Think You Know Everything About Outdoor Ceiling Fans?

During the latter part of the 20th century, technology was developed that allowed the development of ceiling fans that could be used in places that are exposed to the elements. These waterproof appliances began to appear on outside porches, walkways, gazeboes, and in a variety of other locations that were not a consideration a few years earlier.

Manufactured from weather resistant metals such as stainless steel and aluminum fan blades rather than wood or other porous material, outdoor ceiling fans now are available in just about as many sizes, shapes and styles as their traditional indoor counterparts. The motor casings of the outdoor fan are designed to be completely waterproof which is accomplished by the use of sealants, compression fittings and o-rings.

A few words of caution. Not all outdoor rated ceiling fans are manufactured to withstand every type of outdoor condition. Outdoor ceiling fans are broken down into two types: 1) UL listed and approved for installation in wet locations and, 2) UL listed and approved for installation in damp locations.

Wet rated fans are designed and approved for use in areas that are directly exposed to rain (an usually snow) and are typically seen in uncovered patios, gazebos and other locations that are unprotected from the elements. The motors of these sturdy units are also constructed to resist water and other weather-related conditions. The true test of the wet rated outdoor ceiling fan is that it will operate with total reliability under the most inclement weather conditions including a driving rain, steady drizzle, sleet, snow, below freezing temperatures, and very hot summery weather.

Some people use these exceptionally well constructed fans indoors because of their durability, reliability and long-life.

Ceiling fans that are damp rated have some restrictions. First and foremost, they are not designed for direct contact with the weather (rain, snow, sleet, etc.). They are typically used in a covered outdoor porch or for an indoor swimming pool.

So, when you are shopping for a ceiling fan that will be used in an outdoor location, be absolutely certain that you select the one with the correct UL rating. If the rating is not clearly marked (as it should be) ask the salesperson or contact the Internet vendor and find out exactly what rating the fan has. Don't settle for vague double talk or answers that aren't a direct response to your question. This usually indicates that the salesperson either doesn't know or wants you to buy the particular fan that you have your eye on.

Expect to pay a little more for an outdoor rated ceiling fan because of the materials, technology and testing involved in manufacturing them.

Like all other types of ceiling fans, outdoor rated ceiling fans can be purchased at stores specializing in lighting fixtures, home improvement centers and on line on the Internet.

A few words about the installation of outdoor ceiling fans are in order. These fans must resist the humidity, sun, wind, and extremes of heat and cold. The wiring that connects the fan to the electrical source must be just as weather resistant. My basic recommendation is to spend the extra cash and hire a licensed, bonded, reliable electrician to do this job.

If you insist on doing it yourself, the first thing to locate is the proper fan mounting structure. This device attaches to the overhead structure that will support the ceiling fan and must be waterproof. A typical mounting assembly, used indoors, has wire holes that will allow rainwater to drop directly onto the fan motor assembly. Although these motors are housed in such a way as to be waterproof, you are just testing fate when you use a common fan mounting and most likely will be violating a city, state or local ordinance. Unfortunately, these shielding devices can be difficult to assemble as well as expensive.

If the location of the outdoor fan doesn't already have an electrical source, you will need to run the proper electrical line from the house current to the location. You must become familiar with the ordinances that regulate this type of electrical installation. They vary, depending on your location.

If the line must be buried, get ready for some heavy-duty work.

Many outdoor rated ceiling fans don't include detailed information about the overall wiring required because of the variances in ordinances regulating outdoor wiring.

So, I repeat: If you want the luxury of an outdoor ceiling fan, spend the money on an electrician to run the electrical connection to the fan's location.

LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for outdoor ceiling fans. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount outdoor ceiling fans visit us at LightnBreezy.com.

Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans - The Home Brand Of The Home Depot Stores

If you shop at Home Depot, then you are already familiar with the Hampton Bay ceiling fans, and if you don't, you're in for a treat! These ceiling fans are an excellent, cost effective solution for the person who's looking for a stylish accent to their room as well as an effective air movement system, and with a little bit of information under you're belt, you'll know exactly why so many people are committed to this particular brand name.

History

Essentially, Harbor Bay is the in-store brand name of products made exclusively for Home Depot. You'll find that Hampton Bay ceiling fans themselves come from a rather distinguished pedigree. These fans are made b a wide variety of well known fan design groups including King of fans and the Minka group. The exclusivity of these fans ensures that demand is relatively high and that the supply keeps up, and you'll find many people who are devoted the Hampton Bay ceiling fan.

Features

First, you'll find that Hampton Bay fans come in a wide variety of different designs and styles. With the ability to blend in with any room, they add a subtle but definite hint towards the room's style. This type of ceiling fan also offers the Quick Connect installation system, where the installation of the fan, something that could take hours, was scaled down to a few minutes with just a bare few screws being inserted. This was also the company that pioneered the Gossamer wings, a blade design that is meant to maximize the amount of air found. Moreover, many if not all of the Hampton Bay ceiling fans are rated with an Energy Star, stating that they have more efficient, less costly settings.

Check out the Hampton Bay Northpoint III, which comes with a lovely brass finish, linen gas lights and a lifetime warranty. Starting at less than 70$, you'll find this particular model hard to pass up. Think about the effect that you are trying to reach and make sure that your Harbor Bay purchase meets it.

Warranty

One of the most reassuring things about the Hampton Bay ceiling fan is that there is a lfietime warranty. You'll find that repair or replacement is simple, and if you prefer to do the job yourself, you can e confident that there are plenty of replacement parts waiting in the winds. There are some troubleshooting online guides, but many feel that with as good as the warranty for these devices are, they would get a better return out of sending the machine to the manufacturers.

When you are in a place to liven up a specific bedroom, or maybe your air conditioner just refuses to work in the room, a Harbor Bay fan might be one of the best options open to you. Whether you are looking for something fun and loose or something dark with straight lines, you'll be sure to find the fan that you are looking at Home Depot. Remember that the best fan isn't necessarily the biggest or most expensive one, but instead the one that fits your needs.

To Find More Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Copyright 2007 Ceiling-fan-wizard, all rights reserved.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Hampton Bay Ceiling Fans ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Why You Must Choose Wet Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Presently, there are several homes that have their own porches and patios where people stay especially during a hot, sunny day. Most of the time, people who want to relax in their porches or patios, although there is a beautiful view right in front of them, fail to enjoy what they are seeing due to the intense heat that the sun is giving. If only some cold air could pass through them to make them feel refreshed! Luckily, there are now wet rated outdoor ceiling fans out on the market. There are now a wide variety of wet rated ceiling fans available on the market which can suit your needs and preferences. These fans can serve many purposes. Not only do they provide cool air for its users but they also make the perfect decoration to a porch or a patio. Through the installation of these fans, you will certainly feel the immediate transformation of your porch. You might never want to leave that part of your home again.

Oftentimes, people don't use ceiling fans outdoors for they are afraid that they can be destroyed due to excessive exposure to air and water, water sprinklers and toys of children such as balls and many more. However, this should no longer be a problem for wet rated fans because they are not easily damaged by any of those elements and materials. These fans are perfect for outdoor rooms such as patios, gazebos and porches since they are very durable and are made of high quality materials which allow them to withstand any temperature.

Furthermore, wet ceiling fans are now available in various designs that can suit your taste. There are models that have tropical themes, traditional themes and many more. There are also fans that are very affordable which can suit any type of budget. Aside from that, these fans have all the wonderful features that you are looking for in a ceiling fan. These features include; larger blades, bigger motors and ease of operation. Many choose to buy these types of fans for it saves them a lot of money. These fans also bring convenience like no other fan can. If you are one of those people who are looking for the perfect fan for your porch or patio, might as well get yourself an outdoor ceiling fan that is wet rated and enjoy its benefits.

