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2012 HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE. LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com May 25, 2012
11
The energy efficiency of ceiling fans
Much like the Energy Star label gives
homeowners guidance about appliances that
will save on utilities, ceiling fans can also
be rated Energy Star-compliant. To do that,
those ceiling fans must use efficient motors
and advanced blade design to meet or
exceed minimum requirements for airflow
efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
Energy Star ceiling fans also carry
three warranties: a minimum of 30
years on the motor, one year on
other components and
two years on lighting.
“Lighting for Energy
Star-qualified fans also
uses efficient, compact
fluorescent sources that use two-
thirds less energy and produce 70
percent less heat than incandescent bulbs,”
says Rey-Barreau.
The three location ratings of ceiling fans
Ceiling fans used indoors in protected
spaces differ from those used in semi-
protected or exterior spaces. An “indoor
use” rating means a fan can be used only
indoors. Those rated “damp use” can be
used outdoors if in a covered spot, such as
a porch. An “outdoor use” rating means the
fan can be used in a location where it will
be exposed directly to water, such as over a
patio that is underneath a deck.
A common mistake made with ceiling
fans
“The better quality fans do not cost much
more than the most inexpensive fans,” says
Rey-Barreau. “A consumer should purchase
a fan that has a good motor and that is energy-
efficient. Buying a very inexpensive fan can
be problematic in terms of performance.”
Be sure to purchase your fans from an
ALA-member retailer. These retailers carry
high-quality lighting and fan products and
have professionally trained staff available
to help you select the best products for your
home.
Ceiling fan sizing basics
In order for a ceiling fan to effectively heat
and cool a space, it must be sized for the square
footage of the room. Use these measurements
a s guidelines:
Room size:
• Less than 50 square feet -- 29-
inch fan
• 75 square feet -- 36-inch fan
•
100 square feet -- 42-inch fan
•
225 square feet -- 52-inch fan
• 300 square feet -- 56-inch fan
• More than 300 square feet -- a 60-inch
fan or two 56-inch or 52-inch fans
Visit your local ALA-member retail
showroom to see the newest products and to
talk to an expert about which fans are most
appropriateandenergy-efficient for your space.
To find your closest ALA-member lighting
showroom, visit www.americanlightingassoc.
com.