Ceiling Fans: Everything You Need to Know

Are ENERGY STAR Ceiling Fans Better?

ENERGY STAR certified ceiling fans also incorporate improved blade design that ensures a 60 percent improvement in operational efficiency. The best products on the market also allow homeowners to switch the direction the blades turn. As we will see below, this feature is essential for improving the efficiency of your home's HVAC equipment.

Which Way Should Ceiling Fans Turn In The Winter?

During the colder winter months, the blades on your fan can be switched to rotate in a clockwise direction. This change helps to redistribute the warm air, which will naturally rise to the ceiling. By redistributing the warmer, conditioned air produced by your furnace, heat pump, space heater, or fireplace, you can reduce your heating bills while also avoiding those uncomfortable "cold pockets" that inevitably seem to form in some regions of the home.

To change the fan blades' direction for optimum performance in the summer or winter, you will need first to locate the direction switch. This switch is almost always located on the motor housing of newer models of ceiling fans. Once you change the switch, run the fan on the lowest setting to ensure that the blades move in the desired direction. Don't forget to change the direction again once the seasons change.

How Are Ceiling Fans Measured?

Two main measurements evaluate ceiling fans. First, the size of their blades (called blade sweep), and second, the amount of air a fan can move as measured by cubic feet per minute (CFM) per watt of energy used.

The blade sweep of a ceiling fan is the circle's total diameter that you see when a ceiling fan is in operation. The larger the blade sweep, the more area that a fan will circulate air effectively. For example, a 60-inch blade sweep on a large ceiling fan should be able to effectively circulate the air in a large, 350 square-foot living room. Comparatively, a smaller fan with a 29-inch blade sweep might be a good option for a smaller 75 square-foot office or bathroom.

The amount of air that a fan can move divided by the amount of energy it uses is the other primary measurement for ceiling fans. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the CFM rating, the more efficient the fan and the more air it moves. According to the ENERGY STAR program, the minimum efficiency rating for certified ceiling fans is 75 cfm/watt. However, some fans achieve significantly higher CFM/watt ratings.

How to Clean Ceiling Fans

When ceiling fans are not used daily, they quickly become an excellent spot for accumulating dust and other potential air contaminants. Rather than circulating air to improve your home's indoor air quality, a dirty ceiling fan might disperse allergens throughout your home. To quickly (and safely) clean your ceiling fan, an old pillowcase is a great tool.

Use the old pillowcase to eliminate excess dust accumulated on the fan's canopy, down rod, and motor housing. Getting rid of the dust on the motor will also improve the efficiency of operation. Next, slide the pillowcase over each fan blade, press gently, and then slide off to clean the individual blades. When finished, shake out the dust outside and send the pillowcase to the washing machine.

How Much Are Ceiling Fans?

A ceiling fan's cost is determined by its size, length of the blade sweep, lighting fixture type, and CFM/watt rating. While you can find ceiling fans for well under $100, these are generally less efficient and durable. Expect to pay somewhere around $250-$350 for a quality, high-efficiency ceiling fan.

How Much To Install Ceiling Fans?

Homeowners can install ceiling fans on their own. However, if you don't have the best DIY skills, you can expect to pay between $150 to $350 for both parts and labor. Labor itself might cost up to $80 per hour, so you might want to install several at once to save on labor costs.