August 31, 2011

Combining the beautiful elements of your home with Ceiling Fans

In the past, ceiling fans were designed primarily to cool rooms, without paying attention to the style and color of other elements that integrate the home design. Today, ceiling fans provide a nice breeze cooling effect becoming part of your interior design.

Ceiling fans are very practical, very affordable and easy to maintain. It is easy to find ceiling fans according to your style, home décor, and needs. Nowadays, ceiling fan manufacturers are focused not only on the efficiency and functionality, but also on the style and design.

Maybe you have thought of adding a desktop or standing fan to your room. This is very practical but not necessary beautiful. Sacrificing style for portability is not a good idea; there is already so much going on on the floor that you don’t need more, and the last thing you want to have is a cluttered room. So, choosing a ceiling fan is still a more reasonable approach.

Ceiling fans come in different designs so you should be able to get ones that would fit perfectly to your room. There are some elements you should consider when you are getting a ceiling fan such as: the height of you ceiling, the area of your room, and the over-all design style of your space (like whether it is modern, transitional or traditional). For an outdoor space, make sure that the ceiling fan you choose is appropriate for outdoor use.

It doesn’t matter if you are in the process of remodeling or working on your first project, ceiling fans can make your home cool and refreshing, so take the initiative and start looking the perfect ceiling fan for your room.

August 27, 2011

Choosing The Perfect Outdoor Ceiling Fan


Usually ceiling fans are used inside the house; however, they also can be installed out of doors. There are many places you can actually set up a good outdoor ceiling fan; for example, in your balcony, patio, in your outdoor kitchen area, and if you have a swimming pool area with a ceiling, also an outdoor fan can be very practical.

Now, you’d be asking yourself why you would need a ceiling fan outdoors. In summer time, ceiling fans are perfect to give a nice breeze while driving away insect pests. Also, there are some ceiling fans that come combined with a light fixture, eliminating the need to purchase a separate outdoor lighting, bringing at the same time an extra element of décor.
Choosing an outdoor ceiling fan is basically the same as choosing an internal ceiling fan; though with some factors you need to consider, such as these:

Wet or Damp ceiling fans? Wet rated ceiling fans are designed for outdoor areas; they can tolerate wind, sun, rain and snow. On the other hand, damp rated ceiling fans can be installed in outdoor areas, but its exposure shouldn’t be directly to the elements mentioned before. Damp ceiling fans are usually good for indoors areas because they are manufactured to last longer compare to indoor ceiling fans.

What Size should be your Ceiling Fan? How big is your ceiling fan compared to the area would you like it to be installed? If you have a big area, it’s better to have a ceiling fan with an average size of 60”, but if your place is small, the size of the ceiling fan should be around 42”.  

Ceiling Fan Features you should consider: There are some features that definitely need to be taking into consideration when buying a ceiling fan; features such as the type of motor, the number of rotor blades and the number of speeds available can affect fan’s functionality. That’s why it’s important to understand each of these feature’s functions.

For those who end up going with an outdoor ceiling fan, we’d highly recommend to visit any of our showrooms or take a look at our website www.farreys.com to find out which ceiling fan would best accommodate to your needs.

August 16, 2011

One Blade, Four Blades, or Five Blades?


The Huxley by Fanimation
Are you interested in buying a ceiling fan, but don’t know how many blades is best? Lately, ceiling fans are offered with any number of blades from one to eight. Any number that is below three and above six is considered as unique and for decorative purposes only. Most fans have four or five blades; some are adjustable to take either.


It is easy to think that more blades more air, but in reality this is not true. If a fan has more blades, its motor will have a greater load and its speed will be lower. On the other hand, a fan with fewer blades will produce more air since the load is less on the motor. That’s the reason most commercial fans have three blades and a high speed motor, to provide the greatest amount of airflow proficiently.

But if you are concerned is noise, you should consider a ceiling fan with a greater number of blades, so it would operate at a slow speed and won’t be any noise compared to a three blade fan. So, the greater number of blades and the slower the speed, the less noisy a fan will be. This is the reason why residential fans (especially smaller models that operate at higher speeds overall) offer as many as six blades. Usually the extra noise of a four blade fan versus a five blade fan is not evident, but it can rely on the fan size and the motor speed.

So…after understanding the importance of the number of blades and its purpose, do you know which ceiling fan do you need for your next project?

August 13, 2011

How to Install a Ceiling Fan?



During summer time, ceiling fans can help you to save money and transform your home making it more comfortable and different. There are many benefits associated to ceiling fans; besides that they create a nice cooling breeze with a soft sound, they also help you fall asleep and relax you. There are a few important things you should know before getting ready to install your ceiling fan.

Depending on what is available in the room, the items you would need will differ. For example, if there is a light present on the ceiling, it is easy to use that electrical box and convert it to be ready for a ceiling fan.

On the other hand, if there is no light present in the room, and a box has not been installed, then some electrical work would be necessary in order to install the ceiling fan. Let’s assume in this article that a box is present. Keep in mind if you are not happy working with electrical wires, it’s always convenient to get assistance from an electrician to install a new box.

Before installing your ceiling fan, you should always first check the ceiling clearance. You do this by measuring the floor-to-ceiling distance and subtracting for the part of the fan that will extend below the ceiling down to the lower blade surface. Ideally, ceiling fan blades should be 7 to 8 feet from the floor.

Ceiling Fan Extension Downrods - If your ceiling is taller than 9 feet you will need an extension downrod. Keep in mind that you need at least one foot for the space from the top of the motor to the bottom of the switch housing.

There is a general formula for calculating downrod length that will help you know exactly how much you would need in order to perfectly install your ceiling fan.

