Ceiling Fans

A Ceiling Fan is a Cost Effective and Quieter Alternative to the Portable Window Air Conditioner

By Mark J. Donovan




The installation of a ceiling fan is a great alternative to installing an air conditioner. A ceiling fan requires a fraction of the electricity and often is more than adequate for keeping you feeling comfortable on a hot summer day or evening. A ceiling fan can also make your home feel warmer during the winter months by simply flipping a switch and reversing the blade rotation. By reversing the blade rotation the warm air that has risen to the top of the room is circulated back downwards into the center of the room making the room feel warmer and more comfortable.

The cost of a ceiling fan is also much less expensive than an air conditioner.

Ceiling fans have come a long way since their original incarnations back during the industrial revolution. Today’s ceiling fans come in all shapes and sizes and with all types of finishes to satisfy even the pickiest of homeowners. They also come in 5 blade and 3 blade models. The blades also typically have two different colors so you install the ceiling fan blades to your preferred viewing color.

In addition, you can buy ceiling fans with ornate or colorful prints painted on to them or with unique blade shapes. Most ceiling fans today also include lights that can be controlled independently from a separate pull chain or wall mounted light switch.

Today’s ceiling fans are also extremely quiet compared to years ago, making them a much better alternative to the box fan or portable air conditioner that you place into a bedroom window. In addition, unlike the portable air conditioner that is a permanent fixture in your window for the summer season, ceiling fans do not negate the use of a window on comfortable temperature days.

How to install a ceiling fan.

Ceiling fans also come with multiple speed settings to enable you to adjust the airflow to your personal preference.

Moreover, you can purchase different length extension rods to adjust how far the ceiling fan hangs below the ceiling. If you have shorter ceilings you may want to forgo the use of an extender rod altogether and simply flush mount it to the ceiling.

When installing a ceiling fan it is important to mount it into a ceiling fan rated electrical outlet box. This unique type of electrical box needs to be structurally secured to the ceiling framing so that it can support the weight and movement of the ceiling fan. If you plan to install a new ceiling fan into a room for the first time, you might want to hire an electrician to install it. This way you can ensure that it will be mechanically and electrically installed properly.

If you are simply replacing an existing ceiling fan you can do it yourself. Just make sure to turn power off to the ceiling fan electrical box at the main circuit panel first. Then follow the ceiling fan manufacturer’s instruction for properly installing the ceiling fan.


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Related Information


Additional Electrical Wiring Resources from Amazon.com


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