Selecting Ceiling Fans and Lighting

Lighting with ceiling fans today have a more advance technology and energy efficiency. By buying higher quality motors can use less energy then 100 watt light bulb. These motors can save drastically on your energy bill. Check for an Energy Star sticker for even greater savings. This sticker proves that the product meets government energy guidelines for even more efficiency. For more answers on ENERGY STAR

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING:

There is a wide variety of quality and inexpensive models to choose from. Most quality name brand fans make and distribute under other labels for lower quality imports. Some of these fans can be effective and less expensive. Be careful of inexpensive fans under a $100. Some foreign lower grade fans have a bad record of being unreliable.

Most inexpensive fans are great when they are new, but after continued use will start humming and wobbling. The blades are usually inferior and can warp. These blades will cause the fan to run out of balance and poses poor air control. Motors should have sealed bearings. Inexpensive ones usually are not checked at the factory for motor matches to blade pitch. They don't look for blade balancing or check for defective rotors and motor bearings. The pull chains often pull out of the housing. They usually do not install gaskets and rubber cushions between parts to prevent noise. I do not recommend these unless you mainly intend to use for lighting.

***WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

Always check for UL listing. Then check the motor capacity and blade pitch. You seldom use high speed so measuring cubic feet will not matter much. Look at the length, style and blade weight. By using the correct motor size should give you years of comfort and enegy savings.

With the hugh selections of blade styles, consider the power and size of your motor's capacity. Will it handle your selections? Ceiling fans are an attractive solution for combining Form & Funtion, creating the exact look you are after.

***WHAT QUESTIONS TO ASK?

1) What are your needs for the room?

2) Are you looking for more design than function.

3) Can the power of the motor handle your choice of blade? The longer and heavier the blade the more the motor has to work.

4) Is the motor capable of pushing enough air off higher ceilings?

5) What is the pitch of the blade? A 12 to 15 degree angle will give optimal circulation.

***WHAT TYPE OF MOTOR IS IT?

Motors with flywheel generally have a more powerful motor, often made with a hard zinc casting. They run differently from the spin motor. The motor is stationary running more quietly and less likely to wobble. With moving parts you must consider they are going to work harder than a regular light fixture. If you are considering a spin motor, they have more weight moving so they work harder. Their motor rotates along with the blades and usually they are encased with a thinner metal housing. Generally they will be less expensive depending on how decorative and stylish.

***HOW TO DECIDE ON BLADE LENGTH.

The length of the blade should stay at least 24" from walls or sloped ceilings. Standard packages contains a 2" or 3" extension for an 8' ceiling. For higher ceilings you can use longer extensions to bring down your motor to the desired distance to the floor. Usually the motor is brought down 7 to 8 feet above the floor.

***HOW LONG OF A DROP DO I NEED?

For quick reference:

9' ceilings use a 12" drop.

10' ceilings use a 24" drop.

11' ceilings use a 36" drop. Anything higher use a 36" plus extension. You may have to adjust the extension to balance the look and feel of the room. Keep in mind that longer extension poles may cause high speed vibration or wobbling. It is best to use controls made from same manufacturer for best results.

For rooms larger than 225 square feet use a 50" to 54" spread. Anything smaller use 42" fan spread. Smaller sizes will not move enough air so consider if possible a bigger blade span.

To search the web for lighting with ceiling fans.

If possible avoid low ceiling hugger. They tend not to circulate the air very well. You need distance between ceiling and blades. For safety, blades should not be installed lower than 7' from floor. Be careful of lighting kits hanging to low. Click here to search

For additional information

Learn Ceiling Fan Installation (VIDEO) from HandymanTeacher.com with HandymanTeacher Hub Kirkpatrick. Stop Paying Someone Else to do Your Home Improvement & Repair: Learn to Do It Yourself and Save Money.

For information on energy saving continue on to ENERGY STAR