Ceiling Fan Installation, Charlotte NC

How Does Ceiling Fan Installation Save Energy?

When they hear they can potentially increase energy savings with ceiling fan installation, Charlotte, NC homeowners are sometimes skeptical—and that's understandable. After all, how can installing a new electrical fixture help reduce your home's energy consumption? But once you understand what's going on, it actually makes perfect sense. It's a common misconception that ceiling fans cool your home. They actually improve air circulation, stirring up the cool air that settles near the floor and pushing down the warm air that rises to the ceiling so the temperature is more even throughout the entire room, especially in the "habitable zone" in the middle of the vertical space.

So what does all that have to do with your energy costs? Here's how it works. With the improved air circulation that comes from ceiling fan installation, Charlotte, NC homeowners will notice that it can change the temperature by as much as four degrees, so you can turn your thermostat up four degrees in the summer and down four degrees in the winter, and still have your house at a comfortable temperature thanks to the ceiling fan. That might not sound like such a big deal, but because your HVAC system needs to use a considerable amount of energy to operate, just reducing its share of the load by a few degrees can increase energy efficiency and as a result, you pay less on your energy bills.

It is, of course, true that your new fan will also need to draw electricity to operate, but it uses far less than your HVAC system, so it still results in noticeable savings. The amount you pay to operate your air conditioner can vary widely based on the size of your house, the climate and other factors, but it ranges between around six cents and 88 cents per hour. In a warm climate, as we have here in Charlotte, it's typically not going to be on the lower end of that range. In contrast, a ceiling fan costs about one cent per hour to operate, so it's still well worth it—and there are also other major benefits of ceiling fan installation.

What Types Of Ceiling Fans Are There?

There are multiple types for different purposes. You can choose to have systems with or without lighting, different levels of fan motor strengths, or different quality fan blades. Keep in mind that three-blade, four-blade, and ve-blade units also operate differently and are designed for different kinds of environments.

Where Should A Ceiling Fan Installation Be Located In My Home?

When it comes to the best location for ceiling fan installation, Charlotte, NC residents typically choose to situate them in a large room where they spend a lot of time, like the family room, living room, dining room, kitchen, or primary bedroom. In most cases, it will need to be at or near the center of the ceiling, and certain conditions need to be met for the fan to operate safely:

• Ceiling height is important because the blades need to be at least seven feet away from the floor, or eight feet for metal blades
• The unit needs to be well out of reach from bunk beds or any other type of tall furniture that can be climbed on
• It must have full clearance away from cabinets, large furniture or building components the blades could hit
• Blades cannot pass underneath a lighting fixture because it will create a strobing effect when the light and fan are on at the same time
• If it's being installed on a sloped ceiling, an extender kit with a downrod will need to be used, and your handyman will ensure that the lowest part of the fan still meets height requirements

Is It Dangerous To Leave A Ceiling Fan On All The Time?

• The fan improves air circulation and starts working seconds after it's turned on, so not only is there no bene t to leaving it on while you're not there, but it's needlessly wasting electricity without providing your household with any benefit.
• Like anything else, the more the unit is used, the more wear and tear damage it will accumulate, and you'll eventually need a replacement ceiling fan installation. Charlotte, NC homeowners can keep their units in great shape for longer by switching them o when it's not needed.
• That being said, there's nothing wrong with leaving your unit on for long periods of time when you are in the room and benefitting from the increased air circulation, such as overnight in your bedroom or all day long in the living room or kitchen while people are popping in and out of those rooms.