Are Ceiling Fans Out of Style? (Absolutely Not!)
Interior designers might not make a ceiling fan the focal point of a space, but aesthetically minded and function-first crowds know that these handy devices have a lot to offer. Ceiling fans can help lower heating and cooling costs and improve comfort in your Leesburg, Alexandria, or Winchester home. On their own or as a complement to your home’s heating and cooling systems, ceiling fans are a surprisingly cost-effective solution to maximizing energy efficiency year-round.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
Ceiling fans circulate air throughout a room to create a gentle breeze and move warm or cool air where it’s needed most. While they do not actively cool air like air conditioning units, they can noticeably increase the rate at which air circulates.
Other variables in ceiling fan performance include the shape and angle of its blades and the direction it spins. And, did you know that you can use your ceiling fan in the winter as well as the summer? Here’s how:
- Ceiling fans should spin clockwise in winter. Because warm air rises, a clockwise spinning fan will create an updraft, pushing warmer air down along the walls. After you set your ceiling fan direction for winter, set the speed to a low setting to avoid creating a breeze.
- The ceiling fan direction for summer is counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft that produces a cooling breeze throughout the room. The faster the fan spins, the more air it moves, and the more of a breeze you’ll feel.
Are Ceiling Fans Outdated?
Despite being invented in 1882, ceiling fans remain one of the most effective cooling methods available to homeowners—and also one of the simplest. Read on to see why ceiling fans continue to enjoy popularity among today’s homeowners.
Ceiling Fan Efficiency
Many people may wonder, “Are ceiling fans energy efficient?” The answer is yes! Although efficiency varies by model, most ENERGY STAR-rated ceiling fans are more energy efficient than central air conditioning units. They’re also more efficient than portable fans because they move substantially more air by volume.
Read more: Save Money With These Energy Efficiency Tips
Smart Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fan technology has advanced significantly since 1882. Modern ceiling fans feature improved motor and blade designs that enhance energy efficiency and air circulation. Many of these fans are compatible with smart home systems like Alexa or Nest, allowing them to work in conjunction with your HVAC system to maximize your energy savings and comfort.
How To Choose the Right Size Ceiling Fan
If you’re considering installing a new ceiling fan, begin by finding the perfect fit. Ceiling fan sizes are determined by their blade span, or the full diameter of the circle created by the blades while spinning. Choosing a ceiling fan that’s too small means inadequate airflow, while one that is too big results in an overwhelming breeze, and it tends to dominate the space.
ENERGY STAR recommends finding the right ceiling fan based on the square footage of the room where it will be installed. Here’s a quick guide:
- Rooms up to 100 square feet: 29- to 36-inch fan
- Rooms up to 400 square feet: 36- to 50-inch fan
- Rooms larger than 400 square feet: 50- to 71-inch fan
Are Ceiling Fans Worth It?
A measurable ceiling fan energy savings each year means they are absolutely worth it! In fact, a well-maintained ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by 4 or 5 degrees during the summer. While slightly less impactful during winter, they distribute heat more evenly to reduce how often and long your heating system runs.
Our Ceiling Fan Expertise Makes Installation a Breeze
At M.E. Flow, Inc., we understand that energy efficiency impacts your family budget. Our home services are designed to provide superior performance and worry-free use—from HVAC maintenance to ceiling fan installation, you can count on quality work by experienced, friendly technicians. We’re ready to help, so schedule your appointment today!
Call 571-350-3183 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Leesburg, Lorton, Alexandria, and the surrounding areas.