on the
blade pitch - the angle of the blade. Look for a blade pitch of at least 14 degrees, an
excellent angle for maximum air movement efficiency. But be careful. An inexpensive fan
probably doesn't have a motor powerful enough to move its blades with a 14 degree pitch.
The motor can quickly burn itself out.
 Blade construction is also important. Many fan companies use inexpensive blades
constructed of particle board or even printed paper. And, contrary to what you might
expect, solid wood blades aren't the answer: they can warp and lead to noise and wobble. The very best blade to look for is a multi - layer hard - wood veneer or painted blade.
The furniture - quality veneer ensures maximum beauty, while the multi - layer approach
ensures solid performance. Finally blades of this quality will come matched in weight to
within one gram to prevent wobble and noise.
| Details & Styling Little
details can mean a lot. Like distinctive die-cast components, and durable, high-quality
finishes, not thin, sprayed-on finishes. Look carefully at the ceiling fans your
considering, and you can see the quality in details. Let's face it: a fan is more then a household appliance. A ceiling fan can be a
striking beautiful addition to your home, the center of attention in any room, and an
heirloom quality showpiece your family can enjoy for generations to come. In general, you
want a ceiling fan that is pleasing to the eye and one that works with your decor. To help
you zero in on your ceiling fan needs, here are a few questions:
- What room will the fan be used in?
- What are the dimensions of your room?
- What is the height of the room's ceiling?
- Do you prefer traditional or contemporary styling?
- What blade and fan finishes will complement your decor?
- Does you ceiling fan need to provide lighting?
- What is the room's electrical wiring ?
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