When we built the porch addition to our house we made sure to do some research on outdoor fans to make sure we got the right type for the weather that we have here. We didn't want to spend the money and have the rain destroy it. We ended up buying a wet rated outdoor ceiling fan to keep us good and cool in our new porch.

New Energy Star Ceiling Fan is Over 300% More Efficient!

Having been in the ceiling fan business for over 20 years, it is rare that a new ceiling fan gets me excited. But while researching the efficiency ratings of the latest introductions this year, one model clearly stood out among all others. The Midway Eco from Emerson Electric, which is an impressive new Energy Star Ceiling Fan that is Over 300% More Efficient than other fans. This represents a major breakthrough in ceiling fan performance and technology, setting a new standard for energy efficient ceiling fans.

Emerson developed an entirely new motor for the Midway Eco Ceiling Fans called the "EcoMotor TM". The EcoMotor TM uses up to 75% less energy compared to other ceiling fans. The blades have an airfoil shape for better aerodynamics and move up to 40% more air than typical fan blades. The built-in light uses four 13 watt fluorescent lamps to provide maximum illumination at a very low wattage.

With these new innovations, the Emerson Midway Eco far surpassed the Energy Star testing requirements established by the EPA. As a matter of fact, the test results prove it to be over 3 times (or 300%) more energy efficient than any other Energy Star ceiling fans with lights. This means that the Midway Eco will move substantially more air while using a fraction of the electricity making it the ultimate choice for energy conscious consumers who wish to reduce their carbon footprint.

Although Emerson does not claim that the Midway Eco is 300% more efficient than other fans, I made this observation myself after reviewing the test results published by the EPA, for ALL Energy Star Ceiling Fans with lights.

In order for any ceiling fan to be Energy Star qualified, it must meet EPA standards for quality and durability. But most important, it must undergo a standardized testing procedure adopted by the EPA to calculate the efficiency of the fan. During the test, sensors measure the CFMs (Cubic Feet per Minute) of airflow the fan produces while recording the amount of electricity it consumes.

The efficiency rating is calculated by dividing the CFMs produced by the Watts consumed (CFM/WATTS). This information is labeled on the fan packaging of every Energy Star ceiling fan giving consumers a standardized way of comparing the performance between different models. For such a comparison is critical for those who are energy conscious. As you will see in the data below, there are substantial differences in the efficiency ratings of many Energy Star ceiling fans.

The data that I used to perform my analysis is published by the EPA and can be found at www.energystar.gov. If you wish to confirm my observations, download the spreadsheet under Ceiling Fans with Light Kits named "ceiling_fan_with_lightkit_prod_list.xls".

Here are my findings based that data:

There are 126 Energy Star ceiling fans in total, which represents all of the various finishes available for each model. I removed the finish variations to get to the actual base models since each finish is just a duplicate of the actual fan. This brought the total down to 33 Energy Star qualified ceiling fans with lights available in the USA from all brands combined.

The table below represents my findings sorted by the most efficient to the least efficient. The Emerson Midway Eco is at the top with an efficiency rating of 620.20 CFM/Watt on Low Speed, 476.6 CFM/Watt on Medium and 289.0 CFM/Watt on High.

Ceiling Fan Efficiency data for ALL Energy Star ceiling fans with lights as of 6/15/2009

*Represents the Emerson Midway Eco

Rank LOW MED HIGH

1 620.20 476.60 289.00* (The Midway Eco)

2 192.00 149.10 114.5

3 177.00 144.00 113.00

4 161.07 136.70 106.3

5 211.74 131.74 93.66

6 211.74 131.74 93.66

7 211.74 131.74 93.66

8 211.74 131.74 93.66

9 211.74 131.74 93.66

10 211.74 131.74 93.66

11 163.34 116.29 92.94

12 176.23 123.52 92.46

13 157.16 118.66 92.25

14 164.62 120.26 90.98

15 179.36 128.82 90.97

16 166.06 123.36 90.69

17 161.75 117.53 89.43

18 161.75 117.53 89.43

19 158.38 119.85 89.04

20 163.86 115.18 85.19

21 159.32 114.94 85.00

22 159.32 114.94 85.00

23 169.49 117.75 84.94

24 157.68 122.74 82.93

25 174.46 126.12 81.49

26 155.00 107.00 77.00

27 160.82 116.00 76.06

28 177.00 121.00 76.00

29 155.00 103.00 76.00

30 156.00 111.00 76.00

31 156.00 111.00 76.00

32 165.00 116.00 75.00

33 156.00 112.00 75.00

Author: Greg Tillotson
Chief Editor for hansenwholesale.com

Authorization to distribute: This article may be duplicated or otherwise distributed providing there are no changes to the text, resources and links herein.

Resources:

Hansen Wholesale Energy Star Ceiling Fans.

Product details for the Midway Eco Ceiling Fan.

U.S. EPA Requirements for Ceiling Fans.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans - The Amount Of Outdoor Ceiling Fans Are Virtually Endless

Outdoor ceiling fans are not made the same way as indoor ceiling fans, because being outdoors means that they have to be able to handle moisture. All outdoor fans have to be tested before they are sold to the public to ensure that they can handle the weather and being outside.

These types of fans are normally installed in places that are likely to be exposed to the different elements throughout certain times of the year, also in places that aren't open to complete cooling and heating from a house. They were made to be strong and handle sudden changes in temperature and some of them can even handle days of rain.

The biggest difference there is between outdoor ceiling fans and normal indoor ones is the fact that outdoor fans are generally made from plastic or resin as they have to be able to deal with weather conditions, while indoor fans can be made from soft wood and other materials that can easily be damaged.

The Tommy Bahama Breezes fan model TB344AP is a model that features dark mahogany blades and a three speed pull chain. The blades come separately with the fan so you can design however you want to. The motor on this fan is the most powerful one ever made.

Minka Aire Gyro model F402-ORB is also one of the outdoor ceiling fans; this one is bronze in color and comes complete with a transmitter and function wall control. With twin turbofans, this fan produces rapid cool air circulation. Both the cages of the fan can be rotated to ninety degrees for your convenience.

The Fanimation Old Havana model FA-FPH210AC has an antique copper fan motor. These fans are not only function, but they are also very stylish. With five airflow ratings, a 0.75 amp motor, and a non reversible airflow this fan will provide you with all the cool air you need.

Another one of the popular outdoor ceiling fans is the Emerson Maui Bay Model CF 2000WB. The great thing about this fan is that there is not only one type of blades that can be used, from tropical leaf blades to tear-proof sailcloth and hand woven wicker. This fan also has three speeds and reversible airflow.

Concord Boardwalk Model 52BW5AP is available in aged pecan and it comes in three speeds that are accessed via a pull chain. This fan may look good but it is also cost effective as it will save energy and it costs less to maintain. It comes with an adaptor so that it can be installed in low areas.

Outdoor ceiling fans would not be complete without the Minka Aire Concept Wet model F577ORB. This fan is a very popular one because the motor has been modified to make it more powerful and it also keeps away bugs.

The Monte Carlo Grand Isle Model 5GIR54RB is also an outdoor fan. This one comes complete with a transmitter, three different speeds, different dimming options and reverse airflow.

The amount of outdoor ceiling fans are virtually endless, every design and style is just about covered. There is an outdoor ceiling fan to suit every home!

Copyright 2007 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Outdoor Ceiling Fans ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Casablanca Ceiling Fans - Casablanca Combines Utility And Elegance In One

Casablanca ceiling fans have built their reputation on distinction in the industry. They pride themselves on offering the highest of quality into every model they make.

Years ago, fans were considered more of an added decor to a room, providing accent and atmosphere. Today, more homes than ever before use ceiling fans to add comfort and efficiency in the home environment.

With over 30 different models with the Casablanca signature on them, the name has become synonymous with quality and performance.

