If you want to save money on your heating or cooling bill, add flush mount ceiling fans to your home. Ceiling fans are not just for vaulted ceilings, but add comfort to almost any home.
Traditional ceiling fans hung on a down rod. This down rod is hollow and lowers the fan eight or more inches below the ceiling. The down rod holds the fan motor in place and serves as a conduit for the electrical wires. In addition to providing power for the fan these wires may also provide power for the attached lights.
Perhaps you have been inside older stores and have seen ceiling fans with down rods that lower the fan a full story inside the building. Flush mount ceiling fans attach directly to the ceiling. The motor is attached to the ceiling without the use of a down rod. Some ceiling fans give the installer the option of either a flush mount or a down rod mount. You should be aware that these dual mount fans will hang lower than a simple flush mount fan.
Ceiling fans can help you to use less power year round.
During the summer, use the fan to push the air down. The air circulation aids in evaporation of your perspiration and keeps you feeling cool. This will allow you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature and still be comfortable.
During the winter, the fan should be reversed and left at a low speed. Heat that collects near the ceiling will be circulated throughout the room and those hot pockets of air you feel when moving from a seated to standing position are eliminated.
During the fall or spring, you may be able to turn off all other heating or cooling, open the windows and enjoy the breeze of the fan.
With very low ceilings, a light kit may not be an option. If you have the room, light kits can easily be added to the fan. Kits are available in many styles and can be found to match both your new fan and room decor.
Most do-it-yourselfers with any electrical experience will be able to install a ceiling fan. Just remember that you should not use an electrical junction box that is only designed for a regular light. You will need a box the attaches to both of the rafters to support the extra weight of the ceiling fan to prevent possible injury from a falling fan.
If your ceiling fan vibrates excessively, see the owner’s manual for instructions on balancing the blades.
A flush mount ceiling fan can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
