American Lighting Association

Issue No. 39, July 2013

 

Fanimation
Photo courtesy of Fanimation

 
 
SIZE WISE
A Fan Enhances Any Size Room, No Matter How Large or Small
 
COMFORT ZONE
A Cool Outdoor Living Area is a Breeze
 
EXPERT ADVICE
Your Questions Answered by a Design Professional

Fantastic Fans
No longer something out of your grandmother's living room, the newest air movers can define a room's style with unusual textures and modern finishes, while minimizing energy consumption.

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SIZE WISE: A Fan for Every Room, No Matter How Large or Small

 

Ceiling fans provide comfort, beauty and energy efficiency, and can be sized for every space. No longer are you completely bound by a room's size when it comes to fan selection. In fact, some traditionally sized fans may be better fits for smaller spaces, based on airflow needs and overall aesthetics. Mini fans - some with just a single blade and small powerhouse motor - can fit in areas as small as closets. To determine what size fan is best for your space, use the following measurements:

 

 

  • Small room (up to 75 sq. ft.) = 36" diameter fan
  • Small/medium room (76-144 sq. ft.) = 42"-50" diameter fan
  • Medium room (144-255 sq. ft.) = 52"-54" diameter fan
  • Large room (225-400 sq. ft.) = 54"-72" diameter fan
  • Great room (400+ sq. ft.) = more than one 52"-72" diameter fan
     

 

Learn how to select the right lighting and ceiling fan products for your home at an ALA-member showroom.

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Emerson Ceiling Fans
Photo courtesy of Emerson Ceiling Fans

COMFORT ZONE: Cooling Outside Patios is a Breeze 

 

Just because it’s hot outside, you don’t have to sacrifice outdoor fun. Ceiling fans can help keep your outdoor patio or gazebo comfortable, much like an actual room. Be sure to check your outdoor ceiling fan’s UL listing to make sure it’s compatible with the location.

RegencyCeilingFans-2.

Photo courtesy of Regency Ceiling Fans
 

 

 

Read more about the advantages of installing and using ceiling fans throughout your home.

 

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Casablanca Fans
Photo courtesy of Casablanca Fan Co.

EXPERT ADVICE: Want More Ideas? Ask a Lighting Professional. 
Will leaving my ceiling fan on all the time, even if no one is in the room, help reduce my overall air conditioning expense? -Bob G.

No, a ceiling fan will not save energy if no one is in the room. Ceiling fans do not actually lower the temperature of a room; rather they make us feel cooler by moving air over our skin, which increases evaporation of the moisture on our skin.

Ceiling fans save energy by allowing the thermostat to be kept at a higher setting, while making you feels as though it is six to eight degrees cooler in that space. The fan costs pennies per day to operate versus dollars per day for the AC. To maximize your savings, be sure to turn off the fan when a room is unoccupied.

 

Do you have questions about lighting your home?
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For more about ceiling fans and home lighting, as well as design ideas, visit ALA online.

 

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MonteCarloFans
Photo courtesy of Feiss-Monte Carlo