Many do-it-yourself homeowners have taken on the task of installing a ceiling fan. Some have even completed this project several times. Those who found this task manageable and came to be experienced have probably been asked to install similar fans for family members and friends, or at least help with fan installation.
But even those who have mastered all the basics of fan installation know there are always details and small "tricks" that can make the project go more smoothly. Some of the following hints may be just what the homeowner is looking for.
When buying an electric fan for ceiling installation, consider that, while all fans are designed to do the same thing, various models and brands are different in small ways. There are, of course, differences in price and appearance, but there are technical differences as well.
Motor - Some of the less expensive fans have thinner metal covers, a factor that can lead to audible rattles and clicks from the moving parts as well as humming from the motor itself. But not quite as loud as a high pressure . This can be distracting in a sleeping room or a living room where conversation and television can be difficult with outside noises.
Blades - The pitch (angle) of the blades will make a significant difference in how the air moves around the room when the fan is on. Blades pitched at 14 degrees and properly balanced will move air well and will rotate without wobble, for the most part.
Lighting - Many popular ceiling fans come with lighting as part of the main unit, so some thought should be given to the type of lighting and how it will be used in the room.
Room Size - Fans of a certain size may be correct for some rooms but too large or too small for another room. In general, ceiling fans are available in a range of sizes from 32" blade span to 56" blade span. Buying the appropriate ceiling will be easier if the homeowner goes to the retail outlet or other source with room measurements and ideas to share with the lighting professional.
Mounting - Fans should generally be installed seven feet above floor level, with 12" clearance from the ceiling. Lower ceilings can be accommodated with a close-mounted fan or one that is designed to work well with low ceilings. Higher ceilings can be accommodated with an extension rod.
When the homeowner is in the shopping mode, it is best to make a list of fan features desired, room measurements and so on. In addition, a tool list should be compiled, in order to be ready for the installation project. Because the installation process will take place while the homeowner is on a stepladder, it would be wise to consider the tools and parts needed before climbing up the ladder. It is a good idea to lay out the parts and tools near the base of the ladder before starting the project.
Make sure the electrical service is off to the location where the fan will be installed. Follow the assembly instructions and wiring directions to the letter for a successful ceiling fan installation.
Gas and oil prices are skyrocketing! As I write this, gas is over three dollars per gallon at the pumps here in California. What next? We can all expect to see rising electricity rates from our utility providers this upcoming summer, it is inevitable. What does this mean to the average homeowner running their air conditioning units? Higher utility bills over the summer months.
How can one reduce, if not eliminate these higher air conditioning costs? The answer is a whole house fan. A whole house fan is not air conditioning; it does not cool the air. Rather a whole house fan, can be very effective at cooling your home when outside air temperatures are cooler than the temperatures inside your home. Like during evening and early morning hours.
A whole house fan works by bringing cooler outside air into your home. A whole house fan is installed in your attic, mounted onto the ceiling. A small hole is cut into the ceiling and a grill is placed over the hole from inside your living area (it looks like an air conditioning return grill). When turned on the whole house fan creates a negative pressure in your living area, opening windows will cause the cooler outside air to flow into your home, cooling your living area. But that's not all.
Once the air flows through your home, the whole house fan pulls the air into your attic, also cooling your attic area. This constant flow of air removes the stored heat that has built up during the hot day in the attic. The warmer air is pushed out of the attic passive roof and attic vents.
Homeowner savings can be quite significant depending on usage, from total elimination of their air conditioning, to 30% plus savings off their summer utility bills. Utility companies in California recognize these benefits, and have been offering rebates directly to homeowners who install a whole house fan in their homes.
All whole house fans are not created equally. Tamarack whole house fans continue to revolutionize the whole house fan industry. These fans are designed to fit into standard 16? or 24? on center attic joists, are easy to install, require no maintenance, quiet and insulated. When not in use, an air-tight seal is formed between the attic and living area with a minimum insulation value of R-22.
Both Eric Slarkowski & George Karonis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Eric Slarkowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Renovation Ideas, Family and Travel and Leisure. Eric Slarkowski often produces web pages on ideas associated to using an air compressor and how do air compressors articles. His publications on