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Ceiling Fan Blades and Motors
A ceiling fan can be a great way to add new life to an old bedroom. And, if done properly, it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to do it. With a simple installation from a trained professional, your new fan can be up and running in a matter of hours lowering your energy bill and revitalizing your bedroom.
The quality of ceiling fans has increased dramatically in the past few years. But be careful—some stores still carry an inferior-quality product. All the information you need to make an informed decision can be found on the side of the ceiling fan’s box.
First, let us consider the fan blades. Sealed wood blades are important to prevent warpage although many manufactures now make their blades from plastic. Fan blades come in all shapes and sizes so take your time in selecting which style is best for your bedroom. Be sure to consider the pitch of the blades as well. Fans with a greater pitch will push more air and provide a greater cooling effect. But be aware that if the pitch is too steep, the noise created by the rushing air can become a distraction when you are trying to sleep. Look for angles between 11 and 16 degrees for the best union of airflow and sound.
Second, the ceiling fan motor is one of the most important aspects of the entire fan. Without a working motor, the fan is just an ornament hanging from the ceiling. So picking a fan with a quality motor is very important. Be sure to choose a motor with sealed, self-oiling bearings. By keeping the bearings sealed, dust and moisture cannot enter and cause friction which can lead to a failure of the motor. Motors with rubber flywheels are important in reducing noise and stabilizing the fan. Finally, choose a heavy-duty motor. These are much more likely to endure the stress of running continuously for many years and give you the flexibility to move a larger amount of air if needed.
A professional’
Airflow and Cooling
Have you ever opened a bill from the electric company after a month of running your air conditioner in the hot summer only to cringe at the exceedingly large amount due? If you are like most, you are constantly on the lookout for new ways to cut costs and keep a little more money in your pocket. Ceiling fans can be an excellent way to reduce not just your cooling bills during the hot summer, but they are also a great way to bring them down during the winter as well.
During the summer, ceiling fans can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler, thus reducing the need to have the air conditioner running continuously. The fan does not actually bring down the temperature of the room, but rather cools down any individuals who sit beneath the airflow.
During the winter, since heat rises, if your bedroom is located on an upper story a ceiling fan has the ability to push some of the heated air down to the ground level and keep your home heated at a more equal temperature throughout the entire house. Overall, ceiling fans have the capability of saving the average household 15% on their energy bill. With those energy savings, the cost of a new ceiling fan will more than pay for itself in less than a year.
When choosing the perfect fan for your room, consider the amount of airflow you would like. Do you want a strong airflow or something that will help move the air in room and keep it from getting stuffy? Keep in mind that the more air that the fan moves, the louder the fan will be. This noise can be prejudicial in a bedroom as it is normally a place to relax and get away from the noise of the rest of the house. When shopping for a ceiling fan, take a moment to look on the side of the box at the cubic feet [of air] per minute (CFM) numbers to get an idea of how much air that particular fan will end up moving. The higher the CFM number is, the more air the ceiling fan will move.
Quality
Quite possibly one of the most important items to consider when purchasing a new ceiling fan is the quality. It makes little sense to devote time, effort and money into a ceiling fan that will simply break down and become unusable in a short period of time. A quality ceiling fan does not have to cost any more than a poorly made fan. So, how do you know a high quality ceiling fan from a low quality fan? With a little investigation before you make your purchase, you can rest assured that you have made the right decision.
The quickest, and most reliable manner which to judge the quality of a ceiling fan is to ask the advice of a professional. Most professionals have years of experience working with all brands of ceiling fans and can recommend a quality fan which will suit your needs and last a lifetime.
When shopping, check to see if the manufacturer stands behind their product; several manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their fans; others only offer limited warranties on specific parts or last only for a short time.
As stated earlier, fans which have motors with self-oiling, sealed bearings will last longer since these will not suffer the same wear and friction as fans with lower quality bearings.
Be sure to choose a fan that fits your bedroom; the average ceiling fan should be installed about eight feet from the ground. If it is installed any higher, its effectiveness will be lessened; if it is installed lower, then it becomes a hazard. Most fans come with a six inch downrod for installation, but longer downrods and ceiling hugger mounts are also available.
Finally, be sure that your fan is properly balanced after installation. If not balanced properly, unnecessary stress can be placed on the motor, bearings and mount which could lead to a failure of the unit. To ensure that your new ceiling fan is properly balanced and will last, seek the advice of a professional. You can rest assured that they will be able to properly install a quality ceiling fan which will last for years and help you and your family stay cool without breaking the bank.
Written By: Alexander McIntosh
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