History of the ceiling fan
The history of the ceiling fan dates back to the 1860s in America when the first of its kind was ever created. Unlike modern-day electrical motor ceiling fan, these archaic versions were powered by water. With the use of a turbine, a stream of water would be used to manipulate a system of belts and turn the individual blades of the ceiling fan.
While the electric ceiling fan is represented in most homes throughout the world, some of the larger water-powered systems can still be seen today in various restaurants and large department stores in parts of the Southern States of America.
Ceiling fan verses air conditioner
The ceiling fan and air conditioner, while sharing the same purpose, are as different in functionality as a car might be to a golf ball. A ceiling fan promotes the circulation of air around a room, thus providing a nice breeze which somewhat alleviates the heat. An air conditioner on the other hand, directly changes the temperature of the air through a cooling system, and blows this cold air into a room.
The modern day electrical ceiling fan also has a reverse mechanism, which provides the option to change the direction of circulation from clockwise to counter-clockwise. They also allow one to opt for a heating or cooling effect, though they are more commonly used to cool a room down.
The modern ceiling fan
Since the beginning of the 21 st century, the ceiling fan has shifted from being an often over-looked and everyday household appliance to a powerful statement in fashion! Boasting an array of decorative and even designer styles, there are now even companies and business dedicated to the aesthetics of the ceiling fan! Whether you prefer your cooling implement to have a more rustic appeal, with wooden blades and brass finishes; or want to make a more modern statement, with minimalist style stainless steel rotor blades; the sheer diversity and variety out there provides one with unlimited choice. Companies that specialize in selling ceiling fans that are a blend of art and functionality include Fanimation, The Modern Fan Company and The Period Arts Fan Company.
Tips on using a ceiling fan
So, if you rely on a ceiling fan to provide you with a bit of respite on a scorching summer's day, here are a few useful tips on how to get the full potential out of your ceiling fan:
In summer, make sure your ceiling fan is operating in a counter-clockwise direction so that it blows the air directly downwards. In winter, change the settings on your ceiling fan to clockwise, so that air gets blown towards the ceiling. This may sound preposterous, but it all relies on the fact that hot air rises and cool air sinks. This is why the attic or the upstairs part of a house feels so much hotter than the rest of the house. So, when the fan blows air downwards in summer, it stirs the layer of cooler air nearer the ground, providing a delicious breeze. Additionally, it enhances the body's natural cooling mechanism by promoting the evaporation of sweat.
Conversely, when a ceiling fan blows air upwards, it transports the layer of warmer air accumulated around the ceiling down towards the ground, thus making the room feel warmer.
Another tip is, in summer, set your ceiling fan on a higher power setting and in winter, to a lower setting to maximize your comfort benefit. The beauty of a ceiling fan is that it can maintain the level of comfort in a room without any drastic changes in temperature. This makes it less demanding on electricity while actually proving to be better for your health. Air conditioners are notorious for initiating chest colds and flu because people make the mistake of setting them to glacial conditions and leaving them on.
Different types of ceiling fan
Comercial or industrial ceiling fan
Commercial or industrial ceiling fans are predominantly used to cool factories, large department stores and offices. As such, they are built larger, with three blades and a high-speed motor. The implementation of three blades is what makes commercial and industrial ceiling fans so cost effective. More blades weigh the central motorized hub down, making it require more electricity to operate. The use of these ceiling fans helps to conserve as much as 75% of a company's annual energy consumption.
Industrial or commercial ceiling fans can also be purchased with an ultra quiet motor, making the working environment less distracting and more comfortable and productive. These energy-efficient ceiling fans are capable of pushing massive amounts of air compared to the traditional ceiling fan.
Low profile ceiling fan
A hugger or low-profile ceiling fan is designed to fit in rooms with lower ceilings and as such, they can be installed as close as possible to the ceiling surface without actually touching it. This makes them fit in more aesthetically with the room as well as avoiding the unpleasant circumstance of someone's hand getting amputated.
Outdoor ceiling fan
Outdoor ceiling fans are designed to be used in covered outdoor locations, such as on a porch, or under a gazebo in the garden. To withstand the elements, outdoor ceiling fans are crafted from durable materials that are resistant to heat, cold and humidity. Furthermore, they are fitted with non-warping blades and painted with a rust-proof finish. People should, however, exercise caution when fitting a ceiling fan outdoors, as exposure to any wetness or the rain could damage the motor and even cause a short circuit in your home's electrical wiring.
Energy Star ceiling fan
Lastly, the Energy Star ceiling fan is produced and manufactured under a label called the Energy Star. This ceiling fan specializes in being incredibly energy efficient – as much as 50% more than your traditional ceiling fan – as well as being quite a bit less expensive.