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There are many benefits associated with ceiling fans, yet many homeowners overlook this cost- and energy-saving solution to home heating and cooling. Many homes suffer from uneven heat distribution in the colder months and exorbitant air conditioning use in the warmer months. Both issues can be mitigated by supplementation with an efficient, energy-saving ceiling fan that allows for the reversal of airflow direction according to season.
In the last few years, increased demand has dramatically affected both the technology and aesthetics of ceiling fans on the market. A far cry from the eye-sores of the seventies, today’s fans are modern and available in a wide variety of styles to match any room. Furthermore, their efficiency has improved dramatically; ENERGY STAR units are 50% more efficient than an older fan/light unit and are usually easy to install.
Product Types
How It Works
Energy-efficient fans utilize improved motors and blade designs to increase efficiency and energy savings. There are many components that determine fan performance, including the type of motor, the motor grade, the motor housing, as well as the pitch, sealant, and balance of the blades. Associated ENERGY STAR® certified lighting kits are also available, which save energy and eliminate the need for frequent bulb changes.
Controls for selecting the airflow direction are usually found on the fan’s switch housing, allowing for year-round use.
Low Cost Savings Tips:
- Make sure your fan is 8-9 feet above the floor. Many homeowners hang their fans too high off of the ground, resulting in reduced air flow.
- Remember that fans cool people, not air. Turn off your fan when no one is in the room!
- If your ceiling fan motor has ball bearings that rotate in an oil bath (as opposed to those with sealed and lubricated ball bearings), make sure to lubricate occasionally by adding oil.
- Make sure that your motor grade matches your usage patterns. Moderate/economy grade fans are intended to run no more than 8 hours a day in rooms with 8-ft ceilings, whereas medium grade fans are suitable for operation up to 12 hours per day. Performance grade fans are the best choice for those looking for a quiet fan that can be used continuously.
Do It Yourself
Choosing and installing the proper ceiling fan unit for a particular room is well within reach for a typical homeowner. Follow these basic guidelines to save energy and lower your bills through more efficient heating & cooling
- Determine the correct fan size. Follow these basic guidelines:
Room Dimensions Suggested Fan Size
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- Choose the proper mounting system. Ideally, the fan should be installed 8-9 feet above the floor for optimal airflow. If possible, the fan should be anchored to a ceiling joist.
- Match the fan type to the room’s environment. “Damp”- and “Wet”-rated fans are available for areas that are exposed to moisture and feature sealed motors, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all weather blades.
- Choose the proper UL-Rated Electrical Box. The electrical box houses all the wiring necessary to operate and connect the fan and should be labeled “For Use with Ceiling Fans”.
- Balance the fan. While blades should be balanced before shipment, transport often affects the connections and alignment of the blades, resulting in a “wobbly” fan. If “wobble” persists after blades are properly aligned, and manufacturer’s directions are followed, balancing kits are available.
- Select the proper airflow direction. In warmer months, the fan should run in the counter-clockwise direction to create a cool breeze. A clockwise direction will force warm air from the ceiling down into the room during the cooler months.
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- A ceiling fan can be used during both winter and summer months! Set the direction of your fan to counter-clockwise in warmer months to create a cool breeze and switch to clockwise in the cooler months to circulate warm air.
- If you already have an air conditioner, you can raise the temperature by 4°F without noticing a change in comfort if you use a ceiling fan simultaneously.
- A fan cools people, not air, so remember to turn it off when no one is in the room.
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Lighting & Fixtures 