Casablanca is known throughout the fan industry not only for their wide selection of models, but also for the for superior quality and energy efficiency that customers have come to expect from them.

Casablanca ceiling fans will reduce air conditioning bills up to 40% during those hot summer days. In the winter, their ceiling fans provide additional air circulation, reducing heating costs at around 10% savings.

It is not just the attention paid to flawless design and craftsmanship that makes this company's fans unique. Their attention to high performance rating is unparalleled.

Casablanca's ceiling fans are categorized in nine different collections, offering 3 to 10 different models in each category. This helps in selecting the best style and design to suite the customers home.

Another unique feature Casablanca offers it's customers is the ability to customize their model lines with accessories and parts. This helps to further create styles that match the home decor and customer needs.

At the heart of every ceiling fan is the motor. Casablanca offers two unique styles; Casablanca Direct Drive Motor and Casablanca XLP-2000 Motor. Both of these fan motors are made with the finest materials. Casablanca's motors are noted as the quietest and coolest running within the industry. Both are designed for exceptional performance.

The blades Casablanca produces for every one of it's models are unsurpassed in the industry. Not built simply for beauty, these fan blades are constructed for superior performance as well. Real furniture wood with six layers of cross patterned lamination means Casablanca's fan blades are built for an enduring, lifetime of performance.

Another advantage this unique company offers to the consumer is an industry first. The world's first computerized fans. Their remote operating systems provide total control. From their "Advan-Touch model to the sophisticated "Inteli-Touch, Casablanca's technological advances in the industry are unmatched.

Installing a Casablanca fan is as easy as replacing a light fixture! It is a one person project with their patented Hang-Tru hanging system. The fan is supported from the ceiling, leaving your hands free to make all of the wiring connections and adjustments quick and easy.

Everything you need for setting up production is included with all models of Casablanca ceiling fans. From light bulbs to batteries; even a screwdriver is included for you. Everything has been thought of by the company for the customer's convenience.

Casablanca ceiling fans not only provide customers with an exceptional quality product, they also have a warranty that is the strongest in the industry. Casablanca's reputation for quality and customer support includes it's Limited Lifetime Warranty on all of it's motors. This warranty is combined with the convenience of their in-home service plan, available to all Casablanca customers.

From it's original designs to it's die-cast zinc components, Casablanca ceiling fans have become a leader in the industry that customers have relied on for exceptional products and service for years.

Copyright 2007 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Casablanca Ceiling Fans ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Outdoor Ceiling Fans

If you are planning on installing a ceiling fan in an outdoor location, it is important to purchase a fan that is designed specifically for that purpose. If you install an indoor fan in an outdoor area it is likely to short out (which can be hazardous) or simply break down prematurely. Outdoor ceiling fans are designed differently than indoor ceiling fans because they need to be able to the forces of mother nature.

Here are some of the ways that outdoor ceiling fans differ from those made for indoors:

The decorative motor casing is either sealed or designed to prevent water or moisture from coming in contact with the actual motor inside.
The wiring is a higher grade with additional shielding.
Screws and other components are typically made of stainless steel.
The finish on the motor casing and hardware is usually a weather resistant powder coat, stainless steel, or has some additional protective coating that can handle exposure to the elements.
The blades are likely made of ABS plastic rather than plywood. ABS is a very strong durable material that resists warping and discoloration from moisture or UV exposure.
Light fixtures are sealed on top and designed for outdoors
The mounting hardware is either water tight or designed to prevent water from entering from above.

There are 2 types of outdoor ceiling fans, those rated for DAMP locations and those rated for WET locations. There is a notable difference between the two and it is important that you choose the right type for your application. In either case, make sure the fan you purchase is UL Listed for the application you need so that you know it can be safely installed without creating a potential electrical hazard.

Here are the differences between the two types of outdoor fans:

Damp rated outdoor fans are designed to handle moisture but not direct contact with rain or running water. Therefore, a damp rated outdoor ceiling fan can be installed in a covered area such as a patio or screened in porch or other areas that are protected from rain or dripping water.

Wet rated outdoor fans are designed to handle direct exposure to rain. They can be installed in virtually any indoor or outdoor location, covered or uncovered. So you can install a wet rated outdoor ceiling fan in an open gazebo, lattice covered lanai or other similar shade structure as well as under a covered porch or patio. Because wet rated outdoor fans are pretty much water tight, you can actually clean them by hosing them off...which is a great reason to buy a wet rated fan even if all you need is a damp rated model.

Commonly asked questions about outdoor fans:

Can an outdoor ceiling fan be installed indoors?

Yes, you can install an outdoor fan in your living room or any other room in your home where you want a fan. Many people will do this simply because they like the look of a particular outdoor fan. Also, outdoor fans are highly recommended for laundry rooms and bathrooms or any other room inside your home that that tends to have excessive moisture. In more humid climates, outdoor fans are a great choice for every room in the home.

I live in a very windy area and have had problems with blades breaking off...are there any outdoor fans that are made to handle high winds?

High winds can in fact sheer the blades off a ceiling fan, particularly cheaper models that use lightweight materials. Usually it is the metal blade holders that attach the blades to the fan that break rather than the blades themselves. So if you are in an area prone to high winds, outdoor fans that do not have blade holders are your best choice. If the fan is to be installed in an area that is 9 feet high or less, a hugger style outdoor fan is even better. A perfect example of such a fan is the Minka Aire Concept II Wet, which is one of the very few outdoor fans that meet this criteria.

Are there any outdoor fans that are designed to be taken down easily or that have blades that are easy to take off when a storm is coming?

This is a very common question. Unfortunately the answer is no. There are no ceiling fans designed with a "Quick Disconnect" mechanism or with blades that snap on and off. However, I suppose that if any fan manufacturer came up with such a fan it would be a big seller.

Running wires and installing a junction box can be difficult in many outdoor applications. Are there any outdoor ceiling fans that are battery operated?

Although DC powered ceiling fans are now in fact available, they are not yet powerful enough to handle the needs of outdoor applications, nor are they being designed to work from batteries. Currently, most DC powered ceiling fans use an AC/DC converter, so they still require electrical wiring. However, I would look for this to change in the near future...most likely in the next year or two.

Can a remote control be added to an outdoor ceiling fan?

Most add-on remotes or wall controls are not rated for use outdoors, so unless the control is specifically designed for the fan you are considering and is rated for the correct application (Damp or Wet), then you should not use it. If a remote control or wall control is important to you, look for outdoor fans that have such a control included with the fan.

Can any light fixture be added to an outdoor ceiling fan?

No. Just as ceiling fans are rated for Damp or Wet locations, so are the light fixtures that are used with them. Make sure you purchase a light fixture that is made by the manufacturer of the fan and that has the same rating. If you want an outdoor fan with a light fixture, your best bet is to purchase one comes with one, this way you can be certain they are compatible.

Author: Greg Tillotson
Webmaster & Editor for hansenwholesale.com since 1994

Hansen Wholesale created one of the very first ceiling fan resources online and Greg Tillotson is the original webmaster for the site.

Resource: Hansen Wholesale Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Authorization to distribute: This article may be duplicated or otherwise distributed providing there are no changes to the text, resources and links herein.

Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan - Choosing UL Ratings

Ceiling fans that are intended for outdoor installations come in two distinct UL rating categories, wet or damp. When purchasing an indoor outdoor ceiling fan for your home, always check the UL or Underwriters Laboratories rating. UL is a testing facility that has been testing electrical and insulation materials since 1894. A UL rating is recognized all over the world but it is a requirement for all electrical fixtures sold in the United States regardless of where a product is manufactured. The damp and wet UL ratings for electrical fixtures that are sold in the U.S. are easy to understand because they cover most outdoor conditions that occur in this continent.

