If you're looking to improve the air circulation in your home and reduce energy costs, ceiling fans are a great way to do it. Not only do they help move hot and cold air around your space efficiently, but they also provide an aesthetically pleasing addition to any room. However, there's a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to these devices. Let's take a closer look at some interesting facts about ceiling fans for you to consider.
1. Lower Speeds Are More Efficient
When it's hot outside, it can be tempting to run your fan at the highest speed in order to quickly cool down. Unfortunately, this is less efficient than running the fan at a lower speed – so while it might give you some short-term gratification, you're sacrificing efficiency and money in the process.
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature in a room. They make a space feel cooler by creating a windchill effect. This occurs by moving air across your skin to evaporate sweat faster. Therefore, instead of resorting to a high setting, consider sticking with low and medium settings; they will use less energy while still keeping you cool and comfortable.
2. Bigger Fans Are Better
Opting for a larger fan is a great way to save energy in the home. Smaller fans run at higher speeds to cool a room and use more electricity than their bigger counterparts. Compared to a small ceiling fan, large fans require far less energy and are therefore more efficient in terms of cooling. Additionally, the size of the fan blades can make all the difference when it comes to generating an effective breeze.
3. Longer Blades Improve Airflow
Ceiling fans with longer blades are an excellent choice for creating more comfortable airflow, especially in larger rooms, as their extended blades can increase the area of airflow twice as far as a fan with shorter blades. This way, your entire room can stay cool, without you feeling a harsh blast of air when sitting directly beneath the fan. A fan with longer blades could be just the thing you need to help keep your home environment pleasant all year round.
4. Turn Off When Not in Use
Taking the time to turn off your fan when you’re not using it can help lower energy use and keep your room from becoming too hot. This is because the electric motor of the fan converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, which eventually accumulates to generate heat. By reducing the amount of electricity used, you will be able to cool down your room while saving on electricity costs as well.
5. Ceiling Fans Can be Used in the Winter
Even as temperatures drop you can continue to use you ceiling fans. Most models have a switch to change the direction the blades spin. Keeping your ceiling fan spinning clockwise at a low speed can help redistribute the rising warm air in a room downward so you can enjoy it.
6. Check for Efficacy on Fans
To ensure consumers are making the most energy-efficient purchase, new ceiling fans sold in the US have a label specifying its efficacy. This rating measures how much airflow can be produced based on the amount of electrical power used.
A fan’s efficacy is expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air flow per one watt (W) of electrical energy used. The higher the CFM indicates a more energy-efficient fan. A good fan should have an efficacy score of over 100 CFM per W, while a less efficient model may be as low as 30 CFM per W.
Ceiling fans are a great addition to any home. They help circulate air, keeping the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If you have more questions about ceiling fans, need a replacement installation, or are in need of a system remodel, reach out to Lightning Bug Electric. Our team can help with installations, inspections, and answer any questions you may have.
Give us a call today at (404) 471-3847 or reach out to us through our online form!