Almost everybody knows that using a ceiling fan in your home can help lower energy consumption and, consequently, your electricity bill while lowering the room’s temperature as it circulates natural air. However, not everyone knows that a ceiling fan can also be used during the winter season. Yes, the same appliance that is used to cool a room can also be used to give it some warmth during the colder months of the year.
When we close up our homes and heat them during winter, there is limited air circulation and this results to warm air rising to the ceiling so cool air is left to the lower part of the room, leaving us exposed to the cold temperature, so we resort to turning up the thermostat to keep ourselves warm. However, this could be quite an expensive way to manage a room’s temperature.
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Imagine a room with a ceiling 16 feet high and a thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The heater would only shut off if the uppermost 3 feet is at 90 degrees or higher. This would translate to a great amount of energy consumption. A flush mount ceiling fan helps circulate warm air that would otherwise be confined at ceiling height.
How Does a Ceiling Fan Provide Heat to a Room?
New models of ceiling fans now come with a ‘winter mode’, which sets the fan blades on reverse (clockwise) rotation. This prevents the cooling draft by drawing cold air from the middle part of the room up towards the ceiling fan, pushing it outward along the ceiling level where the warm air has settled, mixing the cold air with the warm air and then pushing back the mixed air down the walls.
Reversing the switch set for an upward flow of air and running your ceiling fan on low speed forces the accumulated heat at the ceiling level down along the walls where it would rise again. The result is a mild air circulation that provides your room with a more evenly heated airflow, so the time needed for the heater to work becomes shorter.
Turning on a Ceiling Fan’s ‘Winter Mode’
Usually, there is a switch that reverses the direction of the fan blades on the hub or motor that houses the fan. Other models inset the switch, so it does not become a distraction from the ceiling fan’s design or style. When turning on your ceiling fan during winter, it is best to run it on low speed, unless you have a large space, since the goal is to gently mix the air without creating a draft.
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How Much Energy Can You Save?
As your ceiling fan draws the warm air downward from the ceiling level, you are able to lower the thermostat’s temperature for the same comfort level. This can result to an estimated savings in your heating costs to about 24%. This may vary, of course, depending on your climate, the size of your house, your heating method, and other factors. But the bottom line is, using an energy efficient ceiling fan to circulate warm air that is already present at the room’s ceiling level does lead to a great amount of energy savings.
How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan
When choosing a ceiling fan, consider the size of the room. A 36-inch ceiling fan can cover a room less than 144 square feet. A 48-inch fan extends up to 225 square feet, and a 52-inch model up to 600 square feet. It is best to position your ceiling fan above the area where your activities usually take place, such as above the dining table, the couch, or over the bed. For larger rooms, you may also want to install 2 or more ceiling fans as needed.
The length, speed, and pitch of the blades are important factors as well. These determine the amount of air that the ceiling fan can move. Choose a pitch of 12 to 18 degrees. Remember, the greater the pitch the more air is moved. Fan control may either be wall-mounted or wireless remote controls. The remote controls are better, since you can adjust the fan speed or dim the light without getting off your bed or your seat.
Style and quality. Select a design and finish that will blend seamlessly with the rest of your room’s décor. Never settle for quality and choose a ceiling fan that will function effectively and safely, save on energy, and last long. Cheaper models often have shallow pitches so they wobble and are noisy but move very little air. They also tend to overheat.
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With the many air conditioning options we have today, it is always best to pick your best options. Installing a ceiling fan at home is apparently a wise decision, as it can prove to be your ally in saving energy and money in the long run.
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Author Bio Box:
Michelle Rubio is a freelance writer whose interest in interior decor has led her to Capitol Lighting. As lighting fixtures are one of the most important factors in setting the ambiance for any space within the home, Michelle has found that Capitol Lighting is a great resource for a diverse array of lighting fixtures that can certainly add elegance and warmth in your home.
Shared by Don Zilleri
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Don ZilleriDon Zilleri is an author and researcher. He is specialized in business marketing, development and is a small business owner. He learns as he writes by researching and interviewing experts and professionals in many categories and topics. Join him in Facebook and become part of his pro network in LinkedIn All Don Zilleri's article's authored exclusively for BidsByPros.com All rights reserved. If sharing, credit Bids By Pros in article source.