A "damp" rating means the fan was designed for climates with high humidity but not for direct exposure to rain and snow. A ceiling fan with a damp rating can be installed in a covered patio or porch but only if there is no chance that wind-driven rain can reach it. Damp rated fans are also recommended for bathrooms because of its non-corrosive case and well protected wiring. Damp fans can safely be installed high up in greenhouses, barns, and even indoor swimming pool areas as long as there is no chance of water reaching the fan housing.

A "wet" rated fan can be exposed to wet conditions of wind, snow, and rain. The wiring and electrical components of a wet rated fan are safely housed in a waterproof case that is typically treated with materials that will not corrode in wet conditions. Even the fan blades are built strong enough to withstand extremely wet conditions without warping. A wet rated fixture is a little more expensive to purchase but the peace of mind is well worth the investment. If your home is fairly new then the indoor outdoor ceiling fans are likely going to be wet rated fans because most building codes require that outdoor fans have a wet rating.

When purchasing a used indoor outdoor ceiling fan for you home, always check the rating first because an item that is unrated may not have been tested for safety in outdoor conditions. I would not invest any money in a fixture that is unrated by the UL testing facility because the UL is an OSHA-recognized facility that has been doing this for a long time and is well trusted as such.

Check out these recommended resources for your next DIY home improvement project whether you are shopping for outdoor ceiling fans or have questions on how to install your outdoor ceiling fan.

Copyright 2009 Roy Yazzie. All Rights Reserved.

Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

Indoor Ceiling Fans and Outdoor Ceiling Fan Ratings

Indoor ceiling fans should be installed indoors only because installing them outside will cause electrical hazards when they are exposed to natural elements in the environment like rain or water. Their warranty will not be carried also if they are used inappropriately. You can refer to the following ratings if you want to determine their usability.

EPA Energy Star Rating

An Energy Star Logo on any equipment ensures the user of an energy cost saving and environmental friendly instrument. This is granted by the U.S, Department of Energy to electrical appliances or other gadgets that have passed their rigid testing. In the case of fans, they require that the lighting should be different from the fan speed control.

Underwriters Laboratories or UL Rating

This rating will determine if the outdoor ceiling fan is for "wet" or "damp" places. UL, under the umbrella of OSHA, will also test if the electrical materials or appliances are efficient and safe for consumers' use. UL has now rated billion of products worldwide.

A "damp" rating by UL indicates that the electrical material can be used in damp places. It does not mean however, that you can expose them to rain or snow. You can place these fans in greenhouses, patios, indoor swimming pools and other outdoors places but with rooftops. They can also be used in bathrooms instead of indoor fans. They should be enclosed in electrical boxes though with non-corrosive covers, that the National Electrical Code would approve.

A "wet" rating by the UL means that the fan is weather resistant and can withstand rain, wind and snow. This is because the fan has a sealed motor and wiring that is encased in a non-corrosive material. The fan blades are made of sturdy material that can withstand extreme heat or cold. This fan can also be EPA and OSHA approved.

NFPA Rating

The National Fire Protection Association developed all the electrical safety codes and fire safety in all electrical appliances. It was also the first one to establish the first National Electrical Code. Up to this day, volunteers are increasing worldwide and the association has gained worldwide acceptance and recognition.

Indoor ceiling fans are different from outdoor fans with their casings and make, but they both are rated by the same organizations who ensures that all electrical equipment undergo quality control testing and meet the high-standard requirement for the different rating companies.

Still interested to learn more about the fantastic indoor ceiling fans? Visit EveryCeilingFans now for all the quality tips, guides and reviews you need on other great fans like the Fanimation ceiling fan.

How To Install Ceiling Fan - Follow These Step-By-Step Instructions

You finally picked out the best ceiling fan in just the color and style you want. The question now is how to install a ceiling fan? Installing a ceiling fan is quite easy and anyone with common know how of a few things can easily do it with just a few tools.

Tools

Before you begin check to make sure you have the necessary tools to get the job done. You will of course need the ceiling fan and any parts that came in the box with it. You will also need a ladder, screwdriver, wire tester, pliers, wire cutters, a mask and goggles. By having all the tools ready you will save yourself time and frustration from having to start and stop the project while you locate yet another tool you need.

Existing wiring?

Before you begin you should read all the instructions that can in your ceiling fan box. Since ceiling fans are usually used to replace or update an existing light fixture all the wiring should already be done for you. If you are installing a new fan in a non-wired location and do not have a clue about wiring please for your own safety consult a professional. One thing you must do before you do any wiring or installation is to make sure the power is off and no one will turn it back on until you are finished.

Measure twice cut once!

After the electricity is off and your sure no one will turn it back on you need to first remove the existing light fixture. Many times this is simply done by unscrewing a few screws and disconnecting the wires. Next you will need to measure and possibly cut the correct size hole. Remember the rule of thumb: Measure twice cut once. This will save you from making the mistake of cutting the hole to big to fit the fan you have purchased.

Install New electrical box

Next you will need to install the new electrical box that came in the box with your new ceiling. You will then need to glue on the ceiling medallion if your ceiling fan has one, if not skip to the next step. After the medallion is in place attach the ceiling plate. Take special care to make sure the screws are tight. Loose screws are one of the common issues a fan will make noise when it is on.

Ceiling fan Components

Then you will need to assemble the ceiling fan components. By following the ceiling fan instructions this should be a simple job. Then you will take the components up the ladder to connect the wires from the ceiling to the ceiling fan. Securely mount your ceiling fan to the ceiling again taking special care to make sure the screws are in securely to reduce any noise the fan might make when it is working.

Final step

The final step when installing your ceiling fan is the attach the blades and the light fixture. You will also need to pay special attention to securing the blades to the base of the fan. This will not only help with the performance of the ceiling fan but also reduce any noise you will have from the fan when using it. Once you have completed all of these steps you can turn your electricity back on and start enjoying the breeze from your brand new fan.

To Find More How to Install a Ceiling Fan ratings and reviews for your home visit www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Copyright 2008 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More How to Install a Ceiling Fan ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Energy Star Ceiling Fans - Saving Money, Quiet Motors And Top Efficiency!

There are many reasons to install ceiling fans in your home, not the least of which is the money you will save on your home's heating and cooling bills. Energy efficient fans are one of the best things you can put in your home. They keep your home cool and use far less energy than an air conditioner.

About Energy Star

Energy Star is a program that was started by the US government that was designed to promote consumer products that are energy efficient. It has an easily recognized logo.

History

This program was started in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency with help by John S Hoffman. It was designed to be a means of reducing the consumption of energy and the emissions of green house gases by the power plants. It start out as a voluntary program that was used to label products that were considered to be energy efficient and has been extended to office equipment, home electronics, lighting and major appliances. It is even applied to some homes and commercial buildings.

Purpose of Energy efficient brand

The Energy Star program has been used to promote the saving of energy and the reduction of green house gases. There are many incentives to using Energy efficient products, not the least of which is the money you will save on utility bills. The environmental benefits are nothing to sneeze at either.

Kits

One of the best ways to make sure that you have Energy efficient fans in your home is to buy the Energy Star rated lighting kit and install it on your fans. This can save you money in that you can retrofit your already installed fans instead of having to go out and shop for new fans. The energy star kit has been proven to cut the amount of energy used by your ceiling fan in half.

Choosing

Choosing the right fans for your home is very important and you should always make sure that the fans you buy are energy efficient ceiling fans. These fans are better for the environment and better for your pocket book. The fan is just as effective as a non-Energy efficient fan, but you have the added bonus of helping the environment and saving money.

Ceiling fans in general can help save money on the heating and cooling costs of your home. Energy Star fans, however, not only keep your home's temperature regulated, they also save you money and cut down on the amount of energy your home uses by quite a bit. When you are shopping for your fan, in addition to looking at cost and style, you should make sure that you are looking for the Energy Star logo. If you have fans already installed in your home, you can buy Energy efficient kits to turn them into energy star ceiling fans.

