Many Ceiling Fans to Choose From in Seattle
Category: Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan is an electrically powered fan that is affixed to the ceiling. Unlike air conditioners, they do not change air temperature, but instead circulate air (which often gives the appearance of cooling). They only introduce movement to the air through their rotating paddles. There are, however, some fans that reverse the direction in which the blades move, which helps with ventilation and in assisting your heating system. They use much lesser power than your HVAC system, which makes them an efficient alternative to other cooling methods. A ceiling fan provides a breeze that can be greatly assisted with the introduction of fresh air from outside. From a design standpoint, their classic look will also accentuate and add character to absolutely any room in your Seattle, WA home.
A ceiling fan is composed of an electric motor, blades or paddles, metal arms, flywheel, rotor and others. The paddles, usually three to six in number, connected by metal arms or blade irons to the motor, mount either under, on the side or on top of the electric motor. Other fans vary with style and may include downrods, metal pipes used to suspend the fan from the ceiling, switch housing and even lamps, uplights or downlights.
There are several types of fans that vary based on energy efficiency and style. A cast-iron ceiling fan is solidly built, with a housing encasing a very heavy-duty oil-bath motor, which needs periodic oiling. A stack-motor ceiling fan whose fan blades are mounted to a central hub called a “flywheel” is an energy efficient motor far less costly to operate than air conditioning equipment. A direct-drive ceiling fan, which is the least expensive, uses a motor with a stationary inner core with a shell that revolves around it. A friction-drive ceiling fan which also consumes very low energy employs a low-torque motor mounted transversely to the flywheel.
The different ceiling fans also operate differently. Some come with the pull-chain or pull-cord control. They are equipped with metal chains or cloth cords, which, when pulled, cycle the fan. Multiple pulls will either change the fan speed or turn the fan off. Other fans operate on variable-speed control where a dial, which works like a dimmer switch, is mounted on the fan. Some fans have their controls mounted on the wall while others come with wireless remote controls that transmit radio frequencies or infrared control signals to the receiver installed in the fan.
Since their first appearance in the early 1860s, ceiling fans have evolved into something much more useful. They are a popular appliance in Seattle, WA for homeowners keen on taking control of their energy consumption. If you are considering adding a ceiling fan to your home, you should call a certified Seattle, WA ceiling fan professional. A trained professional will be able to offer installation of a variety of fans as well as help you identify one that best suits your needs.
