Why Ceiling Fans Are Always In Style
Ceiling fans may not be the main focus of a space, but they offer great benefits for both style and function. They can help reduce your heating and cooling costs while improving comfort in your Raleigh home. Whether used alone or alongside your heating and cooling systems, ceiling fans are a smart and cost-effective way to save energy throughout the year.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
Ceiling fans operate by circulating air in a room, creating a gentle breeze and directing warm or cool air where it is needed most. It’s important to understand that ceiling fans do not cool the air like air conditioning units; instead, they simply enhance air circulation.
In addition to the size of the ceiling fan and the shape of its blades, the direction in which it spins also matters. Use the seasons as your guide for which direction your fan should spin.
- In the winter: 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.
- In the summer: 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.
Ceiling Fans Offer Efficiency and Smart Capabilities
Despite being over one hundred years old, the ceiling fan remains one of the most efficient and straightforward cooling methods available to homeowners across the globe. Over time, the use of a ceiling fan may result in cost savings by reducing reliance on the HVAC system, allowing for less frequent operation.
Ceiling Fan Efficiency
Are ceiling fans energy efficient? Turn to ENERGY STAR for the answer: most ENERGY STAR-rated ceiling fans are more energy efficient than central air conditioning units, although efficiency varies by model. They’re also more efficient than portable fans because they move substantially more air by volume.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fan technology didn’t stop when the fans were invented in 1882. Modern ceiling fans have improved motor and blade designs to reduce energy use and move air more efficiently, and many pair with smart home systems like Alexa or Nest. This allows your HVAC and ceiling fan to complement each other and maximize your energy savings and comfort.
Choose the Right Size Ceiling Fan the First Time
If you’re considering installing a new ceiling fan, ensure you find the perfect fit by measuring your room. 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 is too big results in an overwhelming breeze, and it can dominate a space. Too small a fan means inadequate airflow.
ENERGY STAR recommends finding the right ceiling fan based on the square footage of the room where it will be installed. After determining your room size, use the square footage to find the right fan:
- Up to 100 square feet: 29- to 36-inch fan
- Up to 400 square feet: 36- to 50-inch fan
- Larger than 400 square feet: 50- to 71-inch fan
Read more: Energy Efficiency Tips To Save Money
Are Ceiling Fans Worth It?
Absolutely, ceiling fans are worth it! A well-maintained ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by 4 or 5 degrees during the summer. This can contribute to measurable ceiling fan energy savings each year. While slightly less impactful during winter, they distribute heat more evenly to reduce how often and how long your heating system runs.
Our Ceiling Fan Expertise Makes Installation a Breeze
At Yellow Dot Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the substantial impact that energy efficiency can have on your financial expenditures. With our comprehensive home services, we’ll optimize your system performance while ensuring reliable, hassle-free operation. Whether it's HVAC system maintenance or installing ceiling fans, you can trust our skilled technicians to deliver quality workmanship that’s backed by extensive expertise.
Call 919-925-4235 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding areas.