True confessions, last night I was sleeping with wet rags! It was so hot, and all I could think of- was writing this blog about ceiling fans. To tell you the truth, I hate ceiling fans, and wasn’t going to put them into this remodel. Now I am, because ignorance is no longer bliss!
Energy Facts;
- 50% of your energy bills goes into heating and cooling
- You can save up to 20% of your energy bill by installing Ceiling Fans
15 Things to Consider When Buying Ceiling Fans
1.) Know what your needs are: Save money? Effective use of current heating and cooling? If you are on a bottom floor and don’t feel comfortable leaving your windows open, it is a great option. If you are using floor fans, the payback will be within the first year.
2.) Style/ Design: Do you need to match your decor? The more unique, the more expensive and not necessarily the best.
3.) Price: Again, get the best you can afford. Part of sustainability is having the product last for generations.
4.) Mounting: What will work in the placement of the ceiling fans.
5.) EnergyStar Label: Qualified EnergyStar labeled ceiling/light fixtures are 50% more efficient than conventional fan light units.
6.) Ceiling Height: Fans should be installed at least 7 Ft above the floor. It is highly recommended for best performance that a ceiling fan drops down 8-12 inches from the ceiling.
7.) Location: Middle of the room and 18 inches from the walls.
8.) Room Size
- Up to 75 Ft 29-36 inches
- 76-144 Ft 36-42 inches
- 144-225 FT 44 inches
- 225-400 Ft 50-54 inches
9.) Motor Grades: Motor determine noise, smoothness of running and less wobble.
- Performance Grade: Designed for a continuous use (24 hours) and quiet operation
- Medium Grade: Operating 12 hours a day or less.
- Moderate/Economy Grade: Works best with 8Ft. Ceilings
10.) Switch: Pull type or do you want to have a separate remote with a dimmer for the light?
- Winter: Your ceiling fan can help improve comfort, by reversing the motor (clockwise) and operating at a low speed will create an updraft to enhance heating.
- Summer: Running the blades counter-clockwise to cool more efficiently. Working with your thermostat can lower air conditioning costs up to 14%.
11.) How many Blades? Angle of Blades :
- Pitch is the angle of the fan’s blades. (measured in degrees). Higher blade pitches tend to move more air, although this is not the only determining factor. Motor design, speed and blade design, material and length can contribute to the amount of air movement.
- High quality blades are weighed and balanced.
- Curved Blades move more air than flat blades
12.) Maintenance and Cleaning: I hate to clean ceiling fans. Pull the ladder out, crane the neck all sorts of ways. I bought a beautiful 3 tiered glass, modern ceiling fan for a 12 foot high ceiling. It catches all the moths and dirt and is a royal pain to clean.
13.) Outlet Box: Need to use the appropriate UL listed metal box barked for Use with Ceiling Fans.:
14.) Rebates: This is a listing from Energy Star of Which Public Utilities offers rebates
- Gridley, CA: Rebate Application
- Glendale, CA
- Sacramento:
- Hawaii: Rebate
- Iowa
- California Flex Your Power
For more information, check with with your local utility company on rebates. The above listing is not complete, just a sampling of what may be available.
15.) Keeping, Renting or Selling: If keeping, get the best you can afford. If Renting find a basic style that will add value to the rent, if re-selling, it is a definite plus in all ‘Green’ Homes.
Additional Advice
- How to Install a Ceiling Fan:
- Energy Saving Calculator:
Resources: