Ceiling fans are a low-cost way to ease your reliance on your air conditioner and stay comfortable during warm weather. A ceiling fan doesn’t cool the air. It just moves it, facilitating evaporation and making you feel cooler. For that reason, using a ceiling fan can allow you to raise your thermostat by as much a four degrees without sacrificing any comfort. Are you about to purchase a ceiling fan or two, or would you like to learn a bit more about putting your ceiling fans to best use? Check out these tips and tricks:
- Location: For best results, install a fan about 7 to 9 feet off the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. The fan should also be about 18 inches from the walls.
- Size: The larger the fan, the more air it will circulate. A fan that’s 36 to 44 inches in diameter can cool a room that’s 225 square feet or smaller, while a fan that’s 52 inches or more in diameter is best for a larger room. A small fan can cool a space that’s 4 to 6 feet in diameter, and a larger version can cool a space that’s up to 10 feet in diameter. If the space is longer than 18 feet, you’ll need more than one fan. Note that larger blades can cool a room at a lower velocity than smaller blades.
- Controls: Ceiling fans are usually mounted where a light fixture was located. Many come with wall and remote controls.
- Quality: Ceiling fans can vary in quality and performance. Check for sold construction and quality materials. Most home-improvement stores have ceiling fans on display. Check the floor model before making your purchase.
For more expert advice on ceiling fans and other ways to save energy this summer, contact CR Wolfe Heating & Air Conditioning. We have served Middletown-area homeowners since 1945.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Middletown, New York about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ceiling fans and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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