Thanks to the influence of the Green Movement, more and more homeowners are now becoming more conscious of their property’s environmental impact. They ensure that their roofs are made of highly reflective and recyclable materials, their fixtures made of alternative and toxin-free components, and they take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. It should not come as a surprise, therefore, that energy efficiency is a huge concern for many home these days.
Energy efficiency in homes can be achieved in different ways, one of which is installing a ceiling fan. Indeed, you don’t need to invest in major technologies like solar panels or a new heating system. Even small changes can make a big difference in terms of energy savings. The following are some ways in which ceilings fans can prove to be energy-efficient additions in your home.
Ceilings Fans in the Summer
During the warmer months, a ceiling fan can be your family and home’s best friend. A ceiling fan can make a room feel 6 to 8 degrees cooler without changing the temperature and can save you up to 40% on air-conditioning costs. To ensure that you’re making the most of your ceiling fan, see to it that the edges of the fan blades are pointed upward and rotating in a counterclockwise direction to create a cool downward flow of air.
Ceiling Fans in the Winter
Most people think that fans are only used to counter hot weather but given the right adjustments, ceiling fans can actually be “winterized” for use in colder months. Basically, winterizing a ceiling fan to provide warmth involves reversing the direction of the blades into a clockwise direction and slowing down the speed of the blades. This allows for the recirculation of warm air trapped in the ceiling and reduces the need to use other heating equipment like space heaters or warming blankets.
Of course, when it comes to installing and adjusting a ceiling fan, it’s best that you hire an electrician, especially if you’re installing it in an area that doesn’t have an existing electrical wiring. Hiring an electrician guarantees that the ceiling fan will be wired safely and is properly balanced.
Source:
How to Install a Ceiling Fan, Dummies.com
5 Benefits of Ceiling Fans, NAHB.com