Copyright 2008 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved.

To Find More Energy Star Ceiling Fans, ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Energy Star Ceiling Fans, ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Ceiling Fans Leading the Future

The Current Market

Ceiling fans have been gaining in popularity for the past 20 years. What started as a cost effective alternative to air conditioning to cool your living room bedroom or kitchen has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. Ceiling fans are now offered in many styles and price ranges from the very basic to high end designer styles. They can cost from less than one hundred to several thousand dollars and are being made to suit any taste or preference.

The ceiling fan manufacturing industry has evolved to provide very high quality fans at reasonable costs and has built the consumer market for these products. This led to explosive growth in the sales of fans through the home improvement retailers like Home Depot, Lowes and others. The days of showroom sales for the mid to high level fans may be in for a change due the marketing efforts of these industry giants.

Marketing data suggests that approximately 70% of all ceiling fans are being installed by the homeowner within 2 years of occupying their home. They are replacing the existing lighting fixtures with higher grade fixtures and ceiling fans in the bedroom and kitchen area. The living room is also a popular choice for fixture replacement with ceiling fan and lighting kit combinations being installed in greater numbers.

The consumer is faced with so many choices in the market today that it can be a bewildering experience for today's consumer. The average purchaser is going down to their favorite home improvement store to choose their new fan or lighting fixture or even making their choice on the internet. They come to a lighting specialty store or showroom only after being overwhelmed by the choices in the home improvement stores aisles which provide little if any service or assistance.

The choice of fans today is greater than at any time in past 5 to 10 years. Many of the major brands are also selling products in the home improvement market. Companies like Hunter are distributing several models in Home Depot this trend is expected to increase as they gain market share.

Changing Technology

Numerous manufacturers have been paying attention to this trend in the consumer market and are providing fans that meet the needs of today's consumer. The ease of assembly and use of pre-assembled components speed the installation of their products.

Westinghouse Lighting Corporation has a line of fans that captures all of these needs and they claim can be installed in 15 minutes on average. The weak link in all of these improvements is the ceiling box itself. This is the component that the fan is attached to and must bear the static and dynamic loads of the fans operation. It also houses the electrical wiring for the fan. This utilitarian component has been under going improvement for the past 10 years or more to make its' installation quicker, cheaper and easier than the traditional metal box of yesterday.

The electrical contractor of today is using products that increase his productivity and maximize the potential profit of his labor. They have a large choice of nail-on products that already have the fasteners attached to the ceiling box and all they have to do is hold it in place and nail or screw it into a joist or truss for it to be secured. Many of these boxes are thermoplastics which are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. They also have the added advantage of not needing to be electrically grounded so this saves the additional labor that metal boxes require.

This fact is not lost on the ceiling box manufacturers that are producing ceiling, outlet and junction boxes that are quick to install and are made of plastics that require less and less labor to install properly. This has gotten to the point that there is now a lighting box that only needs to be pushed onto a wooden stud for it to be secured; no fasteners are needed at all!

The ceiling fan manufacturers however may not be keeping pace with the trend in ceiling box installation practices. They advise the consumer of their products to reinforce or replace the existing fixture with a fan-rated ceiling box which is prudent, though are the consumers heeding their installation directives?

The installation instructions for many of the fans available today show a metal type box that has screws going thru the box and into blocking above the box. This is not what is installed in most of the newer construction homes which use the labor saving nail-on products. As a general rule builders and contractors do not provide blocking above the ceiling box with a nail-on product as the added material & labor is not cost effective.

The average nail-on plastic ceiling box is rated for only supporting a 35 pound static load. They are also not fan-rated. This requires that the ceiling box be replaced with a fan-rated box before the installation of a ceiling fan. Fan-rated boxes are capable of holding 70 pound loads and are rated for this application. This is easier said than done! The nail-on products do not lend themselves to be reinforced easily since labor savings have also been applied to the construction of homes themselves. In many circumstance the average home does not have an attic, only a narrow crawl space between the trusses is provided. This combined with blow-in insulation makes the location of the ceiling box difficult if not impossible when a fan is to be hung on an upper floor.

For installation of a ceiling fan between floors leaves little choice for this task since it cannot be accessed easily from above or below the ceiling since the upper floor is directly above the ceiling box. Cutting a hole in the floor or knocking out the ceiling is not prudent just to place blocking above a ceiling box. Medallions are available but the added expense, labor and time can be prohibitive, especially if the medallion is painted to match the ceiling. The brace type of products that are sold today are an alternative though they work better in theory than in practice as the old ceiling box needs to be removed before they can be installed. Home Depot has a web page devoted to this process which they claim can take ½ a day to complete.

A Better Way

Following the trends used in the construction methods of today's homes has led to the development of a new and simple method to reinforce an existing ceiling box to that of a fan-rated box that is consumer friendly. Access is gained through the ceiling box itself with a small bracket being utilized in what is in most cases is wasted space within the ceiling box itself. Two fasteners are driven through the ceiling box and into the joist or truss with the bracket being firmly held in position. This bracket has been shown by independent testing by a leading product testing laboratory to allow the ceiling box to sustain very large dynamic loads.

This testing revealed that ordinary thermoplastic ceiling boxes that are reinforced in this manner are capable of sustaining loads that are factors above the requirements of NEC (314.27D & 422.18). These NEC building codes apply to the installation of ceiling fans and fan-rated ceiling boxes. Another added feature is that this product installs in only 2 minute's or less with common hand tools and allows the installation of a ceiling fan to be accomplished in less than an hour from start to finish. If the Westinghouse fans were to be used with this product it could be done in 17 minutes or less! The product can also be also used with metal boxes after 2 holes have been drilled in the ceiling box.

Failure modes during product testing revealed that the test plate was being pulled off of the ceiling box. The ceiling box is left intact and firmly secured to the simulated test truss. A grounding lug and screw is provided on the bracket to facilitate grounding of the pierced ceiling box to alleviate any concerns regarding an energized component outside of the ceiling box. This product is manufactured in the United States by EE Products Inc. as FAN-EZE under the following U.S. Patents, 6,881,900, 6,909,045, & 6,965,077 and is available for distribution by retail and wholesale sales outlets. Further information regarding the products can be found at http://www.eeproductsinc.com or contacting the company directly at 801-254-5144.

Alan P. Halbert

President

EE Products Inc.

About the Author

Mr. Halbert holds a Bachelors Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and has been a Senior Level Mechanical/Project Engineer in the medical device industry for the last 8 years. During this time he has been granted approximately 3 patents for his work in this field with several patents currently pending. His product design experience ranges from disposable products (catheters & infusion sets) to ambulatory infusion pumps that infuse venous and enteral solutions.

He is the inventor of the FAN-EZE & N-Forcer products & Incorporated EE Products Inc. in 2003 to develop and commercialize these products. He is the President/CEO of this privately held corporation. He has held various corporate positions with a Utah Non-Profit corporation that included Vice President and Treasurer.

Contemporary Outdoor Ceiling Fans - Damp Or Wet Rated?

There comes a time for most homeowners where it is simply time for some upgrades and renovations. Upgrading your outdoor living space can add to the value of your house as well as contribute to your own sense of comfort and well-being while lounging on your patio, porch, or terrace on warm summer days and nights. Upgrading light fixtures is an easy way to get this accomplished, and outdoor ceiling fans are an absolute must!If you're new to the world of home improvement, chances are that you have little knowledge of the exact specifications to look for when buying ceiling fans. In this edition of the Contemporary Outdoor Ceiling Fan buying guide, we will explore the difference between wet and damp rated fans.

