Ceiling Fans All Year Long? Yes.

9/1/2005

You know how effective ceiling fans can be during hot weather months. Working together with air conditioning systems or on their own, they circulate air efficiently to keep you cool. But did you know that once the temperatures start to drop, ceiling fans can still be invaluable tools for maintaining indoor comfort?

MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE

Today's ceiling fans are designed to do more than accent your home. They can help homeowners save money all year, maximizing warm air movement during the winter and reducing the need for air conditioning during the transition from warm to cooler weather.

Now, better ceiling-fan manufacturers have combined technology with the latest in design to create quality fans that offer quiet operation in addition to air movement, which can lead to improved energy savings.

During the winter months, reversible motor ceiling fans can aid in energy-efficient heating. A reversible fan, particularly in a room with high ceilings, pushes warm air to the living space rather than trapping it near the ceiling. Just flick the switch on your fan and enjoy the comfort of warm, well-heated rooms, without turning up the thermostat on your heating system.

FAN SELECTION

Looking for some ceiling-fan advice? Here are some tips:

* Consider the overall size of the room versus the size of the fan. Fifty-two-inch fans work effectively in rooms approximately 15 feet by 15 feet or 12 feet by 12 feet. Rooms that measure 20 feet and larger should have no smaller than a 52-inch fan; however, 56- and 60-inch fans are better suited for efficient air movement in a room of that size. In smaller rooms, such as laundry rooms or bedrooms, a 34- to 42-inch ceiling fan may be the best choice.

* Compare motor size, blade pitch and blade widths when shopping for ceiling fans. In general, better fan specifications will result in optimal air movement.

* Consider speed options and reversible motors. Many decorative ceiling fans come with or are adaptable for hand-held remote controls or wall-mounted remote controls -- a convenient option particularly in homes with high ceilings.

* Don't sacrifice function over style. For optimal air movement, look for blade designs of solid or tightly woven construction that allow air to be pushed, instead of filtered through the blade.

Your local lighting showroom or ceiling-fan distributor can assist you in finding a fan for your needs.