Are you part of the Austin Fan Club? One of the best ways to maintain comfort, reduce humidity, impede mildew or mold and enjoy a healthy, indoor air quality is with sufficient air circulation. Simple actions like opening windows, closing or opening curtains or blinds, and installing cellular shades are helpful. Planting deciduous trees like cedar elm or Texas elm on the south side and using ceiling fans can reduce energy consumption and promote a greener, more comfortable lifestyle.
The temperate climate in Texas not only means some 250 growing days between freezes for Austin gardeners and farmers, but also that homeowners can revel in natural air more than half the year. Only four months, June-Sept., have average night temperatures above 70 degrees and all under 80. That leaves eight months of tolerable temps after dark.
Ceiling fans first appeared in southern states around the Civil War and operated with running water, turbines and belts. Four blade models were popular in the 1920s, until production halted with the Great Depression. They were not manufactured again until after World War II. Like people initially suspect of electricity and microwave ovens, many were not enthusiastic about having an electrical appliance moving in circles over their heads. Today, it’s hard to find a house in Tarrytown or Allandale or almost any neighborhood in the greater Austin area – or maybe all of Texas – without at least one ceiling fan, if not several.
While some reports suggest that a ceiling fan can lower the temperature of a room by as much as six degrees, the fact is that the heat from the motor sometimes offsets any measurable change in temperature. Typically, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Most ceiling fans have three speeds and are reversible, and this permits the unit to lift hot air in warm months and force down warm air in cooler months. There’s a small switch on the base to reverse the blades, and it’s easy to remember to change it at the same time the clocks change to daylight savings and back.
Ceiling fans are certainly much less expensive, with fewer restrictions (like having all your windows closed), than air conditioning. It may raise the temperature a degree or two in summer without compromising comfort. In winter, a ceiling fan will minimize stratification of air, particularly in rooms with vaulted ceilings. Additionally, these high up fans promote natural air circulation with windows open on opposite sides of the house.
Prior to coordinating a ceiling fan to your décor, determine the size of the room, which then will influence the length of the blades. Take a vertical measurement from floor to ceiling, so you’ll know how low a fixture will come and assure that even the tallest person will clear the fan. General guidelines are:
8’ x 8’ room ~ 30” ceiling fan
12’ x 12’ room ~ 42” ceiling fan
18’ x 20’ room ~ 52” ceiling fan
Building codes may specify an allowable blade-to-floor distance, often seven feet minimum. Allow at least 18 inches from any wall. Optimum air circulation occurs with the paddles eight or nine feet above the floor. For extra high ceilings, a long rod lowers the fan from the mounting component. Don’t let the angle of your ceiling be a deterrent. Fan mounts come in standard, sloped, flush and extended options. Be sure the electrical circuit is adequate to power a fan and a light, if you have the illumination option.
Abacus Plumbing in Austin notes that ceiling fan installation can be dangerous and time-consuming. “A professional will be able to execute the installation properly and efficiently while adhering to all local codes and regulations.” [www.abacusplumbing.com]
When evaluating cost, plan to disregard the cheapest ceiling fans. They may hum and wobble, and the blade pitch is not as great because the motor cannot handle the air resistance. Blade angles and motor power determine how much air moves. Good quality ceiling fans add value to your home and usually come with a longer warranty.
Ceiling fan designs offer many different colors, materials and finishes. You can even order custom fans. Blades come in metal, wood, wood grains, painted, stained, brushed, basket weave and almost everything else. Choose something classic which will always match the house style.
Ceiling fans are very common now in porch ceilings, too. Even with hot summers, you can often throw open the windows or chill in the outdoor living spaces and let fresh air flow around you, naturally.
Looking to be part of the Austin Fan Club? Contact your friendly, experienced Habitat Hunters real estate agent today to find the perfect home.
