Energy Star fan are pitched at precisely the right angle for maximum energy efficiency. Most Energy Star have blades that are pitched around 14 degrees. The blade pitch makes for excellent air movement efficiency when paired with a motor that is equally efficient and powerful enough to move the blades without overworking.
Ceiling fans cool by creating a low-level “wind chill” effect throughout the room. In rooms where indoor humidity is not really high, the “wind chill” effect that is produced by a ceiling fan can be very comforting. Just remember:
The average ceiling fan light kit consumes approximately 300kwh/year while the average Energy Star rated light kit cuts consumption to approximately 120kwh/year. About 80% of the possible energy savings from a more efficient ceiling fan come from the lighting. By using Energy Star lighting with your Energy Star fan, you will save 60-80% and you will change light bulbs less often.
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Category Archives: Energy Star
How to Reduce Energy Costs During the Holidays
The Holidays are just around the corner and if you’re like a lot of people then your energy usage and costs always increase around this time of year. A large portion of this is due to the increase of lighting from Holiday decorations and hosting Holiday guests. Here are som
e simple ways to help reduce the looming energy spike that is coming so you can spend more money on presents instead of worrying about your future electric bills.
Energy Star Light Fixtures
A great way to help reduce energy costs during the Holidays (and year-round) is by replacing old light fixtures with Energy Star light fixtures. By using Energy Star light fixtures throughout your home you can save hundreds of dollars annually due to the fact that they use up to 75% less energy than standard light fixtures. For a product to receive an Energy Star rating it must meet specific guidelines that are set by The United States Department of Energy and The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Updating your home with Energy Star light fixtures will not only help reduce energy costs but can also be an easy way to update a room’s décor. So if you are planning on hosting any 
Holiday parties and want to improve the look of your home, changing the light fixtures is a fast and easy way to do so.
The most important rooms during the Holidays are usually the kitchen and dining room. This is where most family members and friends gather to celebrate together.
If you are looking for a light fixture for your kitchen check out Energy Star Pendants. They are available in a variety of styles to illuminate all areas of your kitchen from islands to bar areas. And if you are looking for a light fixture for your dining room then you should consider Energy Star Chandeliers. I believe having an Energy Star Chandelier in a dining room is a must because they add a sense of elegance while still saving you money.
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
The easiest way to reduce energy costs during the Holidays is by replacing all incandescent bulbs in your home with energy efficient bulbs, like CFL and LED light bulbs.
CFL light bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Can save you up to $40 in electric costs over their lifetime
- Produces 75% less heat, which makes them safer to operate & cuts energy costs associated with home cooling
- Use 75% less Energy
- Lasts 10X longer
- Use 75% less energy
- Lasts 15x longer
- Produces a bright, crisp light
- Contains no toxic materials
Other helpful ways to reduce Energy Costs and Usage during the holidays
Besides updating light fixtures and bulbs with energy star rated products here are a couple of other tips on how to reduce energy usage during my favorite part of the year.
Use LED Christmas Lights indoors and outdoors. Two years ago when riding around looking at Christmas lights I noticed these beautiful bright lights on certain houses and I had to find out what type of lights they were. I found out that they were LED Christmas Lights. The next year I replaced all my Christmas lights with LED Lights. Not only do they feature bright, colorful lights they also help reduce energy usage (along with costs) dramatically. A 100 bulb strand of LED Christmas Lights uses around 4 watts, where as a regular 100 bulb strand of Christmas lights can use around 34 watts! Plus the 
they last longer.
Keep Christmas Lights off during the day. I’ll admit I have been guilty of having the Christmas tree lit during the day, but it is really a waste of energy if you think about it. This year NO Christmas lights on during the day. You really don’t get the full effect of the lights anyway during the day so why waste energy and money.
Limit the time the Lights are on. If you have outdoor Christmas lights put them on a timer so they are turned off automatically the same time every day. This way you won’t fall asleep with the lights on during the whole night. I’ve done that before.