Contemporary styles in ceiling fans are popular choices for millions of homeowners for their sleek, modern, and sophisticated designs. If you're making a financial investment in the future of your home, you want to make sure that your purchase is high quality to last the test of time. These lighting and cooling devices are perfect for outdoor spaces like patios, gazebos, porches, or terraces. You can find modern styles from tropical-style bamboo to shiny bronze finishes. To avoid damage to the motor, you must follow the cardinal rule of ONLY buying damp or wet-rated fans for outdoor spaces.

Damp or Wet Rated?

Wet-listed fans are typically rain-resistant while Damp-listed are build to withstand humid or damp outside conditions. Before you head to your local home improvement store or start conducting research online, do yourself a favor and take stock of your environment. In order to prevent electrical problems or ruining your beautiful new appliance, make sure that you have the correct specifications for the outside area in which you intend to mount your fan. If you live in a very rainy climate where the device may come in contact with water from unenclosed outdoor spaces, it may be in your best interests to choose wet-rated. If you are mounting your fan in an enclosed area, a damp rated device may be sufficient.

While you are searching for the perfect outdoor ceiling fan for you home, be sure to pay close attention to the UL listings. Some brand names offer indoor outdoor models which are suitable for mounting no matter where you plan to mount this device in your home. Indoor outdoor models will most likely be damp listed rather than wet listed. However, some brands such as Modern Fan Company feature indoor outdoor ceiling fans that are suitable for damp locations. Modern Fan Company is well-known and distinguished throughout the industry for their modern styling, elegant simplicity, and ultra-contemporary finishes which make them popular among homeowners with a keen eye for design. For other brand names, such as Minka Aire or Fanimation, you will want to check model by model which one is suitable for your home. You cannot simply just pick a style that you like and buy because your appliance may not be suitable for outdoor environments.

Choosing the perfect ceiling fan for you home can be a frustrating process, especially if you're a first time buyer. Please visit our site and check out our ceiling fan buying guide to figure out which choice would be perfect for your home: http://www.contemporaryoutdoorceilingfans.com

Ceiling Fan Parts - How To Choose The Right Parts For Your Ceiling Fan

If you have an interest in adding an element of elegance and function to a room in your house, one feature that you will automatically look to is the ceiling fan. To better understand the workings of your ceiling fan, however, you should be familiar with the various and essential ceiling fan parts.

This will make future repair and replacement a great deal easier, as well as help you maintain the integrity of this device. Listed below, you'll find five of the essential parts that make your ceiling fan run smoothly.

Blades

The blades of your ceiling fan are the most recognizable part, and luckily, due to the fact that they can wear out and even break, are often easily replaced. Even if your fan is of foreign construction or is simply less common, replacement blades can always be drilled to fit.

Replacement kits, which contain only the blades themselves, can be easily acquired. Similarly, you'll find that the blade arms, which hold the blades on to the turning mechanism, can be found in generic replacement sets, though these are more generalized. If you have an older fan whose appearance you want to preserve, contact the original retailer

Capacitors

The capacitor is the part of your fan that controls the speed and movement and fortunately, it can often easily be replaced as well. Make sure that before you go to buy a new capacitor that you check the rating o the model, due to the fact that your fan should only use a capacitor that spins at the appropriate power.

Motors

The motor, as the power source, might be the part of the fan that is the most difficult to replace. Motors these days are are built to last, though, and it is considered a fairly rare problem if it is the motor itself that fails. Replacement might be necessary if the motor fails, although if you are attached to the ceiling fan itself, you can always check with a specialist.

Pullchain Switches

Pullchain switches are the most common part of a ceiling fan to require repair, most likely due to the fact that they are the part that is most often handled. You'll find that the chain can be pulled out of the socket if yanked too hard, but luckily they are easily taken care of.

When you go to the hardware store to replace the pullchain and socket, make sure you match it up with the fan you have. Find out how many wires are used in your pullchain and how many speeds your fan has, and make sure that the chain you buy is identical.

Mounting Bracket

The mounting bracket is the part of your ceiling fan that holds it to the ceiling, and failure of this part is extremely unlikely. However, water damage or loss during a move can occur, an the mounting bracket can easily be replaced.

If your ceiling fan utilizes a downrod, you'll be able to replace the mounting bracket at just about any hardware store or home center. If you have a different arrangement, you will need to get in contact with the manufacturer.

Copyright 2008 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Ceiling Fan Parts ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Save on Cooling and Heating Costs With an ENERGY STAR Ceiling Fan

Sleep in comfort all year round with a ceiling fan.

Ceiling fans are a much better option for staying cool in summer, than rushing off to the big box store and buying a cheap room air conditioner. Ceiling fans cost less up front, and far less to operate, and they can keep you just as cool most of the time.

Of course a ceiling fan doesn't actually cool your room, but the air they keep moving helps you feel cooler. Any moisture on your skin is blown away, and this evaporation cools you down. And you can run a ceiling fan on about the same energy as an incandescent light bulb - a tenth or less what an air conditioning unit uses.

Another benefit of ceiling fans is that you can use them in the winter as well as the summer - to keep hot air circulating throughout your living space, instead of always clumping around the ceilings (remember, heat rises). Try doing that with an air conditioner!

In hot weather, humans sweat. Much of the cooling action from any fan comes from the evaporation of moisture on human skin - as the water evaporates, it takes heat away with it, cooling you down. Ceiling fans can cause some increased ventilation with the outdoors if you have wide open windows (i.e. no screens), but even the partial barrier of a screen will reduce the air cooling effect of the fan to near zero. If there isn't water to evaporate, turn the fan off.

Leaving an air conditioner running in a room you'll come back to later doesn't make that much sense either - but at least it cools the room down so you'll be able to enjoy the cool air when you get back.

In winter, rising hot air means that the temperature difference between the floor and ceiling of a room can be substantial, especially where the heat source is projected upwards from a floor forced air register or originates higher up (for instance, a kitchen stove used for cooking, or a fireplace that vents heated air out the top).

If you have cathedral ceilings, the distance from floor to ceiling can be as much as twenty feet (that's the peak height of the ceiling in my parents' country home). Of course, no one ever hangs out up at the peak, so there's no point in letting the heat all rise to the ceiling and stick there. A ceiling fan in the winter can draw air from below up to the ceiling, which in turn pushes the hot air at the ceiling down the sides of the room and back to the floor, where it can start rising once again.

A ceiling fan at the top of a stairwell is also not a bad idea. You can use it to send hot air back down from the bedroom floor to the living room floor of a two storey house. Or, if you heat with a living room fireplace insert as I sometimes do, a ceiling fan can be used to increase air circulation between the two floors, and draw the hot downstairs air up more quickly. Which direction should ceiling fans turn?

Here's one of the main reasons ceiling fans are so energy efficient - even the largest home ceiling fans use only about as much energy as an incandescent 100 watt light bulb. A typical, ENERGY STAR rated small room air conditioner at 5200 BTU with an EER rating of 11 consumes about 470 watts while running. A high-powered ceiling fan at full speed is thus five times more efficient than the lowest capacity room air conditioner. Most people need about 15 minutes of full-speed airflow from their ceiling fan when they settle into a bedroom for the night, after which they can switch the fan to half speed and use just one tenth or less what the air conditioner uses.

You can buy ceiling fans in a variety of sizes, from mini-ceiling fans with a blade diameter around 2.5 feet, all the way up to 4.5 feet (54 inches) or more. The size of ceiling mount fan you choose will depend on your room size, and, for very large rooms, on the number of fans you decide to install. For a typical small to medium bedroom I would recommend a 36" to 42" fan; for rooms over 150 square feet, a 42" or larger fan. For very large rooms up to 400 square feet, try a 50" to 56" fan.

