Ceiling Fans are Efficient
Ceiling fans cool you in the summer and warm you in the winter, all for just pennies a day. They are extremely efficient: even at high speeds they use less energy than a 75 watt light bulb. Actually fans save energy with cooling costs alone lowered as much as 40 percent, according to a study by Florida Power and Light. In the summer, fans create a wind chill effect that makes a temperature of 78° - 80°F feel like 72°F. So by using them you can set your thermostat higher. In fact, the savings you realize by utilizing your ceiling fan will pay for itself in a very short time. On most fans, the summer setting is a counter-clockwise rotation, viewed from below. In the winter, fans run in reverse (clockwise), reclaiming lost heat from the ceiling. They provide an even, comfortable temperature by moving hot air back down to the living areas below. Even though ceiling fans have been around for more than a century, they are more popular today than ever. If you are planning a purchase, use these helpful tips to make a better buy.
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What to Look for in a Ceiling Fan
When shopping for a ceiling fan. you may find it difficult to determine why one costs $30 and another $500. At first glance there may appear no difference. Only when you begin to examine them closely, armed with the information that follows, will you be able to recognize the qualities that will assure years and years of beauty and comfort.
Inexpensive fans may look good when new, and they may even run well at first. After continued use, however, they will become noisy; or they will warp, wobble or quickly wear out. Selecting a proper ceiling fan should be done as carefully as picking a piece of fine furniture. Look for a brand name, such as CRAFTMADE, that carries with it an established reputation for quality. TOP of PAGE
Quality made fans will not wobble
The reason poorly made fans wobble is because cheap blade materials, rotors and/or improper sealing processes are used. Blade brackets should have exact degrees of pitch or angles, while blades should be matched in carefully weighed and balanced sets. CRAFTMADE fans are wobble free. TOP of PAGE
Quality made fans will not wear out early
Those that do wear out have undergone poor manufacturing techniques or inadequate testing and inspection. Other problems that promote wear and tear are incorrectly matched motor size and blade pitch. Defective motor windings can cause electrical shorts. And poorly installed on/off pull chains can be pulled out of the housing. All CRAFTMADE fans are backed by a lifetime warranty. CRAFTMADE is confident that all of their fans will not wear out for as long as you own the fan. TOP of PAGE
Quality made fans are not noisy
Noisy fans generally are poorly engineered and manufactured by using "short cuts." Inexpensive ball bearings reduce costs, but also shorten the fan's life and contribute to the "hum and clicking" sounds. Look for powerful, high quality motors with heavy duty motor windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. All CRAFTMADE fans meet this specification. TOP of PAGE
Quality made fans will move more air
The greater the blade pitch (the angle the blade is set relative to the fan), the greater the air movement. Good quality fans will he set at a 12° to 14° angle. Lesser quality models will feature angles of 10° or under. CRAFTMADE fans blade pitches range from 12° - 25°.
With a blade angle of 12° to 14°, and a correctly sized motor, the fan will efficiently move more air (Cubic Feet per Minute) with less effort (fewer Revolutions Per Minute). A 14° pitch will move about 40% more air than a 10° pitch. TOP of PAGE
How to Select The Right Model
The wise decision is to first select a well known brand name like CRAFTMADE. CRAFTMADE has perfected the art of ceiling fans over the last two decades. Their commitment to innovation and dependability allows them to offer a lifetime warranty on almost every fan in their line.
1. Motor: A large motor makes for longer life, greater efficiency and better air circulation. How
much energy a fan uses, together with the volume of air it moves, determines efficiency. Steer away
from high wattage motors that use a lot of energy, as much as 3 amps. An efficient ceiling fan, such as a CRAFTMADE, will use less than 1 amp. TOP of PAGE
2. Size: 29", 42", 44", 52", 56" and 60" CRAFTMADE fans all provide quiet, efficient performance. Unless your ceilings are very low, avoid models that hug the ceiling - air does not circulate as well. For safety, though, blades should be at least seven feet above the floor. And for cooling, it is most efficient to have the blades 8 to 9 feet above the floor. For ceilings higher than 8 feet, the position of the ceiling fan is very important, not only for air circulation, but also for aesthetics. The chart below shows the down rod lengths mostoften recommended for higher ceilings.
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3. Colors, Finishes and Styles: With CRAFTMADES's wide selection of fan styles, finishes and blades, you can create a fan to suit your taste and decor! Brass finishes are long lasting, scratch resistant and never need polishing. Painted finishes are thick, rich and durable as a result of our expert painting process. Go contemporary or traditional. Blend new with nostalgic, sleek with ornate. Light kits are available to match any finish. TOP of PAGE
4. Blades: All CRAFTMADE blades are matched, weighed and balanced to exact weights. You should settle for no Iess. They should be made of wood or acrylic, and sealed and treated to resist humidity. The number of blades per fan is more of a personal or fashion choice. Blade shapes and sizes vary by series with four, five and six blade styles available.
5. Light Kits: CRAFTMADE offers a wide selection of light kits, it need not he confusing. The kits are optional rather than bundled with a particular fan. This allows you the flexibility to create the exact look you're after. And if you can't find the light kit that's perfect, create your own by choosing a fitter and glass. Remember, too, CRAFTMADE fans are sold only through select lighting showrooms. So you will have a professional by your side to help you select and design the perfect ceiling fan. Thanks for taking a closer look at CRAFTMADE.
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