Fans can make a big temperature difference right away and can add to an interior / exterior space. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that if you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent. According to TheDailyGreen.com, “Fans use 90% less energy than central air, and make rooms feel seven to ten degrees cooler because of the process of evaporation.” In the winter, most fans can be run in reverse, pushing warm air down.
Formerly the eyesore of any interior decoration project, newer models offer many “historic” looks to compliment any decor. There are many companies online that offer more specialized options than your big box retailer. It’s worth a search on the internet—there are even some that function replicating an old “pulley system.”
This Old House has a great guide to purchasing and installing a ceiling fan:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,453858,00.htmlHere are some basics about ceiling fans:
1)Select the right fan for the size of the space. Energy Star has a great guide (
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans_basics)
2)Select the right fan for your needs. Fans that have been UL listed with a “damp” rating are good for bathrooms and spaces. If the fan comes in direct contact with water, like on a patio or front porch, look for a UL “wet” rating. These fans include features such as sealed/moisture resistant motors, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all weather blades.
Use your historic whole-house attic fansHistoric buildings were located and built to take advantage of breezes and, through their design, established patterns of cross ventilation. Many also relied on whole-house attic fans, mounted on the attic floor, to assist in pulling air from outside windows and circulate it throughout the home. Air circulation helps cleanse the home and promotes healthy air. If you have a whole-house attic fan, use it.