Ceiling fans are intended to be installed on ceilings that are at least 8 feet high. Installing a ceiling fan on a lower ceiling, or above a raised area (for instance, a bunk bed) is dangerous because of the risk of injury to people from the rotating blades. Even a ceiling fan beside a bunk bed can pose a hazard, especially if it is turning in the dark and a child climbs the bunk bed ladder and reaches out towards it. So make sure you have enough room between the blades and where people can reach upward.

Ceiling fans should also be positioned so that there is at least a foot and a half of space between the tips of the blades and any wall.

Standard ceiling fans come with a spacer rod that is 3 to 5 inches long. This spacer connects the ceiling bracket to the fan itself. Most spacer rods are 1/2" or 3/4" although you can buy longer ones if you need them to bring the fan closer to the room occupants in a tall-ceilinged room.

For very tight vertical spaces, where you can't even afford a 3" spacer rod, you can buy a flush mount fan specifically designed for a low profile. These fans are also called "Hugger" fans. Note that they are not as energy efficient or as effective as standard mount fans, because the proximity of the blades to the ceiling means they require more energy to move the same amount of air around (or use the same amount of energy to move less air around).

Where you are adding on a light unit to an existing fan, the lamp may protrude too far down with a standard ceiling fan, which is another good reason to look for a hugger or low profile fan.

The fan motor is one of the key components of all ceiling fans, and buying a unit with a high quality motor will ensure you higher efficiency, longer life, and quieter operation. Buying an ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling mount fan can save you more than the price of many such fans over a ten year period - $15 a year or more. ENERGY STAR rated ceiling fans are required to meet a number of efficiency criteria, including a minimum of three fan speeds, more airflow per watt of electricity used, and a 30+ year warranty on the motor.

Most fan blades are calibrated and balanced prior to shipment, but if the fan does seem wobbly after you install it, you can try realigning all parts and tightening all connections. Hold a yardstick vertically to the ceiling from the tip of each blade, to ensure all blades are at the same distance from the ceiling; you may be able to get a blade readjusted to the right distance by gently bending a misaligned blade holder back into place.

Assuming the blades are properly aligned and all connections have been checked, you can often obtain a balancing kit - clips and weights for the blades - which can be used to find the underweight or overweight blade and balance the fan as required. These kits usually come with the fan unit or are shipped free of charge, on request, from the manufacturer.

Once your fan is properly installed, you should get years of quiet, hassle free cooling from it every summer, and it should help keep the heat where you want it in the winter. All in all, ceiling fans are a great way to keep the indoor temperature where you want it without spending a fortune on air conditioning or heating.

Robin Green is the owner of Green-Energy-Efficient-Homes.com, a website dedicated to helping people save energy on heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy uses in their homes. For more information on staying cool with ceiling fans see his page Ceiling mount fans.

Save Money With Ceiling Fans

A common misunderstanding among homeowners is that ceiling fans actually reduce the temperature in a room and allow lower air conditioning settings as a way to save on electricity costs. In reality, in the summer a ceiling fan with blades rotating counter-clockwise creates what is called a "wind-chill" effect by evaporating moisture on our skin. On a hot and humid summer day, this "wind chill" effect can make the room feel at least seven degrees cooler so that you can avoid running the air conditioning even when the actual room temperature is in the mid-eighties.

In the winter months the room can actually be made warmer by rotating the ceiling fan blades clockwise and forcing warm air from the ceiling down into the living area. This warmer air allows you to adjust your thermostat so that the heating system runs less, saving money on heating costs.

Consider the fact that ceiling fans use less than one hundred watts to operate which translates into about a penny an hour while central air conditioning uses up to five thousand watts which translates to as much as thirty-nine cents an hour. Room air conditioners aren't much more cost-effective, using up to three thousand watts.

There's even better news. Most traditional ceiling fans (with a light) uses around three to four hundred kWh per year which translates into about twenty to twenty-five dollars a year. Using ENERGY STAR rated ceiling fans will reduce that electrical energy consumption to around one hundred twenty kWh per year, which translates to about ten dollars. Keep in mind that you do not sacrifice any operating efficiency with ENERGY STAR rated models. The majority of the savings in using an ENERGY STAR rated fan comes from more efficient lighting, which will save up to eighty percent in lighting costs, and provides longer life bulbs.

The bottom line is that well placed ceiling fans can cut as much as fifteen percent or more off of your energy costs.

Ceiling fans are in vogue and in addition to saving energy costs, provide a very nice decorating touch to any room. Most fans operate at more than one speed so that you can adjust the cooling/heating level that best suits you. Unlike central air conditioners and central heating units, ceiling fans require very little maintenance and don't involve changing filters, etc. Periodically wiping off the fan blades is just about all that needs to be done and if a ceiling fans begins wobbling or making cyclic noises, a few simple steps is all that it takes to get the fan running the way it should. Ceiling fans run efficiently and have a long life. Replacing one is far less costly than having your air conditioning or heating system serviced or replaced.

Ceiling fans are available in a wide variety of styles. Some include light fixtures and some can be operated remotely. Ceiling fan costs vary depending on the materials used and the style and features of the fan.

In addition to the cost-savings provided by installing ceiling fans, there are a few other factors to consider. Blade sizes on ceiling fans vary to accommodate the differences in room sizes in your home. Bedrooms generally require smaller blades and thirty-six inch blades will usually provide just the right amount of air circulation for a standard-size bedroom.

Family rooms or other larger living areas usually require longer blades and generally forty-eight to fifty-six inch blades will do the job in these areas. If a room is longer than twenty feet, you should consider installing two fans.

A typical room should have the ceiling fan installed in the center of the room to provide a balanced look. Today's market includes a wide variety of specialized designs to fit the function and décor of just about any room. Fans for children's rooms come in styles featuring baseball themes, soccer ball themes, coca-cola logos, etc. Fans designed for use in a nursery include such decorating themes as nursery rhymes or storybook characters.

If you have a sunroom or other room done in a tropical motif, leaf-shaped blades and wicker blade fans are available. Ceiling fans are also available in styles that match period motifs such as Victorian, early American or even primitive (log cabin) styles.

Outdoor-rated ceiling fans are also available for areas that will be exposed to the elements such as a gazebo or porch. Be sure to read the fan specifications to insure that it is rated for outdoor use and will be suitable for the area where you want it installed.

Some final thoughts:

Since ceiling fans are designed to cool people, they don't need to run when a room isn't occupied so turn them off when the room will be vacant for a period of time.

Make sure to balance your thermostat settings to provide the best level of comfort when using ceiling fans. This will involve some trial and error.

Make sure the ceiling fan is hung about seven to nine feet above the floor.

Remember to reverse the blade direction when the seasons change.

Chuck Lunsford is the content manager for LightnBreezy.com, a well-known source for ceiling fans by Westinghouse. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount ceiling fans, visit us at LightnBreezy.com.

Understand Ceiling Fan Ratings to Get the Best Fan

Ceiling fans now need a quality rating system check and public statement of that inspection. There are five sections to this QRS and each must be met the standards set by the government in order to be sold to the public. For each fan in the store, there is a public document stating that fan's QRS levels. The five sections tested are quality, CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow, wind speed, efficiency, and watts of electricity used.

The quality rating measures from 1 to 5 with 5 being the best. It tests how well the fan was made, the noise level, the smoothness of the turn and the projected longevity. For this and more than any other section of the test, ceiling fans with a quality score of 4 or 5 are recommended.

CFM airflow measures how much air the fan can move in the room. There is a graph of the CFM airflow on the QRS sheet showing the levels while the fan is on high speed. This measurement is second only to quality in helping to make a ceiling fan choice. A CFM of 1400 or lower is the worst score where 10,000 CFM is the best possible. The range in CFM is due to the fact that not all rooms are the same size and a lower CFM is needed for a smaller room.

