Are Ceiling Fans Out of Style? Absolutely Not!
Interior designers may not consider a ceiling fan to be the focal point of a room, but both style-conscious individuals and those focused on functionality appreciate the benefits these devices provide. Ceiling fans help reduce heating and cooling costs while enhancing comfort in your Lexington home. Ceiling fans are a surprisingly cost-effective solution for maximizing energy efficiency throughout the year, whether you use them independently or alongside your heating and cooling systems.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
Ceiling fans work by increasing the rate at which air circulates throughout a room. They create a gentle breeze and move warm or cool air where it’s needed most. However, ceiling fans do not actively cool air like air conditioning units.
The size of the ceiling fan and the shape of its blades dictate how a fan functions in your space. In addition, the direction in which it spins matters:
- Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in winter. Because warm air rises, a clockwise spinning fan will create an updraft, pushing warmer air down along the walls. After you set your ceiling fan direction for winter, set the speed to a low setting to avoid creating a breeze.
- The ceiling fan direction for summer is counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft that produces a cooling breeze throughout the room. The faster the fan spins, the more air it moves, and the more of a breeze you’ll feel.
Are Ceiling Fans Outdated?
Despite being over one hundred years old, the ceiling fan remains one of the most efficient and straightforward cooling methods available to homeowners worldwide. In fact, the use of a ceiling fan may result in annual cost savings by reducing reliance on the HVAC system, allowing for less frequent and shorter periods of operation.
Ceiling Fan Efficiency
Some people may wonder, “are ceiling fans energy efficient?” The answer is yes! Although efficiency varies by model, most ENERGY STAR-rated ceiling fans are more energy efficient than central air conditioning units. They’re also more efficient than portable fans because they move substantially more air by volume.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fan technology didn’t stop when they were invented in 1882. Modern ceiling fans have improved motor and blade designs to reduce energy use and move air more efficiently, and many pair with smart home systems like Alexa or Nest. This allows your HVAC and ceiling fan to work together to maximize your energy savings and comfort.
How To Choose the Size of a Ceiling Fan
If you’re thinking of wiring in a new ceiling fan, make sure you find the perfect fit first. Ceiling fan sizes are determined by their blade span, or the full diameter of the circle created by the blades while spinning. ENERGY STAR recommends finding the right ceiling fan based on the square footage of the room where it will be installed:
- Rooms up to 100 square feet: 29- to 36-inch fan
- Rooms up to 400 square feet: 36- to 50-inch fan
- Rooms larger than 400 square feet: 50- to 71-inch fan
Are Ceiling Fans Worth It?
Absolutely! A well-maintained ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by 4 or 5 degrees during the summer, contributing to measurable ceiling fan energy savings each year. You can keep those savings going in the winter by changing the direction of the spin. Then, they can help distribute heat more evenly to reduce how often and how long your heating system runs.
Read more: Five Energy Efficiency Tips To Save Money
Our Ceiling Fan Expertise Makes Installation a Breeze
At Pro Plumbing, we understand the substantial impact that energy efficiency can have on a household’s financial expenditures in Lexington. Our comprehensive home services are engineered to optimize system performance while ensuring reliable, hassle-free operation. Whether it's HVAC system maintenance or installing ceiling fans, you can trust our skilled technicians to deliver high-quality workmanship backed by extensive expertise.
Call 336-892-8105 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, indoor air quality, or plumbing services in Trinity, Salisbury, and the surrounding areas.