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 both love what these handy devices offer. That’s because ceiling fans can help lower heating and cooling costs and improve comfort in your Kansas City 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. It’s important to note that ceiling fans do not actively cool air like air conditioning units, but they do increase the rate at which air circulates.
The size of the ceiling fan and the shape of its blades contribute to how a fan functions—and so does the direction in which it spins. You can change the direction of how your ceiling fan spin and use it year-round.
- 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 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.
Why Do Ceiling Fans Still Make Sense?
Despite being over one hundred years old, the ceiling fan is still one of the most efficient and straightforward cooling methods available to homeowners. When used consistently, ceiling fans may result in cost savings by reducing reliance on the HVAC system, allowing for less frequent and shorter periods of operation.
Ceiling Fan Efficiency
Are you wondering, “Are ceiling fans energy efficient?” ENERGY STAR says “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.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fan technology has advanced significantly since their 1882 invention. 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. This combination helps maximize both your energy savings and comfort.
How To Size a Ceiling Fan
Be sure that you find the perfect fit before taking the first steps to install a new ceiling fan. Ceiling fan sizes are determined by their blade span, or the full diameter of the circle created by the blades while spinning. Too small, and you’ll have inadequate airflow; too big, and you’ll encounter an overwhelming breeze and a fan that can dominate the space.
ENERGY STAR recommends finding the right ceiling fan based on the square footage of the room where it will be installed:
- 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
Read more: Save Money With These Home Energy Efficiency Tips
Are Ceiling Fans Worth It?
Absolutely. Ceiling fans are worth it! With a well-maintained ceiling fan, you can raise your thermostat by 4 or 5 degrees during the summer. Annually, this can contribute to measurable ceiling fan energy savings. While slightly less impactful during winter, these fans distribute heat more evenly to reduce how often and how long your heating system runs.
Our Ceiling Fan Expertise Makes Installation a Breeze
At C.M. Mose & Son, we know that energy efficiency has a real-world impact on 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 816-339-5190 or contact us online to schedule HVAC, electrical, or plumbing services in Pleasant Valley and the surrounding areas.