Guess what? The title of this article is simply misleading. The only real “con” when it comes to a ceiling fan is what it takes to install it correctly. Ceiling fans can be difficult to install for inexperienced DIYers. In some cases, you will need to install an electrical line in the area where the ceiling fan will be installed. Unless you’re an expert at doing this sort of thing, hiring a licensed, certified, and qualified electrician will probably save you a lot of complaints in the long run.
There is also the minor “con” involving the issue of regular maintenance. Properly installed, a ceiling fan will provide years and years of pleasant cooling and savings on your heating bill (assuming you have a fan that allows you to reverse the direction of the blades). Of course, you need to clean the blades from time to time, but then everyone has household cleaning chores to take care of from time to time.
Sometimes ceiling fans get unbalanced and need minor adjustments. The most common culprits are loose screws that hold the blades to the motor housing, blades that are not at the same angle (pitch) as the rest of the blades, and one blade or blades that weigh a little more than the others.
Without going into too much detail, make sure all the screws are tight. If they are not tightening the ones they have come loose and run the fan. If the wobble has stopped, your problem has been resolved.
Otherwise, use a yardstick or other straight piece of wood and place it (with the fan stopped) vertically on the outside edge of one of the blades. Rotate the blades by hand to make sure each blade touches the stick. If one or more don’t, simply (and gently) fold the sheet(s) so their pitch matches the others and repeat the process until you’re satisfied each sheet has the same pitch. Turn the fan back on and see if it has resolved the issue.
If not, you have a weight problem (I don’t necessarily mean you, personally). The weight problem is that one or more of the blades weighs a little more than the others. This sometimes happens when the blades are made from natural organic material like wood. Manufacturers often include what are called “balance weights” in the box with the ceiling fan. These can be used to make up for any weight difference that may have resulted over time. These “balance weights”, or clips as they are sometimes called, can be attached to the top of the sheet so that they are practically out of sight. Start with one blade by placing the clip near where the blade is attached to the motor. Run the fan. If the problem persists, move the weight to the end of the blade. Try to run the fan again. If the problem persists, keep moving the weight. If you are near the end of the blade and still have a problem, go to the next blade. Continue this process until you find the one with the weight problem.
While this is a somewhat time consuming process, it will solve the problem when all else fails. By the way, if the manufacturer didn’t supply any clips, you can usually buy these clips at a home center or large hardware store. If you prefer, you can improvise by placing a coin or other small weight on top of the sheet and securing it with a small piece of electrical tape.
Almost everyone has air conditioning. Central air conditioning is a real expense, but almost necessary in areas that have to endure hot, humid weather during the summer months. A wise move is to consider the ceiling fan as an alternative to air conditioning, especially during the night hours. As evening approaches, turn off the air conditioning completely or at least turn up the thermostat a bit. Assuming your home is relatively airtight, the temperature should remain constant for at least an hour or so. Turn on the ceiling fans or, if they are already on, increase the rotation speed. The cooling effect produced will make you feel several degrees cooler and provide a cool alternative to somewhat static air conditioning.
The cooling effect will more than make up for the decrease in air conditioning and should maintain adequate cooling during the evening hours. In the morning, when you feel the temperature rise to a slightly uncomfortable level, turn down the thermostat a few notches to increase the use of the air conditioning unit while leaving the ceiling fans on.
The little extra effort to make these adjustments to your cooling schedule will soon become a habit and pay off in terms of utility cost savings. Estimates of these savings vary and depend on a number of factors including the efficiency (and maintenance) of your air conditioning unit and the quality and maintenance of your ceiling fans.
Purchasing high-quality ceiling fans is always worth it in the long run due to their operational efficiency and durability. On average, you can expect a reduction of at least $30 a year in your utility costs if you use a good plan that incorporates the combined use of air conditioning, heating, and ceiling fans.
If you don’t already have your home equipped with ceiling fans and you’ve decided it’s worth considering, it’s a good idea to do some due diligence. There are a multitude of brands out there and a multitude of types, sizes, and styles available for each brand. A few years ago the government established what is called the “Energy Star” program. This program is supported by the EPA and designates specific lighting fixtures and ceiling fans as “Energy Star” qualified. You can count on getting a more energy efficient unit when you purchase one that meets the “Energy Star” requirements. Unfortunately, a large number of manufacturers offer only a few “Energy Star” qualified models. The good news is that the list is growing. For more information on “Energy Star”, I suggest visiting energystar.gov
In addition to looking for quality, you should also consider the size of the fan (often called blade width) in relation to the room you plan to add a ceiling fan to. There are currently at least seven fan widths available, and fan size to square footage of room charts are available online at many websites, as well as physical stores that sell ceiling fans.
Always look for a reversible ceiling fan. Almost all higher quality fans include this feature. Lower-quality, bargain-priced ceiling fans may not be. The reversible function is essential if you want to enjoy the benefits of your fan during the summer and winter months. Is that how it works. In the warmer months, you’ll want to pull the warmer air up to the ceiling. Although hot air naturally rises, a ceiling fan, set to rotate counterclockwise, will provide an extra boost. As warmer air moves up, the temperature in the room drops or is replaced by cooler air and the thermostat reflects the change, reducing how often the air conditioner comes on.
When it starts to get colder outside, switch the ceiling fan to turn clockwise. This pushes hot air from the ceiling area down and increases the temperature of the room. The thermostat registers the rise in temperature and therefore runs the oven less often.
One of the main advantages of using ceiling fans is the breeze they generate. Everyone loves a cool breeze on a warm summer afternoon, and likewise a warm breeze on a cool day. You just don’t enjoy these benefits of air conditioning or furnace-heated air.
In conclusion, there are very few cons to installing ceiling fans in your home and a whole host of pros. Oh, did I remember to mention the fact that most real estate agents will tell you that ceiling fans increase the value of your home far more than your outlay of cash to purchase and install them?