We all agree ceiling fans are terrific energy-savers. You can save power every season by coordinating your ceiling fan with your thermostat. They circulate cooling air or warmth throughout each room. Did you know ceiling fan direction impacts your comfort level?
How Ceiling Fan Direction Impacts Comfort
The benefits of ceiling fans are without argument. And the latest styles are attractive. Some can actually make your ceiling fan a room’s focal point.
In the summer, the fan blades should rotate counterclockwise. The air blows gently against your skin and creates a minor “wind chill factor.” This makes you feel cooler than you would without the fan. Your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work harder for you to keep your cool.
Hot air rises. When it’s cold weather, the ceiling fan direction should be reversed. The rotation draws cool air upwards and circulates the warm air downwards. This downdraft circulates warmth throughout the room.
Don\’t DIY: Here\’s Why
One of the reasons ceiling fan installation isn’t a DIY (do-it-yourself) project is you need to have advanced knowledge about electrical wiring. It’s not worth the risk to you or your family. And you won’t win anybody’s admiration if the ceiling fan falls on the family cat. Another reason is, if your DIY electrical installation causes a fire, your insurance company can refuse to cover the damages.
The fan and its light fixture require correct wiring. You must also have the appropriate UL-listed metal outlet box mounted above the ceiling. The box should be mounted at the point where the ceiling fan is connected. If you’re replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan light fixture, the electrical box will probably need to be replaced.
Ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds. Balancing on a ladder, juggling the ceiling fan motor and anchoring it to a ceiling joist is challenging. If the joist isn’t in the middle of the ceiling, you’ll need a special mounting bracket with spiked ends installed between the joists.
Technology Advancements Save Money; Save the Planet
Everyone wants to save energy. Even the most narcissistic humans acknowledge saving energy saves money. It’s a win-win.
DC technology is gaining sophistication so you might consider installing a DC ceiling fan. The motor powers up when a small electrical current passes through a magnetic field coil. This results in a magnetic force that causes the motor to rotate the fan blades. A DC ceiling fan can save as much as 70% of the electricity used.
Smart home ceiling fans take convenience and savings to new heights. Your options are to upgrade a current ceiling fan or buy a new, smart ceiling fan. New smart ceiling fans cost between $300-$1,000. Both involve using a certified professional electrician in the Phoenix area.
Smart ceiling fans coordinate with your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. You can program them on your way home. You can pre-program them to turn on and off at certain times of every day. Your smart ceiling fan will use LED lights that offer degrees of brightness.
Other ceiling fan advancements include:
- Infrared remote control
- Occupancy sensor
- Smartphone app
- Temperature/humidity sensor
- Timer/scheduler
- Voice control
- Z-wave wall switch
TIO Electric for Home Electrical Technology
You want a technology-trained professional for your home improvement project. For Phoenix residential or commercial electrical projects, Turn It On Electric is Maricopa County’s choice. Contact TIO Electric today.
