In my continuing discussion of ways to “go green”, an important addition to your home can be ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are similar in function to any other electric fans their main use is to generate air movement to improve the ventilation of a room. They are simply electric fans that are hanging from the ceiling. Most folks prefer to install ceiling fans rather than put traditional electric fans in the room because of the significant amount of space that is saved, as well as being a permanent fixture that is both decorative and out of the way. Most newer homes have these installed as a standard feature but the proper use of ceiling fans is what increases their value to you in comfort and savings on your heating and air conditioning costs and are a valuable retrofit in the older home. This is easily done by simply replacing a ceiling light fixture with a ceiling fan with a light kit attached. The fan and lights are then controlled by the existing light switch on the wall and fan and light controls on the fan itself. If you want the convenience of wall control, switches are available that fit in the existing box and are split to control the light and fan separately and are easily installed. The primary benefits ceiling fans give is the benefit of increased air circulation. Ceiling fans are proven to make people in a room feel four degrees cooler in the summer and provide an alternative for the air conditioner, when the heat is not too bad, and they are less costly in electricity. Most ceiling fans use only about as much power as a 100 watt light bulb. When used properly, ceiling fans can save you money in utility bills in both the winter and summer months.
Benefits in Winter Months. Each room has layers of air with varying degrees of temperature, the warmest lightest air near the ceiling. In the winter months, run your fan at a low speed in a clockwise direction which pushes the warm air up against the ceiling and then down the walls, recirculating warm air through the room without causing a chilling breeze. This technique has been proven to lower home or office heating costs by as much as 10% by offsetting the work load of your heating system.
Benefits in Summer Months. In the summer months, your ceiling fan offers the greatest energy saving benefits when run in a counter-clockwise direction. While a ceiling fan does not necessarily lower the temperature, it does make the room feel cooler by providing a circulatory breeze. If the outside temperature is not too high, you might be able to achieve a comfortable environment by turning off you’re A/C altogether, and opening a few windows allowing the ceiling fan pull air through the windows and create the breeze effect which can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler, and reduce air conditioning bills by up to 40%.
Energy Star Ceiling Fans. As we have discussed in other blogs the best value from a “green” basis and maximum energy saving benefits, you should purchase an Energy Star appliances and ceiling fans are no exception. Make sure you look for the energy star branding. These fans circulate an average of 15% more air than other ceiling fans, without sacrificing style or attractiveness. Energy Star ceiling fans are 60% more efficient than the non branded variety.
Installation of Ceiling Fans for Optimal Efficiency. In order to reap the optimal energy saving benefits from your fans it's important to install several throughout your home placed in key locations in all of the most frequently used rooms. For optimal performance, the blades of your ceiling fan should be between 7-9 feet above the floor, and 10-12 inches below the ceiling. This adjustment is facilitated by style of the fan (ceiling hugger or hanging) and differing lengths of down rods. If the blades of your fan are too close to the ceiling, you will not be able to make use of the winter time benefits, and may be 40% less efficient even in the summer time. Finally, the blades should be at least 18 inches from the nearest wall.
In summation ceiling fans can do a lot of good for your home at a kow cost. It may not be as effective at lowering room temperature as an air conditioner, but it does help make a room a lot cooler in the summer and can assist in keeping your home warmer by recirculating warm air in the room during the winter.
National Builder Supply carries a full line of beautiful reasonably priced fans and light kits from PROGRESS LIGHTING as well as a full line of over 1700 light fixtures for your every need.
Check their website at http://nationalbuildersupply.com
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