It can be difficult to keep your home comfortable when temperatures rise. There are cheaper options than installing a central air conditioning unit or air conditioner. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), ceiling fans can be installed in every living space. This will make family members feel more comfortable and save energy. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, it is time to upgrade. ceiling fansIn the past eight years, you have missed out on even more savings because many models of today are more effective than ever.
“A ceiling fan can save homeowners as much as 40 percent on their air conditioning bills by creating a breeze that makes the ambient temperature feel seven or eight degrees cooler than it actually is,”John Moody from Fanimation ceiling fan manufacturer explains. “You can set your thermostat at 80 degrees and it will feel like it is set at 72 degrees.”
What does this mean? “A ceiling fan cools the room by creating a ‘wind chill effect.’ It does not lower the room temperature,”Moody: “This wind chill effect makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on your skin. It’s the same feeling you get when you open the window in a moving car. When used in conjunction with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can lower energy costs because you can set your air conditioner thermostat at a higher temperature.”
According to Bethany Pirtle from Emerson Ceiling Fans. Ceiling fans in closets and laundry rooms are becoming more common in large homes. “Master bathrooms are also a perfect place for smaller ceiling fans, because hair dryers and steam showers can make a bathroom hot and sticky. A small-span fan can quickly and efficiently add comfort,”She said.
Another important factor when deciding where to place a ceiling fan, is its UL listing. There are three basic UL-listed ratings: indoor, damp, and wet. Fans rated for indoor use should not be used outdoors, even if there is a lot of coverage.
Find the best ceiling fan for your home in an ALA-member showroom. Go to for more information and locations of the showrooms. www.americanlightingassoc.com.
