Ceiling Fans - The Basics.

Ceiling fans are on of the best ways you can lower your electricity bill. They can cool entire rooms with very little electricity, far less then even the most efficient air conditioner could do. Ceiling fans come in a variety of designs from simple to very complex designs. With so many designs to choose from, you can find the perfect ceiling fan for any room in your home, some have lighting attached to them, and there are also simple kits that attach to most ceiling fans to add a light fixture to them.

The simplest and least expensive ceiling fans can be turned on and off by pulling a cord on the light, or flipping a light switch. Upgraded models usually have a dimmer for the light or even a remote control, to change the fan speed and the lighting. One of the most common mistakes when purchasing a ceiling fan is getting a remote that doesn’t work with it. Most remotes are universal, but specific ceiling fans sometimes call for a specific brand of remote control. All ways keep that in mind there’s nothing worse then coming home with a remote that doesn’t work for your new fan.

Most ceiling fans come in 3 speeds, although newer models may offer 4 or more speeds. While ceiling fans are frequently used to keep certain areas cool, most also offer the option of reversing the fan's motion to distribute heat in colder months. Ceiling fans may have three, four or five blades, sometimes called paddles. These blades commonly range in size from just over two feet long to a little over four feet long. The size and number of blades needed is dependent upon the size of the room the fan will cool, more blades will push more air for a bigger room. Be sure when you want to buy ceiling fans you shop around first. You should be able to find an adequate fan for around 200$, or a luxurious one for 400-500$.

Jeff Dell is owner/operator of Lamps-Lighting and has been working with lighting, and lighting ideas for the past 15 years.