Every bit of breeze makes a difference in the heat of summer. A ceiling fan can not only increase your personal comfort but also reduce your monthly utility costs by supplementing (or even substituting for) your hardworking air conditioning unit.
To reap the full benefits of your room's soon-to-be new addition, you need to know how to pick and place a winner. Getting answers to these questions before you select a ceiling fan will help match you to a model that will meet all of your needs.
What size fan do I need?
The number and length of blades on a ceiling fan determine how much air the fan can move. For an average size bedroom of approximately 12 feet by 12 feet, a standard four-blade fan with a blade span of 42 inches is adequate.
For larger rooms, opt for a wider and longer blade, such as a 52-inch span, to provide better air flow.
Standard ceiling fans consist of four blades, but some models feature five or even six - more blades means greater air movement. If you want increased circulation without having to buy a larger (and likely pricier) fan, look for a fan with five or more blades that's still in your budget.
How low should the fan hang from the ceiling?
You want at least 7 feet of clearance from the floor to the fan blades.
Of course, ceilings vary in heights and styles, so the same ceiling fan that works in a vaulted room will hang too low in a room with an 8-foot-high ceiling.
Fortunately, fan manufacturers accommodate the wide range of room heights by creating two basic configurations: standard and ceiling-hugger models.
- The standard model features a 6- or 8-inch-long downrod that extends from the fan's ceiling bracket to the top of the motor housing - perfect for ceilings that are 8 feet high or so. Higher ceilings might require additional extension rods to lower the fan to a more useful height.
- For lower ceiling heights, a ceiling-hugger or flush-mount model holds the fan closer to the ceiling in order to provide adequate head clearance.
Check the box for the listed "installed distance," or the amount of space between the ceiling and the blades. This will help you determine the remaining clearance beneath the fan.
How much do I want to save on utility bills?
If lowering utility costs is a leading reason for installing a ceiling fan, select a model that bears an Energy Star label. These products feature motors that operate 60 percent more efficiently than conventional units, which could save you more than $15 a year on utility bills.
These models also include the functionality to switch blade directions when the seasons change (i.e., counterclockwise in summer for a comfortable breeze, and clockwise in the winter to force heat from along the ceiling downward into the living area).
Do I want an overhead light?
Just because the box for a ceiling fan depicts a product complete with lights doesn't mean that a light kit comes included.
Unless the packaging specifies that the unit is a combination fan-and-light, you'll probably have to purchase a light kit separately. Along the same lines, if the box shows only a fan, that particular model might not accept a light kit. Read the fine print before buying.
How do I install a ceiling fan?
A DIY installation may or may not be simple or possible, depending on where you live. In many communities, a handy homeowner can legally hang a ceiling fan in his or her own home.
However, some cities require an electrical permit or even that a licensed electrician do the work. Be sure to check with your local building authority before starting.
Got the go-ahead? You'll find a wiring diagram, wiring instructions, and fan assembly instructions in the box to guide you. Replacing a light fixture or older ceiling fan with a new model will use existing wiring.
If you're introducing a new ceiling fan where there wasn't one before, know that you'll need to cut through walls and/or ceilings to add the necessary wiring - an extra complication which may persuade you to hire a professional.
Large, heavy fans may require additional support blocking in the ceiling joists in order to hold their weight.
Will the fan rattle?
When installed correctly, it's rare for a modern ceiling fan to wobble. But that's not to say it never happens.
If your fan starts to shake as it spins, a balancing kit complete with clips and weights is a quick fix. Your model may have even included one for future use. Otherwise, you can pick one up wherever you bought the fan for about $5.
Related:
- 5 Home Projects You Can Finish During Your Staycation
- Tankless Water Heaters: When, Why, and How to Buy One
- Your Guide to Buying Brand-New Kitchen Applicances
from Zillow Porchlight http://www.zillow.com/blog/need-to-know-buying-ceiling-fan-203274/
via Reveeo
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