So enjoy the Holiday Season this year and help reduce your energy use and costs at the same time by updating lighting fixtures and bulbs with Energy Star approved items, updating Holiday decorations with new energy efficient decorations, and by limiting the amount of time Christmas lights are on. I hope this post helps you save money and energy during the holidays so you can enjoy your time with family and friends without worrying about future electric bills.
What do you do to during the Holidays to reduce your energy consumption and costs?
Check out CeilingFan.org for more ways to help reduce your energy bills during the Winter.
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Why Consider Energy Star Lighting for the Home?
Energy Star Rated products are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They use up to 75% less energy than standard products with the same features. For instance, the average energy star ceiling fan is 50%
more energy efficient than a standard ceiling fan model. These savings can be seen first hand on household utility bills.
There are thousands of energy star products on the market today. A great way to increase energy savings in the home is by installing an energy star rated lighting product such as a light fixture, light bulb and ceiling fan. When you use energy star products throughout your home you are saving money, saving energy, and saving the planet all at the same time.
What is Energy Star Lighting?
In order to be considered energy star rated, a product must meet specific guidelines that are set by the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These standards are set for each individual group of products and rate qualities that relate to the energy efficiency of the product when used under normal circumstances.
Energy Star products are specifically designed to use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Today there is a full line of products that have met specific product specifications and endured rigorous testing in order to earn the energy star rating. From appliances to electronics, office equipment to commercial food service equipment, and lighting fixtures to ceiling fans, there are thousands of products that can help you on your way to energy savings one small step at a time.
Energy Star Lighting Helps Saves Money and the Earth
More than 40% of United States carbon dioxide emissions stem from the burning of fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generation. These harmful emissions contribute largely to the effects of global warming which has been blamed for rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and significant changes to the amount and pattern of precipitation. Many fear that global warming factors will have adverse effects on the Earth over time if the issue is not solved soon.
Using less energy at home reduces the greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. This in return reduces the risks of global warming climate change. If every household takes steps toward reduced energy consumption then greenhouse gas emissions can be greatly reduced and the outlook of a cleaner planet is possible.
Some of the most used energy within the home comes from lighting, which is used on a daily basis in every home. Luckily we all have the ability to make a difference in the amount of energy that is consumed by taking small steps toward energy efficiency.
Using energy star rated products such as energy star lighting throughout the home can help you save hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills while at the same time helping save the Earth.
- uses up to 75% less energy than standard lights
- produces 75% less heat
- lasts up to ten times longer than the average light bulb.
What this means to the consumer:
- You can save on your utility bill through decreased energy consumption from both the light use as well as the cooling cost of your home since the light puts off less heat
- You can save the Earth by reducing the amount of fossil fuels that are burned to create energy
- You can save time by replacing light bulbs less often since energy star bulbs last ten times longer than the standard bulb
Energy Star Products Fit Any Design
Today there are energy star products that are sure to fit any home design. There is no longer the need to sacrifice style just to conserve energy and save the planet. From energy star lighting to ceiling fans there is an energy efficient, energy star product that will compliment any décor.
Energy star lighting can be used throughout the home to increase energy efficiency within the home and to add beauty. From elegant chandeliers to simple flush mount lighting, beautiful wall sconces to pendants there is a lighting fixture that is energy star approved for any room in the home.
Energy star lighting products come in finishes that will coordinate with any décor.
Popular finishes include:
- Bronze
- Brushed Nickel
- Rust
- Patina
- Chrome
- Oak
To conserve even more energy throughout the home, there are energy star rated ceiling fans that are perfect for every room. Energy Star ceiling fans not only use 50% less energy than a standard ceiling fan model, they also help to reduce the amount of energy used by air conditioning and heating in a home by 10-20%.
Energy star ceiling fans are available in a variety of styles. From modern to traditional there is an energy star ceiling fan for every room in a home. Energy Star ceiling fan models are also available with a UL damp or wet rating for use in humid, damp, or wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, covered porches, pool areas, and salt water zones.
Energy Star ceiling fans come in finishes that are sure to compliment the décor of any room. Fan blades and motor housings can be chosen to coordinate with just about any home décor also.
