Just The Facts On Ceiling Fan Installation
ATX Electrical recommends ceiling fan installation, but not because of lowering a room's temperature on a hot day in Austin, Texas. It is an act of futility to run a ceiling fan in an empty room as the fan does not lower a room's temperature. Ceiling fans cause the rotating fan blades to circulate the room's stagnant air. The air circulation envelops the person's body and provides a cool feeling. In the autumn and winter months, fans with the ability to reverse direction will pull the heat that rises back down into the room so that the home heating system runs less.
The ‘Spin’ Of Ceiling Fan Selection
According to the American Lighting Association, room size is essential in determining ceiling fan size. When installing a ceiling fan, the fan's blades need to be 18 to 24 inches from the room's walls, a minimum of 7 feet from the floor, and 10 inches from the ceiling. Room space less than 144 square feet requires a fan size of 36 inches or smaller, a room 75 to 144 square feet requires a 36 to 42-inch fan, and a space 144 to 225 square feet will need a fan size of 44 to 52 inches. For rooms larger than 225 square feet, fan size should be 50 to 54 inches.
Fundamental Fan Facts
Indoor or Outdoor Fans: In any room subject to humid conditions, such as the bath, ask for fans rated as 'damp-listed.' When buying an outdoor fan for a covered patio or porch directly exposed to wet weather conditions, ask for fans rated 'wet-listed.' Outdoor fans are designed for high winds and all elements of weather and have a stronger motor to cool the covered patio or porch.
Ceiling Fan Mounting: Low ceilings should be a 'hugger' or 'flush' ceiling mount without a down rod. Standard ceiling height is 8 to 9 feet high and requires a down rod. A high ceiling, such as cathedral ceiling designs, will naturally need a longer down rod.
Motor And Blade Pitch: The blade pitch affects the fan's airflow. Blade pitch ranges between 10 and 25 degrees, with most blade pitches being 10 to 15 degrees. The more the pitch and size of the blade, the more powerful the fan motor should be to overcome air resistance and drive the fan blades.
Fan Lights: There are four types of bulbs used for ceiling fans: candelabra, mini-candelabra, intermediate, and medium. Candelabra and intermediate are most common. LED lights consume less power than traditional lights and can be changed less frequently.
Fan Styles: Ceiling fans include a modern classic 'industrial style' of brushed steel, often used in loft-style rooms; traditional fans are wood or bronze, with decorative and intricate details to complement the home. Tropical fan styles are composed of rattan or shaped like banana leaves. There is also the ever-popular classic white and the least costly.
Fan Controls: Ceiling fans can be turned on and off by the wall switch, remote control, or a pull chain. ATX Electrical recommends keeping ceiling fans on a separate switch from home lighting, as you will not be able to run the fan if the lights are off.
Smart Ceiling Fans: Smart ceiling fans are part of the IoT network technology coming to homes, as discussed in a previous blog, Smart Homes And Automation. Smart ceiling fans are very common and sport an affordable price tag.
Contact the experienced professionals of ATX Electrical regarding ceiling fan choices and installation.