How To Choose A Ceiling Fan
A simple and effective way to keep cool in the summer is to install a ceiling fan in your home. The basic concept is that the fan blades rotate through the air and circulate this air downwards. All ceiling fans need to be installed at least 7 feet from the floor for safety reasons. The best place to locate a fan is in the centre of the room, although bigger sized rooms may need more than one. There are quite a few designs available to choose from, and they all have their own pros and cons. The following guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.
First of all you need to determine the cost and the size. Cheap fans are cheap for a reason, and they are notoriously problematic. For a start they tend to hum as they rotate, which can be really annoying if you want some peace and quiet. Another problem is that cheap models tend to vibrate as they turn. This is because the motor is usually not powerful enough to cope. Vibration is always a concern because it places added stress on the support mounts, and can even cause the fan to fall down, not an ideal situation I think you would agree. The higher priced fans are a much better alternative, and they are available from stores such as argos, or any good home improvement shop. The good thing is they are not much more expensive than the cheaper designs.
Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you change the direction of the blades. In hot conditions you should have the blades turning clockwise, to circulate the air in a downward direction. In cold conditions you need to have the blades turning anti-clockwise so that any cold air is drawn upwards. Depending on the room you wish to have the fan installed in, you may need to buy damp proof designs. Fans placed in bathrooms or kitchens require moisture proof casings, and outdoor fans need to be totally weather proof for obvious reasons. Additions direct online have probably the best selection of these fans, with customer ratings and free delivery. As far as installation goes, it is best to hire a qualified electrician to do the job for you, as some fans require more power than others.