The wind speed is how well the fan will be able to cool off the room. This is done by a chill effect not the actual wind that moves. This measurement takes into account the CFM and blade span when calculated and figures out the wind velocity just beneath the fan. A large fan will create a larger column of air under the fan and therefore a lower wind speed causing the entire room to be cooled where a smaller fan will concentrate on the area beneath the fan.

The ceiling fan's efficiency is the CFM divided by the number of watts needed. This formula calculates the amount running the fan costs compared to the amount of comfort the fan affords the room. This rating is important but not nearly as important as the CFM simply because a good rating in efficiency will usually only save about $10 a year whereas a good rating in CFM will save on heating and air conditioning costs year round. The better way to get more air flow is to have a higher powered engine. This quality test is measured for the amount of energy the fan pulls when set at the highest level. It is best to have lower watts rather than higher but, again, the more power, the better the airflow and thus the better the CFM. This is not a very important criterion as virtually all ceiling fans use very little electricity to run at high speed.

Modern Ceiling Fans is a comprehensive information source on fans that are attached to the ceiling to include the flush mount, remote as well as vintage ceiling fans, their accessories and everything else you need to know.

The Fundamentals of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are a basic necessity for the summer season. However, there are certain things that must be remembered while purchasing a ceiling fan.

To begin with, it is very essential to choose the right size of fan, according to the room dimensions. Blade span of a ceiling fan ranges from 29" to 54". The room where the ceiling fan is to mounted must be measured. Here are certain recommended fan sizes according to room dimensions:

Room Dimensions

Up to 75 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 29-36 inches

76-144 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 36-42 inches

144-225 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 44 inches

225-400 sq. ft - Recommended fan size = 50-54 inches

Mounting Systems

It is recommended that the ceiling fan be mounted in the center of the room. Also, it must be about seven feet from the ground and about 18" from the walls. If it is possible, install the fan at the height of 8 to 9 feet from the ground.

Standard Mount: This is a three to five inch down rod (a metal pipe that reaches to the top of the fan from the ceiling). The diameter of the down rod is generally between 1.5" to ¾".

Extended Mount: This is used to hang the fan at an 8 to 9 foot height from the floor if desired. These down rods are available in about 6 to 120 inches. Ask the manufacture to determine the right size of down rods according to your need.

Flush Mount: This anchors the fan right to the ceiling. Generally, a standard fan can also be used as a flush mount; but still, "hugger" or "low profile" ceiling fans are available for the purpose.

Sloped Mount: This is used for angled or domed ceilings.

Wet or Damp Rating

When installing a ceiling fan in a bathroom or other humid places, it is recommended to go for a fan that is UL "damp" rated. When installing fans in a patio or front porch, look for a "wet" rating, as they are exposed to water.

All the components of the fan together affect the working of the fan and thus define the performance of the fan.

Other Components

Motor: There are two types of motors; one that is sealed and lubricated, and another with oil ball bearings. There is hardly any need of maintenance to the motors with sealed bearings, while motors with an oil bath require frequent oiling.

Motor Housing: This is the decorative part of the fan, which surrounds the fan motor. Fans with heavier materials are likely to cause less vibration. This also provides more stability to fans with longer down rods.

Other features that ensure longevity comprise of heavy-duty windings, accurate engineering bearings and shock-absorbency. These features are generally found in the expensive ceiling fans.

Blades: The angle of the blades of a fan is called pitch. It is determined in degrees. Blades with higher pitches move more air that is provided in cubic feet per minute. However, it is solely not responsible for the air movement. Other factors like motor design as well as speed, blade design, and various others affect the amount of air movement.

To provide variety in design, manufacturers offer a wide range of blade styles in different models. However changing the blade style can negatively affect the fan's performance.

Stefan Rockhaus provides interior decorating tips. Visit the ceiling fans guide [http://www.supreme-ceiling-fans.info] to read more about ceiling fans [http://www.compare-ceiling-fans.info] - You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this resource box is left intact.

How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fan for Your Needs!

So, you may be wondering which ceiling fan is going to be the right one for you. There are a variety of different choices when it comes to ceiling fans, that it can be quite a task to pick out the one that is best for you and your home. If you are planning on purchasing ceiling fans in the near future, there are many things you need to consider. So, here are a few tips to help you pick out the best ceiling fans for your home.

Fan Size

First of all, when you are trying to find the best fans for your home, you will want to consider the size. Ceiling fans can be found in a variety of different sizes; however, the size of the room you are buying for will definitely influence this decision. If you are buying fans for a smaller room, then you'll want to go for a smaller fan. However, for larger fans, you'll need something that moves a bit more air, so a large fan, like a 50-54 inch fan, is a great choice.

Noise

The last thing you want in a ceiling fan is a lot of noise. Before you purchase a new ceiling fan, be sure to take the time to check the noise ratings. If you can actually test the fan and see how noisy it is. The best ceiling fans will be so quiet that you'll barely even know that they are running.

The Motor Type

You will also find that the motor type is important when you are trying to pick out the best fan. There are two types of motors that are usually used in ceiling fans - friction driver motors and direct drive motors. Usually a direct drive motor is the best choice, since they last longer and have fewer parts that are separated. However, they do tend to be a bit more expensive, but are well worth the extra money you'll pay.

Lighting

When picking out ceiling fans, you'll need to consider whether or not you want lighting to come with the fans. Some fans come with light kits on them, while other fans do not. In some cases you may have to pick out the light kit separately as well. There are a variety of different light kits that you can choose from, and you'll want to pick one that will look nice with the fan and offer plenty of light.

Price

If you are looking for the best ceiling fans, price is also going to be important. While you no doubt want to get a good deal, it is important to realize that you get what you pay for. Going with the cheapest fan will probably not be a great idea, but a fan that is a bit more expensive will have better features, such as remote controls, variable speeds, and a higher grade. So, you are often better of to spend a little more money for a fan that will be reliable and long lasting.

No doubt choosing for the best ceiling fans for your home is important to you, and these tips can help you make the best possible choice. So, next time you are shopping for new ceiling fans, keep these simple tips in mind to help you pick out the very best.

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Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Best Ceiling Fans, ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Ceiling Fans Serve a Variety of Purposes!

Ceiling fans can do so much for our homes. They help us save money, keep us cooler, and make our homes look better. Why would anyone not want a ceiling fan? This article will give a small glimpse into what types of fans are out there, where to find them, and which ones are right for your home.

First of all there are more different brands and styles of fans than can be counted. If you want to get the highest rated brands consider are Hunter, Westinghouse and Fanamatic. Each of these manufacturers constructs traditional and non-traditional fan types. As far as styles go, there are horizontal and fans with retractable blades. A typical horizontal ceiling fan has a 40 blade pitch and works perfectly on a ceiling slope of 30 degrees. There are industrial ceiling fans which is a large ceiling fan rated for indoor and outdoor use, usually containing 3 large blades rather than 4. There are low profile and rustic style ceiling fans. There certainly are no shortage of styles and performance.

The beauty with today's technology is even the most complex of purchases can be done on the internet. With many well-known stores such as Home Depot or Lowes there are discounts to be had. Because the internet is so advanced many retailers are offering hefty discounts for online purchases. If you're like me though you would rather go into a store to be certain you are truly getting what you want. For those of you who prefer online shopping, you may be rewarded with free shipping and a lower priced item. Less overhead for the store is often times paid into your pockets. There are other online avenues that make shopping easy and for those who are scared of giving out a credit card number there are companies such as pay pal that keep all of your information safe.

Which fans are right for you depends on your needs. There are fans suitable for patios and high vaulted ceilings. There are also some for smaller rooms and low profile fans for lower ceilings. If you want to spice up your home a bit or need to save money a fan can do exactly that.

Karla Zacarkim owns and operates http://www.thebestceilingfans.com