Ceiling Fan Primer

The primary function of ceiling fans is to move air so you feel more comfortable (cooler in summer and warmer in winter). All fans move air. How much air is circulated, how efficiently, how quietly, how much will it wobble, and how long the fan lasts are questions wise consumers should ask before selecting a ceiling fan. Higher quality is measured in more than just dollars and cents. At first glance all fans may appear to look alike, they're not! Here are some things to look for and compare before purchasing a ceiling fan:

Why inexpensive fans are noisy fans

Inexpensive fans generally lack proper noise-reducing components such as isolation rings and rubber cushions between metal parts. These special noise silencers help stop the transference of noise through the fan to the ceiling where it is magnified. Inexpensive fans usually do not have these components because they add extra costs to manufacturing. Noise is generated because the fan in general is poorly engineered and manufactured using short-cuts.

Why fans can break down prematurely

For a fan to operate efficiently and effectively, the motor size must be engineered to match the blade pitch and blade length. Inexpensive fans may have inadequately sized motors, which can cause over-heating and motor burn-out. In many instances, lower quality fans may not have enough blade pitch to effectively move air. The greater the blade pitch, the more movement of air... but remember, the greater the pitch, the greater the need for a larger motor!

Why Ceiling Fans?

Aesthetic appearance of quality workmanship, the silent rhythm of motion, and the economic benefits in heating make the ceiling fan one of the world's most useful appliances. It may seem odd to call a ceiling fan an appliance. It doesn't make coffee, sew a dress, or cook. But by definition an appliance is an instrument, apparatus, or device developed for a particular use. The fan fits. The ceiling fan enhances our environment and adds comfort. It meets a need. Many items found in the home can match a ceiling fan's combination of outward beauty, functional effectiveness, and dependability. A quality ceiling fan increases the beauty of any home or apartment. It can also lower heating and cooling bills which makes a ceiling fan an investment that pays for itself. Ceiling fans make air behave, and a properly directed and main air flow can have either a cooling or warming effect. Everyone experienced the cooling effects of a light breeze. As air moves across, it evaporates body moisture, making one feel cooler and more comfortable. With a ceiling fan generating cooling breezes in your home, you can set your air conditioning thermostat at a higher, more economical level. You save money without sacrificing comfort. Ceiling fans are more than a cooling device. It can also more effectively distribute heat throughout your home. Warm air rises, cool air can become trapped near floor level. This accumulation of air layers can be a problem during colder months, in rooms with high or domed ceilings. A ceiling fan breaks up the cool and warm layers, making the overall room temperature uniform. By simply flipping a switch to reverse the fan's normal, warm air is moved across the ceiling and down the walls. This distributes room heat without creating a cooling draft. The result is that warm air is where you need it - at the level you live in, not on the ceiling. So, in winter you can lower your furnace thermostat by several degrees, again saving energy dollars. Ceiling fans can also guarantee proper airflow in solar and other alternative fuel heating environments. The noiseless operation and variable running speeds make ceiling fans an unobtrusive, efficient and beautiful appliance.