(Ceiling height in feet) – (9’) = downrod length

This formula is based on the fan-to-floor distance of 8 feet plus 1 foot for the dimension of the fan. For example, if your ceiling height is 14 feet, you need a 5 foot extension downrod in order to properly install the fan 8 feet from the floor.

Ceiling Fans with Low Ceilings less than 8 feet - If the floor-to-ceiling distance is too little, the fan blades should not be lower than 7’. In these situations what works best are Hugger or Snugger fans.

Now that you have the correct measures, turn off the electricity so that there is no possible for electrocution.

You are ready to remove the light fixture along with wires and components. The mounting bracket will expose; it’s your choice to replace the bracket or reuse it for the new ceiling fan. Because the light was in this spot, it is already wired to work with the light switch.

When you are putting the ceiling fan together, it is essential to follow the manufacturers directions on color coding of wiring and recommended ceiling fan installation procedures. This step is very important since it guarantees the safety and efficiency of the fan while in use. Despite the manufacturers instructions, if the fan blades are less than a screwdriver's length away from the ceiling, it may be best to install the blades before hanging the fan.

After putting the fan together, you will need to lift the whole piece and slide it onto the mounting bracket. Depending on the height of the ceiling and weight of the fan, it is important to have assistance to avoid injury.

If you're installing a light below a ceiling fan, make sure two parts are of the same brand and designed to work together. Remove the bottom cover from fan unit, and pull out ends of any loose wires. Follow manufacturers instructions for connection. Usually this means connect black to black, white to white, and ground to ground.

It’s time to enjoy the breeze! You will discover your ceiling fan will add a comfort to the rooms of your home that dissolve stress and heat from a hot summer day. And in the winter, you can have the benefit of the lower heating bill that ceiling fans contribute to, by keeping warm air lower to the floor. Comfort and savings are two advantages that ceiling fan installation can deliver.

August 02, 2011

How to Choose The Right Ceiling Fan for your House or Apartment

Gone are the days when fans were used in the home of only the people who lived in hot or humid weather regions. Now-a-days, the fans have evolved into much more than merely an instrument for getting cooler air. A number of companies produce beautiful designer ceiling fans, table fans, wall hung fans and lot more. These ceiling fans not only serve the purpose of ventilating the room with fresh air but also add a new charm to the interiors of your home. The most common varieties of fans available these days include the contemporary style, traditional style fans, transitional style, outdoor style, and retro style.
 
Ceiling fans are an integral part of the home décor. More and more people are now giving preference to install ceiling fans instead of central air conditioners. It is without question that this is a good decision. Ceiling fans are very much affordable, and are also energy efficient. However, the benefits of ceiling fans can only be enjoyed when the right selection is done. Selection of the right ceiling fan is just not limited to the right style and color. There are several other factors that need to be considered.

Below is a list of factors to be considered in the selection of a ceiling fan –

1. Decide where you want to install the fan. Most fans are placed in the center of the room, allowing smooth air flow throughout the room. However, larger rooms may be better suited for 2 fans for optimal air flow. For safety reasons, do not install a fan over a bed.

2. Consider the size of the room, so the fan provides maximum efficiency. Ceiling fan blade spans range from 29 – 54 inches - the most popular being the 52-inch model. To determine which size you need, measure the room where the ceiling fan will be installed and follow these guidelines:
  • 30" ceiling fan for rooms up to 8' x 10' (small bedrooms, walk-in closets, smaller kitchens)
  • 42" ceiling fan for rooms up to 12' x 12' (medium bedrooms, kitchens, small recreation areas)
  • 52" ceiling fan for rooms up to 18' x 20' (large bedrooms, family rooms, great rooms, dining rooms)

3. Choose the Appropriate Mounting System. Ceiling fans should be installed, or mounted, in the middle of the room and at least 7 feet above the floor and 18 inches from the walls. If ceiling height allows, install the fan 8 - 9 feet above the floor for optimal airflow.

  • Standard mounts come with a 3 – 5 inch downrod, which is the metal pipe that extends from the ceiling bracket to the top of the fan. Downrods are usually either 1/2 or 3/4-inch in diameter.
  • Extended mounts can be used to hang the ceiling fan at the desired 8 – 9 feet from the floor for tall ceiling heights. Downrods can be purchased from 6 inches (9 ft ceiling) to 120 inches (20 ft ceiling). Check with the manufacturer or sales associate to determine the right downrod length for you.
  • Flush mounts anchor the fan directly against the ceiling. Most standard fans can be installed as a flush mount however, many manufacturers sell “hugger” or “low profile” ceiling fans that are specifically designed for this purpose. Hugger fans are ideal for rooms that have ceilings under 8 feet in height or in situations where a fan with optional light would hang down too low. Hugger fans will not move as much air as a regular fan because the blades are closer to the ceiling.
  • Sloped mounts are used for angled or vaulted ceilings.
4. The most vital factor of a ceiling fan is the motor.The motor is responsible for operation and air circulation. Prefer high quality motors with the sealed bearings and heavy duty windings. Ceiling fans with less and powerful and small motors are known to make a lot of noise and also produce heat.

5. Choose the Right Finish. Ceiling fans are available with different finishes. Enamel, wood and metal finishes are some common options. When choosing a finish, assure that it is resistant to fading and scratching. Brass finishes are the best selection as they are durable and thick.
 
6. Check the warranty of the ceiling fan you choose to buy as different fans feature different warranty. Some of the ceiling fans even feature life time warranty and in home service.

Now with all these wonderful tips, what are you waiting for? Get your new ceiling fan and beat this summer with style!