Lighting Design Resources & Tips Offered by Sun Lighting Centers

Techniques for Selecting a Ceiling Fan

Energy conservational and rising fuel costs make ceiling fans a natural choice when it comes to conserving our natural resources. Ceiling fans not only circulate cool air in the summer, they also help with the movement of warm air in the winter.

During the summer months, a fan operating in the normal mode can reduce how cool you feel in a room by as much as eight degrees, allowing you to raise the air conditioner's thermostat and reduce energy costs.

In the winter, fans should be operated in reverse mode to recirculate the warm air trapped at the ceiling. For maximum energy savings, turn your fans off when you leave a room.

More than just functional appliances, today's fans have become an important design element in homes and are available in a wide array of sizes and styles.

	Fan Size: Bigger rooms need bigger fans. For maximum efficiency, choose a fan to fit your room size. Rooms up to 75 square feet, like a bathroom, do best with a fan 36" or smaller. Medium sized rooms up to 144 square feet can fit ceiling fans from 36"- 42". The larger bedrooms and family rooms around 225 square feet are most efficient with fans that are 50"- 54". Ceiling Height: Place the fan higher than 7 feet above the floor in the middle of the room for maximum comfort, circulation, safety and aesthetics. Optimal placement would be either 8 or 9 feet from the floor.
	Blades: Fan blades determine the amount of air being circulated throughout the room. The fan blade brackets should be positioned to hold the blade at a 12-15 degree angle for optimal circulation and be weighed and matched as a balanced set to avoid having your fan wobble. The greater the angle of the blade the more air circulation you will have in your room. Ask your ALA showroom representative for any additional questions on fan blades or angles. Motor: The heart of every ceiling fan is the motor. The motor is responsible for producing quiet operation while driving the blades for air movement. Look for high-quality motors with heavy-duty windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated.
	Lights: Lights can enhance your fan's design, with shades available in a variety of materials from stone to crystal and hand blown glass. For a more relaxed environment, consider uplighting, where light bounces off the ceiling to create more of a mood effect than the traditional downlighting. Damp Locations: Fans to be used outdoors or in bathrooms should be specifically designed and approved for damp locations. Style: Ceiling fans are available in a wide selection of styles and finishes to complement your decor. Look for a high quality finish to resist against blistering, tarnishing, fading and corrosion.
	Warranty: When you choose to purchase look for a good warranty for the life of your fan. Some fan manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty and in-home service. Installation: Installation can be so easy that with a few basic skills one person can install the product themselves. With step by step instructions your new fan can be up and working efficiently. Some fans come with a support system to assist you by freeing your hands to make wiring connections. For extra help ask a showroom representative how to get assistance with hanging your new fan in your home.

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