Popular fan finishes include:
- White
- Black
- Brushed Nickel
- Chrome
- Bronze
- Walnut
- Brushed Steel
- Aluminum
- Pewter
Read more about why to choose an Energy Star rated fan for your Home.
What Energy Star Products are Available?
Energy Star products come in a variety of styles that are sure to compliment any home décor. There is no need to sacrifice beauty when saving energy.
Energy Star Ceiling Fans: Energy Star Ceiling Fans come from the following manufacturers 
- Fanimation
- Minka-Aire
- Modern Fan Company
- Monte Carlo
- Casablanca Fan Company
- Savoy House
- Emerson
- Hunter
- Kichler
- Period Arts
- Quorum
- Sea Gull Lighting
- Ellington
- Craftmade
These fans were designed with both energy efficiency and style in mind. They all feature enhanced energy efficient technology such as improved motor and blade designs.
Energy Star Kitchen Lighting: The kitchen is a very popular place within most homes. It is a place to both cook and entertain, so it must be both well lit and comfortable. Nobody wants to stand in a kitchen that is overheated just from the lighting. Choose the right kitchen lighting that is perfect to illuminate the kitchen area and is also Energy Star rated.
Choose Energy Star pendant lighting to light up a kitchen island counter top or bar. For overhead lighting that is both simple and beautiful many choose recessed lighting for use throughout the kitchen area. There is Under Cabinet lighting that is energy star rated as well as energy star flush mount lights. Light layering will make a kitchen bright and beautiful and with energy star products it won’t cost a fortune.
Energy Star Bathroom Lighting: Bathrooms are most used for tasks such as grooming, makeup application, and bathing. You should be able to see well when you are in the bathroom without the area being over lighted or having a glare.
There are single, double, and triple vanity lights that are all energy star rated and excellent for use in smaller bathrooms. For a larger bathroom, there are Quad bath lights and oversize vanity lights that span in excess of 4 feet in length. These are perfect for a Master Bathroom with a large mirrored wall.
Energy Star Outdoor Lighting: A well lit yard brings beauty and class to any home, but a well lit yard should not equal an outrageous utility bill. Not only does Energy Star Outdoor lighting save you money,
there is also Energy Star outdoor lighting that is International Dark Sky Association compliant which means it reduces the amount of night sky pollution that is omitted from the lighting itself.
From Flush mount lighting for the lanai to wall mount lighting beside the garage door there are numerous energy star rated outdoor light fixtures available online. Post mount lighting may be used around the yard to light specific areas while a hanging light may be placed over an entrance way for safety and style.
Energy Star Chandeliers: The chandelier is a statement of class and beauty that draws attention and adds flare to a room. With Energy Star Chandeliers a home can be more energy efficient without sacrificing beauty. Most Energy Star Chandeliers consume an average of 75% less energy than their standard counterparts. What this means is that you can light your dining area with an energy star chandelier and enjoy the same amount of light as you would from a standard chandelier model for a fraction of the cost.
Energy Star Wall Sconces: A wall sconce can be used throughout the home anywhere that light is needed and there is not a lot of space. Not only do energy star wall sconces save up to 75% on light energy consumption they are also a great choice for areas such as bathrooms, hallways, kitchens and dining areas where additional light or ambient light is needed.
Energy Star Pendants: Pendants are an excellent source of decorative light. They are a great choice for kitchen areas as well as dining areas. Energy Star Pendant lighting is energy efficient, decorative, and functional. Not only do energy star pendants save you money, they also provide an excellent source of light throughout the home in areas where a chandelier or flush mount light may not be the style you are looking for.
Energy Star Light Bulbs: Whenever you have Energy Star Lighting throughout the home you have the need for energy star light bulbs. These bulbs are known for providing warm, bright light without the high energy use of a standard light bulb. These bulbs last up to 10,000 hours which reduces the constant need to change light bulbs. This saves both time and money in the long run.
Energy Star light bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are sure to fit just about any light fixture. These bulbs alone can help you save on your utility bills and paired with Energy Star Rated light fixtures you will maximize your home’s overall energy savings.
