Types of Ceiling Fans

Indoor Ceiling Fans In the past decade, ceiling fan technology has advanced: indoor ceiling fans circulate air to make rooms feel cooler in the summer, and to reduce winter heating bills for an overall energy savings of up to 30 percent. Operating a ceiling fan costs as much as operating a 60- to 100-watt light bulb. Energy Star models offer the greatest energy savings.

Ceiling fan light kits add fashion and function to ceiling fans, with unique glass designs to complement the vast choice of finish and blade materials that the market offers. Downrods allow you to hang ceiling fans at alternate heights, and wall or handheld remotes make operation convenient. Motor size, speeds, blade pitch, and pricing determine efficiency and whether a ceiling fan can run continuously or for limited periods of time.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Outdoor ceiling fans are designed for damp or wet locations; install only outdoor ceiling fans in outdoor locations, even if there is an awning or screen enclosure. Pay attention to quality of the motor, design, durability, and performance ratings. Indoor or outdoor fan warranties may state lifetime coverage, but warranties only include certain components and rate second in importance to the aforementioned qualities.

Larger blade spans move larger amounts of air and are more conducive to cooling and warding off insects from a higher installation point. White and brown are the most versatile outdoor colors, but style demands that you consider metallic, rattan, bronze, and perhaps classic black in these more casual setting.

Bathroom Ceiling Fans
Bathroom ventilation is necessary to reduce and remove hot, moist air. The Home Ventilating Institute recommends eight air changes per hour and running bathroom exhaust/fan systems for 20 minutes to properly remove moisture. The trend in bathroom ceiling fans is toward less noise and more efficiency. Fan sizing is important, based on room volume and minimum per-minute airflow to achieve the proper air exchange. Some bathroom ceiling fans are equipped with lights and heating elements.