One of the most cost effective ways of making a home comfortably cool during hot weather is turning on ceiling fans. While these devices may not provide any cooling, they are very effective in creating a cooling effect. Once the fan is turned on, you can feel cool, even without a running air conditioning system. These devices also help with circulation of air, thereby ensuring that any carbon monoxide, or carbon dioxide, and odors are not concentrated in one location.
The Design of Ceiling Fans
Fans consist of two main components; an electric motor and the fan blade assembly. The blades are bent or inclined to ensure that their rotary movement pushes air upwards. Most motors are variable speed, meaning that their speed can be adjusted accordingly to increase comfort levels inside the room. The direction of rotation of a ceiling fan matters a lot because one direction pushes air upwards while the other forces air downwards.
How Fans Create a Cooling Effect
When you feel hot, your skin transfers heat to the surrounding air. If the environmental temperature is the same as your body temperature, you will continue feeling hotter and hotter. A ceiling fan basically circulates air around the room. This “wind” carries with it heated air on the surface of the skin, leaving the body feeling cooler. After a few cycles, you can start feeling cooler and cooler. It is important to note that ceiling fans can only be effective if temperatures are not too high. In the heat of summer, nothing can substitute an air conditioner. A ceiling fan can only help the AC to circulate cool air around the house to ensure an even distribution of temperature in every part of the building.
Mounting of Ceiling Fans
Since fans are normally heavy and the rotary motion can destabilize the mounting, only experienced installers should be hired to install overhead fans. If the fan comes crashing down, the rotating blades can cause serious injuries and costly damages. Therefore, the fan must be secured properly on the ceiling and extra layers of protection put into place, such as a chain to hold the fan if it comes off the mounting.
Benefits of Using Fans
The main benefit of using fans in air conditioning is that they are cost effective since they consume less power compared to air conditioners. After all, fans only consist of one electrical load – the motor. Additionally, fans are considerably cheaper than air conditioners. Secondly, fans are easy to install, meaning lower installation costs. Thirdly, the cost of maintaining fans is much lower than the maintenance cost of air conditioners; fans only need lubrication and cleaning. Fourthly, fans can be used all-year round to improve air circulation in the house. The design and color of modern ceiling fans can also add to the aesthetic value of the home. Lastly, the rotating blades can make a room come to life. If you are a little creative, you can decorate the blades to ensure they form an interesting image, pattern or picture when rotating.