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Why Energy Star Fans Contribute to a Better Planet?
 When it comes to saving the Planet an Energy Star fan is the way to go. These fans can be used to reduce energy consumption throughout the home both easily and effectively. Although an Energy Star ceiling fan looks just like a standard ceiling fan model, the components within the fan are far different.
All Energy Star Ceiling fans feature energy efficient technology that is a cut above the rest in the ceiling fan industry. The fans are designed with maximum energy conservation in mind every step of the way. What this means to the final consumer is that by using an Energy Star rated ceiling fan in the home you are not only afforded comfort and style, but you are saving the planet at the same time. With an Energy Star fan you get to save money, save electricity, reduce consumption of valuable fossil fuels, prevent harmful pollution from corroding the atmosphere, and add class to any room in your home. Although there was a time when energy efficiency meant that you had to sacrifice style or beauty, that time has long passed. Today, Energy Star fans are both beautiful and stylish while maintaining energy efficiency standards. |
Energy Star Fans Feature Energy Efficient TechnologyEnergy Star fans also operate more efficiently thanks to improved blade designs. The blades of an A curved fan blade design will move more air per minute than flat blades. In addition to greater air movement, these blades will put less wear and tear on a motor. The fan motor can operate at a lower speed with curved blades and still achieve adequate air movement in a room. Energy Star ceiling fans use improved motors to increase overall energy efficiency. These motors are built to last longer, run quieter, and use less energy than a standard ceiling fan motor. A conventional ceiling fan motor is only able to convert 1-2% of the energy it uses into beneficial air movement while the average energy star rated fan is able to convert about 50% of the energy that the motor uses into air movement. Energy Star fans come with advanced remote control that can be used to turn the fan on and off or adjust the speed based on room temperature. Some fans even come with motion sensors that will automatically turn the fan off or on when someone walks into the room. This feature will help eliminate even more wasted energy by making sure that a fan is not left on when there is nobody in the room to enjoy the benefits. Energy Star Fans Save You Money
Energy Star ceiling fans consume about half of the power that a conventional ceiling fan would consume through average daily use. This amounts up to an annual savings of approximately $15-20 or as much as $30 depending on the region that the fan is used in. Even more savings can be realized overtime with the use of multiple Energy Star fans in a household. Another way that an Energy Star ceiling fan save money is through the additional air conditioning and heating savings that can be realized when a ceiling fan is in use. With a ceiling fan in a room moving adequate air, the thermostat of the air conditioner in the summer months may be increased about 5 degrees and the room will still feel comfortable. The same savings may be seen during the winter months when the use of a ceiling fan allows you to lower the heating by 3-5 degrees. Not only do you save on your utility bill when you install Energy Star ceiling fans in your home, you can also save even more money with an Energy Star qualified fan just because the fan is backed by an excellent warranty. In order for a ceiling fan to receive the Energy Star approval it must come with a minimum warranty of 30 years on the motor and at least one year for all other parts and components. What this means to the consumer is that every Energy Star fan that they purchase will carry a minimum warranty with many models offering increased warranty coverage. Tips for Conserving Energy with an Energy Star Ceiling FanSome of the best blade and motor designs are said to be 3-9 times more efficient than the worst models. What this means is that although there are many Energy Star fans on the market, there is still a very vast range between the most efficient models and the least efficient models. There are a few things that you can consider when making the decision to purchase an Energy Star ceiling fan, such as air flow efficiency and blade pitch as well as motor efficiency. When looking to purchase an Energy Star fan to conserve energy, pay close attention to air flow efficiency of the fan. Airflow efficiency is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute per Watt otherwise known as CFM/watt. This measurement of efficiency is given at each of the fans three speeds—high, medium, and low. You can find the air flow efficiency measurement in a special information box on all Energy Star labeled fan packages. The air flow efficiency makes it easy to compare models side by side. The energy savings over the life of the fan can be greatly increased just by using a fan with a higher air flow efficiency factor. Keep in mind that in order for a fan to be considered for the Energy Star rating it must have an air flow efficiency of at least 155 CFM/watt at low speed, at least 100 CFM/watt at medium speed, and at least 75 CFM/watt when operated on high speed. Turn Fan Off When Leaving the Room
A ceiling fan only cools your body temperature and not the air within the room. The circulation from a fan creates a wind chill effect that is felt on human skin and does not actually lower room temperature. This wind chill effect is only noticeable if you are in the room so it is important that when trying to conserve energy you only use a ceiling fan when you are in the room. More on Ceiling Fan Energy Efficiency Save Even More with Energy Efficient LightingWhile ceiling fans can be substantial energy savers, the use of an Energy Star rated ceiling fan with lighting that is not energy star qualified can substantially increase energy use. It is important to use an Energy Star qualified light kit in order to keep the energy savings. Energy Star.Gov states that you can dramatically increase the energy savings by not only using an Energy Star rated ceiling fan but also by using an Energy Star qualified light kit with the fan. Since most ceiling fan lights are used an average of 4 hours or more a day, the savings that can be realized through the use of Energy Star lighting attached to a ceiling fan can be very significant.
