How Ceiling Fans increase Energy Efficiency in the Home

Early ceiling fans were seemingly expensive and not ideal for homes.  They were mostly seen in restaurants, stores, and offices in the southern United States where temperatures were the hottest.  It was during the late 1970’s, after the energy crisis, that the ceiling fan became increasingly popular within the United States.  Ceiling fans became more popular at this time because they consumed far less energy than air conditioning.  During this time, companies such as Casablanca Fan Co., which still dominate the ceiling fan business today, began increased production of ceiling fans to be marketed to the United States as well as other countries around the world.

Over time, air conditioning became more available and affordable, and the use of ceiling fans as the primary home cooling source declined.  However, due to the recent rise in energy costs, and an increase in consumer awareness to the need to conserve energy, ceiling fan use is once again on the upward slope.  With the many efficiencies that are produced by just one ceiling fan, it is no wonder that this appliance has become a staple to most households.

The Ceiling Fan Wind-Chill Effect

“Wind chill is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin due to the combination of air temperature and wind speed.”

We often think of wind chill only in terms of winter weather issues such as, the wind chill factor making the temperature outside “feel” like it is freezing, or factoring in the wind chill to develop a new idea of outdoor temperature.  We don’t typically think about a wind chill in a positive way such as that which is caused by using a ceiling fan during the warm summer months.  However, a ceiling fan creates a wind chill factor that is both comfortable and desirable during the hot and often sticky summer months.

When operated in the NORMAL direction (counter-clockwise), ceiling fans move the air which helps to evaporate moisture from the skin.  The evaporation of moisture from our skin helps create a cooling effect, otherwise known as a wind chill effect.  In essence, this wind chill effect makes us “feel” like the air is much cooler than it actually is by cooling off body temperature.

The use of a ceiling fan creates a wind chill effect that can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler than the air around you.  This means that in a room with a stifling temperature of 78 degrees which is not very comfortable, the use of a ceiling fan could increase comfort by making the room feel like a cool 70 degrees.  In return, the air conditioning thermostat can be set to a higher temperature and the room will continue to feel cooler thanks to the air circulation caused by the ceiling fan.

Lower Heating and Cooling Costs

By raising the thermostat during the summer months, the average American household could save as much as 40% on their air conditioning bill.  However this is not the only time that a ceiling fan can help save money.  Ceiling fans should also be used to reduce energy costs during the winter months.

Although we certainly do not want to create a wind chill effect during the already cold winter, with proper use a ceiling fan can help create a warming effect as well.  When operated in the REVERSE (clockwise) direction on a low speed, a ceiling fan creates a gentle upward draft which circulates the hot air that often gets trapped at the ceiling.  The fan pushes the warm air down from the ceiling toward the room’s occupants.  Especially in rooms with cathedral type or high ceilings, the use of a ceiling fan can provide even, comfortable heat throughout an otherwise uncomfortable room.

Casablanca Fan suggests that “the re-circulation of warm air as caused by a ceiling fan allows you to lower the room’s thermostat setting.”   The result of operating a ceiling fan in the REVERSE direction and pushing the warm air back down to floor level is a more effective use of the home’s heating system as well as lower energy consumption. This can save the average American household an additional 10% on heating costs during the winter months.

Ceiling Fans Reduce Energy Consumption

Ceiling fans are very energy efficient.  In fact, Ron Rezek, an industrial designer who owns the Modern Fan Company, claims that a ceiling fan uses about the same amount of energy as the average 25-100 watt light bulb.  Furthermore, the American Lighting Association or ALA as well as the Department of Energy have taken steps to assure that all ceiling fan manufacturers begin labeling products with a standard format making it easier for consumers to make smart choices regarding fan efficiency.

Beginning in January 2009, “all ceiling fan cartons, brochures, catalogs and Web sites will be required to provide the products electrical usage at high speed expressed in CFM.”(New Laws…)  The labeling system will contain information for the consumer to make an informed purchase decision based on electricity use described in watts, the amount of air the fan will move described in CFM (cubic feet moved per minute), and airflow efficiency expressed in CFM/Watt (amount of air the product will move per watt of electricity).  (Appliance Labeling Rule) 

The use of a ceiling fan reduces the amount of energy consumed in a home by allowing us to increase the thermostat in the summer months, and lower it during winter months.  Andrew Fanara of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program says that since “the energy we use in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. So the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.”  By consuming less energy, fewer CO2 emissions are released into the Earth’s atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels.  The reduction of CO2 emissions can greatly prolong the life of the Earth by slowing the effects of global warming.

Casablanca Fan Company suggests that “there are differences one should consider when seeking quality, lasting performance and value,” from a ceiling fan.  The motor is one of the most important components of the fan in terms of efficiency.  An undersized motor that is poorly constructed can lead to higher operating temperatures, humming and clicking, thus drastically reducing efficiency and possibly increasing energy consumption. “The powerful Casablanca ceiling fan motors move more cubic feet of air per minute (CFMs) while using significantly less energy.” 

“Casablanca Fan Company is dedicated to creating fans that work smarter, not harder, so that each element is fine-tuned to contribute to overall savings in energy costs.”  There are many ceiling fans available that are also Energy Star qualified providing greater energy efficiency.  With efficiencies like this it seems inefficient for a home not to be equipped with ceiling fans throughout its rooms.

Ceiling Fans produce a Calming Effect

Ceiling Fans for All Environments

 Fans come in various sizes and styles.  The average ceiling fan blade span ranges from 30 inches up to 60 inches.  It is important to install a fan that has a blade span large enough to move the most air within the room without being so large as to become a hazard.  There should be adequate space around the fan to promote rotation that is free of obstruction. 

Casablanca Fan Company offers a variety of fans that range from contemporary ceiling fan models to traditional ceiling fan models.  They offer ornamental styles with a hand carved look, period classics such as the 19th century or Victorian look, as well as casual look and décor specific for the designer home.  Teamed with Energy Star efficiency, elegance, and comfort, Casablanca ceiling fans to fit just about anywhere.