A Guide to Ceiling Fans

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

06 Aug 2008 09:38 AM

Ceiling fans can keep you cool in winter and warm in summer. They can work alone or in conjunction with your regular cooling and heating systems, depending on the temperature and your needs. But choosing a ceiling fan isn't just a matter of picking a style that you like and then installing it. There are some different things to consider. Keep reading to find out what you should know before you choose a ceiling fan.

Installation for most ceiling fans is pretty easy, so you probably can do it yourself. The fans should come with their own installation hardware.

When you hang your fan, make sure that the blades are at least 8 to 10 feet above the floor. They should also be at least 18 inches away from the walls.

If you choose a ceiling fan with lights, you'll want to use vibration-resistant bulbs. Otherwise the bulbs will burn out quickly and may even shatter or come loose and fall.

Some ceiling fans now come with bent wood blades. These blades help to circulate air in a large room or space.

You can also choose a ceiling fan that had a manual pivot. This will allow you to direct the fan to wherever the air is needed.

When you bring your ceiling fan home, keep all of the plastic wrapping on, especially on the motor until it is installed. This way you will prevent any scratching to the motor or blades.

Most fans allow you to turn the blades on the fan for seasonal use. Turning the blades can allow you to circulate warm air down and into the living space of your room.

Never put your fan on a dimmer switch. A dimmer switch that controls your fan can lead to all sorts of trouble. It may whine and make noise, and it might even cause the motor on your fan to burn out.

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Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Samual (11722) 06 Aug 2008 09:50 AM

cool in winter and warm in summer.......

Kara (21390) 06 Aug 2008 09:56 AM

can you use those energy efficent lights in ceiling fans?

jonesx6 (1606) 06 Aug 2008 12:28 PM

We love our ceiling fans. I run them all the time. If you decide to sell they are a selling point. ;o) Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 07 Aug 2008 03:52 AM

Kara, I don't know if you can. I haven't seen any that were vibration proof, but I will ask around.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 07 Aug 2008 03:52 AM

Laura, I did not know that! I always see them being taken down on design shows. :)