Things to Know Before Buying a Ceiling Fan

(1) Energy Savings

Ceiling Fans are great for improving room comfort while at the same time producing energy and cost savings. Homeowners are experiencing higher energy costs and it's only going to get worse. There has never been a better time than now to consider the purchase of a ceiling fan(s)and to enjoy both the aesthetic as well as energy saving benefits of owning a ceiling fan. In summer ceiling fans allow you to feel cool without having to turn the air conditioning full-on therefore saving energy and money. Setting your thermostat higher with a ceiling fan running can save up to 40% on air conditioning bills. Studies show this can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler. In winter ceiling fans should be reversed and used to push the warm air down from the ceiling to keep the heat in the lower part of the room. This is especially important in rooms with tall ceilings, resulting in energy and money savings from recirculating the warm air allowing one to set the thermostat lower.

(2) Larger Rooms Need Bigger Fans

For maximum performance, choose the right fan to fit your room size. In a room up to 50 square feet, like a bathroom, choose a 29" fan. Breakfast nooks and laundry rooms up to 75 Sq. ft. choose a 36" blade span. Medium size rooms up too 100 square feet can fit fans from 36" to 42". Standard bedrooms and family rooms up to 400 square feet work most efficiently with fans that are 50" or 52". Great rooms or large areas over 400 sq. ft. require a ceiling fan with a 54" or larger blade span. For long or large rooms, you should consider more than one fan to handle your cooling requirements. For maximum comfort, the fan should be placed as close to the center of the room as possible. Keep blade tips at least 18 inches from any wall. Ceilings Lower Than Eight Feet. Use the Ceiling Mounting Kit or go with a Snugger or Hugger model to achieve the desired seven-foot blade clearance. For ceilings above eight feet, the fan should be hung by a downrod extension so that the fan is eight or nine feet from the floor. You will want to hang it at this level since the higher the fan is hung above eight feet, the less air circulates near the floor.

(3) Bathroom and Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Look for a bathroom ceiling fan specifically designed and UL-listed for damp locations. Bathroom Ceiling Fans start at 29 inch blade spans since smaller rooms require less air movement and space is usually limited. Want one for the covered outdoor patio? Opt for an Outdoor Ceiling Fan that this is UL-listed for wet locations. Outdoor ceiling fans can also be used indoors. They have protective motor coverings to keep moisture from corroding the motor.

(4) Fan Blade Pitch and Size

Fan blades determine the amount of air being circulated throughout the room. Fan blade pitch is usually between a 12-15 degree angle for optimal circulation. Fan blades must be weighted and matched as a balanced set to avoid having your fan wobble. Ceiling fans with less than a 12 degree angle will not circulate air as well and be less efficient. The greater the angle or higher the pitch of the blade the more air circulation you will have in your room.

(5)The Motor

The motor is responsible for producing quiet operation while driving the blades for air movement. Look for high-quality motors with heavy-duty windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. Smaller, less powerful motors found on lower quality fans may produce higher operating temperatures, lower air circulation and noisier operation. Motors are designed to work flawlessly for long periods of time and should have a long lasting life.

(6)Choose a Lighting Style and Kit to Match Your Decor

Choose from classic to contemporary lights to compliment the look of your fan and your room. There are many light options such as single light bowls, spotlights, or multiple glass shades that can be added to a fitter to enhance the design.

(7) Consider the Warranty

When you choose to purchase a ceiling fan, look for a good warranty or the life of your fan. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty and in-home service. Good tip is that the larger or more powerful the motor and the more you spend usually correlates to the better and longer warranted fan. Again, we believe there is a true correlation in terms of you get what you pay for.

(8)Installation

Installation is so easy that with a few basic skills anyone can install the product themselves in an hour or so. Almost all ceiling fans come with step by step instructions so your new fan can be up and working efficiently in no time at all. You will need to determine if you will need electrical wiring brought to the ceiling of the room where you want to add the fan. Since most of the time homeowners are replacing existing lights with a ceiling fan, the wiring is usually already in place. Some fans come with a support system to assist you by freeing your hands to make wiring connections allowing you to hang a hook from the electrical box to the fan to support it while you install it.

(9)Know Where to Buy

As with any mechanical product, it is important to ensure that you entrust your purchase to a reputable reseller in the event of any warranty or damage claim. Equally important talk to a company who have knowledgeable customer service associates who can provide invaluable guidance. Far too often consumers end up with the wrong product because of incorrect or lack of good advice. AtLight Bulbs Etc, we pride ourselves in having some of the most knowledgeable associates in the Ceiling Fan Industry.