Ceiling Fans Can be Functional and Fancy
Comfort is a big part of what makes a house a home and being able to moderate the temperature of any room in your house, goes a long way. Ceiling fans are a great option when you want to regulate the climate of your room, without the added expense of running an AC unit continuously.
Read about how much it costs to run an AC unit here.
During the warmer months, fans provide a steady breeze without the icy blast of a noisy air conditioner. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 6 degrees cooler, meaning you don’t have to set your thermostat as low, which reduces the cost of running your AC. In the winter months, ceiling fans push the warm air down and distribute it throughout your home, allowing you to rely less on your heating unit.
It’s easy to think of ceiling fans as purely functional; however, a ceiling fan can add to the aesthetic of your home while still operating as it is designed to do.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
Making the Most of the Energy-Efficiency of Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to reduce power usage in your home, and what you save on your utility bill quickly balances out the cost of fan purchase and installation. Ceiling fan blades are angled and curved to produce airflow depending on which way the unit is rotated. Changing the direction of blade rotation can have an effect on both your comfort and the cost of keeping your home at the right temperature.
You can determine which way your air flows by adjusting your fan’s rotation.
During the summer, your ceiling fan rotation should be counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft, pushing the cool air toward the bottom of the room creating a breeze. Alternatively, running your fan clockwise creates an updraft, which circulates and redistributes the warm air that has risen to the top of the room.
Plus, there are fans that are specifically designed to be energy efficient, like the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star appliances. According to the EPA’s website:
- Energy Star-rated ceiling fans are 60% more efficient than traditional fan models
- They boast upgraded motors and blade design for optimal use
- Help protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Meet the standards set by the EPA
A Fan Can Be Multi-Functional Too!
It’s safe to say that your ceiling fan isn’t the focal point of a room. But just because it serves a purpose doesn’t mean it can’t be aesthetically pleasing as well. Fans can be designed to fit your décor; blades can be made out of various materials and patterns, like rattan, wood, brushed nickel, bronze, etc.
Note! Ceiling fan blades are not interchangeable; they only fit on their designated model. If you want new blades, you’ll have to purchase a whole new unit.
If you have a regular old fan, and would like to add some lighting to it, you don’t have to replace the whole unit! Many ceiling fans come equipped with the option to add on a light kit easily.
While You’re At It…
Don’t’ like the look of a light kit? When you’re looking to replace or install ceiling fans (without lighting), think about adding recessed lighting to your room.
What are the Benefits of Recessed Lighting?
Recessed lighting is a great option if you want to make your room look bigger. How? The lighting is installed directly inside a ceiling, wall, or surface, and the electrical components are hidden from sight. Traditional light fixtures that hang down can throw off the look of your home and limit your décor to existing fixtures. Recessed lighting allows you have your ceiling back!
- Many homeowners prefer recessed lighting because it enables them to “wall wash.” Wall washing helps to illuminate a surface with even, unbroken brightness. This allows you to draw attention to the wall or surface, highlight an accent point, entrance, piece of art or statement piece.
- Recessed light bulbs are also long-lasting compared to ordinary bulbs, which hold up for around three to six months. It is a requirement that all recessed lights must be Insulation Contact (IC) rated, meaning the bulbs can last up to five years. If the lighting is controlled via a dimmer switch or timer, the bulbs can last up to 18 years!
- Recessed lighting is 85% more energy efficient and the IC rating makes it non-toxic should the bulb break. The IC is like a can in a can, where the bulb is surrounded with insulation that protects the wiring from catching fire. In case, the inner can surface does get hot, the outer surface will help keep the lighting cool.
Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans aren’t limited to indoors. They are also an ideal solution for making a deck or patio cooler, so you can spend more time outdoors. Outdoor fans are different than indoor fans, so it’s important to discuss options with your electrician!
Read this article on choosing which outdoor ceiling fan is right for you.
While it might be tempting to DIY installing a ceiling fan, it’s best to trust the experts to do it right, and do it safely! You don’t need any “malarky,” contact your local Mister Sparky today!