If you’re anything like most people, you don’t spend much time thinking about ceiling fans. That’s not a bad thing. But, considering how useful they are, they’re a necessary addition to any home in a climate where your home could warm to uncomfortable levels. While we deem them a bit surplus in the UK, the mean annual temperate in 2022 was the highest since records began at 10.03 (it was only 7.94 in 2010) thanks to some of the highest temperatures recorded over the summer, including a scorching 40.3°C in Lincolnshire.
It’s suggested that having your house temperate over 21°C is when it starts becoming uncomfortable, with over 24°C increasing the cardiovascular risk of strokes and heart attacks.
And while many struggle to sleep in warm bedrooms, on the continent, and in countries like the USA and Australia it’s less of an issue because of the benefits of having ceiling fans or air conditioning. So is it time we followed suit in the UK and looked at installing something designed for the job rather than hacks to keep your house cool?
And it’s not just for those summer nights, a ceiling fan can also help in a cold winter by spreading the warm air around and can actually lower your heating bills by 10%. Much like an AC unit which has a heat option, simply putting the ceiling fan into reverse and on a low speed to evenly distribute the warm air that has risen up.
Installing a ceiling fan in your home isn’t as straightforward though. And you might have some questions about them. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here’s how to cool down your home with the right ceiling fan.
Why You Need A Ceiling Fan
Every home, whether it’s old or new, should have a ceiling fan. It’s just a good idea. Ceiling fans are a fantastic way to save energy, reduce heating (and cooling) bills, and circulate air in a room. Ceiling fans distribute air and heat evenly throughout a room, making them necessary during muggy summers or cool winters.
Their versatility means you can use the fan all year round. Fans are also decorative in nature too. The right ceiling fan, one that matches your home furnishings and design sensibilities—can do a lot to tie a room together. Plus, it’ll last a long time, making it a meaningful addition to your home’s interior.
Popular Types of Ceiling Fans
If there’s one thing that can be said about ceiling fans, it’s that there’s more variety than most other types of furnishings. You probably already know some of the most popular types of ceiling fans, like modern and rustic. But there are many more. Traditional fan styles are more common, with their wooded and rustic look.
Modern designs feature sleek, unique finishes incorporating metal and glass materials. Tropical, farmhouse, and nautical fans offer a blend of modern and rustic styles, while industrial fans are ultra-sleek and modern. Windmill fans have a larger number of blades. These are only a few of the most popular fan styles, and there’s sure to be one that works best for your home.
Energy Efficient Designs
Getting a ceiling fan isn’t just about cooling your home or generating a breeze in any room. It’s all about energy efficiency. Getting an energy-efficient fan is a fantastic way to help reduce your energy bills and do your part to protect the environment. To ensure your fan is energy efficient, make sure it has Energy Star certification.
This means that it’s a high-efficiency device that uses minimal electricity while operating. These fans help reduce energy bills and just work better. The best part about a fan is that it can also be used to help move warm air around during the winter time as well as create a breeze during the summer.
A good fan can switch motor functions easily and perform well, despite which direction it’s spinning. Remember that a fan doesn’t actually produce cool air. It just creates a breeze that can help keep things cool. With that in mind, you can choose an energy-efficient design with ease.
How To Choose A Fan
There are a few essential steps involved with choosing a ceiling fan. These include room size, ceiling height, special features, and number of fan blades. Room size is one of the most vital considerations for selecting your fan. Understanding the area of your room can help you decide if you need a small ceiling fan or a larger one for the space.
Ceiling height is also crucial because it determines whether you need a low-profile ceiling fan that hugs the ceiling or one that will require a downrod. The number of fan blades is another factor because it affects the fan’s look (blade number doesn’t really have much to do with performance). Finally, Knowing how much CFM (cubic feet per minute) you need to circulate air in the room is also pretty critical when purchasing a new ceiling fan.
Installing A Ceiling Fan
Once you’ve chosen your fan and are ready to take it home, you’ll need to find somebody to install it. You can do it yourself if you don’t feel like going the contractor / professional route. It’s pretty easy. You begin by removing any existing light fixtures. Then, you’ll address the electrical connections for the fan. This might involve removing an old box and attaching a new one.
Finally, it’s just a matter of assembling the ceiling fan parts, wiring it together, and enjoying your new ceiling fan. Once again, if you aren’t sure about what you’re doing, it’s better to go the professional route and hire someone to install the ceiling fan.