Just like the stringent requirements that are required of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding Energy Star Ceiling fans and the new EPACT many similar requirements must be met when qualifying a compatible light kit. The following is a list of the requirements for ceiling fan lighting to receive the Energy Star logo.
Energy Star Fans Add Style to Any RoomIncrease the comfort and style in any room of the house with an Energy Star ceiling fan. Not only will you be saving money and the planet, but you can add beauty and class to just about any space with the addition of an Energy Star ceiling fan.
Sophisticated designs such as the Altus fan with a blade pitch of 12 degrees are commonplace from Modern Fan Company. The Altus features a shape that is geometrically attractive and natural in appearance. This fan is perfect for just about any room in the home and will not take away from the décor.
Other Energy Efficient models fall within styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Such styles add class and comfort to any room in the home without sacrificing energy savings.
For a contemporary look, the Alchemy ceiling fan from Hunter Fan Company is the way to go. Featuring five blades and four finish options this fan is a great choice for a living area or bedroom. The 15 degree blade pitch paired with a light kit that is also Energy Star qualified allow for maximum energy efficiency. |
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Energy Star Offers an Advanced Lighting Package
Across the United States, energy efficiency lighting programs provide resources for retailers, builders, and consumers who are interested in making energy-efficient building choices. These programs are administered by a wide array of organizations that must adhere to the government’s energy star lighting program.
Energy Star Lighting Rules
Some rules to these criteria that pertain to lighting industry are:
- Lighting fixtures must offer the same or more light while using two thirds less energy than incandescent fixtures.
- They must last at least 10,000 hours or about 7 years without changing the light bulb.
- They must make bulb replacements that plug in rather than that screw in so that people cannot put incandescent bulbs back in the fixture.
Based on the information above, we recommends replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures in your home with energy star qualified lighting. By simply doing this, you can save an average of $60.00 on electricity costs. (This depends on electricity rates and usage). This number is also based on today’s energy costs, which we all know have a tendency to rise.
Energy star qualified lighting fixtures are still relatively new and are becoming increasingly available. For a list of manufactures that supply these fixtures please visit the energy star
Web site at www.energystar.gov.
What exactly is the Advanced Lighting Package?
The energy star advanced lighting package (ALP) is a whole home lighting package that features energy star qualified criteria’s.
They are as follows:
High use rooms such as the kitchen, dining room, living room, family room should have at least 50% of these lighting fixtures energy star rated.
Medium / Low-Use rooms such as a bedroom, Den, Office Basement , Laundry room,
Garage Closet and all other rooms should have at least 25% of their total light fixtures energy star rated.
Outdoor lights affixed to the home or free standing pole should have at least 50% of
The lighting energy star rated.
To meet this criteria all ceiling fans must be energy star rated as well.
Builders who have met this criteria are eligible to use the energy star brand for marketing and promoting their homes as having the energy star. This helps potential buyers identify added value through energy-bill savings.
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