1. Ceiling fans are not only reasonably priced, but operating a ceiling fan costs about as much as it does to operate a 60-watt light bulb. If your ceiling fan has a light fixture attached, use of fluorescent bulbs will cut operating costs even more.
2. When purchasing a ceiling fan, make sure the strength of the motor is compatible with the size of the room. Blade size usually coincides with motor size, but it is the pitch or the slant of the ceiling fan blades that determines the efficiency at which the air is circulated; the greater the pitch, the better the air circulation.
3. To save 10 to 20 percent on winter heating bills, run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction. Warm air is lighter than cool air, so it rises to the ceiling; clockwise operation directs warm air downward to mix with the cooler air below.
4. By running ceiling fan blades counter-clockwise in the summer, the blades create a cooling breeze without disturbing the warm air that rises to the ceiling. Thermostats can be set a few degrees higher throughout the summer, and cooling costs can be cut by as much as 20 to 30 percent.
5. Downrods are the rods that extend from the ceiling mount to the top of the fan; the rod must allow space for the blades to clear the ceiling. High ceilings require longer downrods, low ceilings require flush-mount installation, and angled ceilings require angle mounts.
6. Using dimmer switches to control the speed of ceiling fans can cause rattling and serious damage to fans. Some ceiling fans can be operated by remote control, and other ceiling fans make automatic temperature adjustments and change speeds when the room temperature changes.
7. Ceiling fans should be purchased according to the materials that make up the fan, not by the lifetime warranty that most manufacturers offer. This warranty is limited, covering only internal motor bearings and windings; blades, controls, and light fixtures are only under warranty for a year.
8. Performance-grade ceiling fans are constructed with durability in mind; large, quiet motors and well-pitched blades move air efficiently. Performance-grade ceiling fans can be run continuously for 24 hours a day, and remain maintenance-free for years.
9. Medium-grade ceiling fans are designed around their lower prices, but still have a fairly high level of performance and durability. Medium-grade ceiling fans are intended for average-sized rooms with maximum ceiling heights of 12 feet, and they should not be run for more than 12 continuous hours.
10. Economy-grade ceiling fans are all about low pricing and are not impressive performers. In selective areas - smaller rooms with an 8-foot ceiling limit - they can be dependable for up to 8 hours of operation at a time.
