If you are anything like most, you don’t know much about ceiling fans.  In order to get the most for your money, you need to become an educated comparison shopper, which involves understanding the basics of operation and options. Following is a quick crash course that should get you on the right track:

First and most important, you need to know the formula for great air flow: ceiling fan size/blade length – largest blade pitch + greatest RPMs = greatest air flow.

Concerning fan size/blade length and blade pitch, normal blade length is between 30 and 52 inches (the larger the blade surface, the more it will catch and move), and normal blade pitch is between 8 and 14 degrees (the larger the pitch the more air it is able to move).

Concerning RPMS, normal RPMS for 36 and 42 inch fans range from 20 to 300, while normal RPMs for 52 inch ceiling fans range from 20 to 220 (for the 52 inch fan, the reason for the smaller motor is that the blades are larger than the motor, so it pushes more air). Remember to pay attention to the motor size, and keep in mind that, as pitch or blade length increases so must the motor size or the RPMs will necessarily decrease.  Regarding maintenance, there are two different types of motors, sealed bearing (which never need to be serviced) and oil bath (which eventually need to be serviced).

Finally, you need to understand that hugger fans are not as economical as rod fans.  Hugger fans are too close to the ceiling and starve for air.  The only reason to use a hugger fan is if the room is too small to keep the fan the minimum recommended 7 foot from the floor.  Regardless, most fans today offer the option of being either a hugger fan or a rod fan.

As far as operation, the majority of fans operate via a 3-speed pull chain, but you can get them to have remotes or wall controls.  Ceiling fans have a normal current draw of 15 watts at a low speed and 115 watts at a high speed.

Note that, in cheaper fans, the fan blade material is thinner causing the fan to rattle or hum when in use. In addition, the blades and rods in these cheaper fans will ultimately wear out before the motor.

If you’re looking for a simple and economical way to impact your heating/cooling bill, a ceiling fan is a great place to start. Contact B.M.C/Clower today more ways to save on your energy expenses.