New Designs Put a New Spin on Ceiling Fans
QUESTION: I would like to install a unique-looking contemporary ceiling fan in my living room. I bought a cheap model years ago, but it hummed and wobbled. How can I tell a good model other than by price?
ANSWER: Nearly all ceiling fans look good in the store. They are running on low speed, so wobble is not apparent. The background noise in the store drowns out any hum. As you found before, after you install one in your house, the difference in quality becomes apparent.
Generally, the cheapest ceiling fan is just that--a cheaply made fan. Even though a good-quality fan will cost more, the energy savings and comfort will still make it a money-saving investment overall.
Running a ceiling fan allows you to raise the air conditioner thermostat setting by as much as five degrees and still be comfortable. This can cut your electric bills by 15% or more. In the winter, reverse the fan rotation so that warm air at the ceiling gently flows outward and down the walls.
There are many new contemporary ceiling fan designs available. Several have a high-tech airfoil appearance in three- to five-blade designs. One of the most unusual is the Odyssey model with split blades and up-lighting. For children’s bedrooms, there are even models that look like airplanes.
When shopping for a high-quality ceiling fan, pay particular attention to the design features, such as a die-cast motor housing, permanently lubricated sealed bearings, a wide range in speed from low to high, rubber or cushioned mounted flywheel and steep blade pitch.
Of all these features, blade pitch is probably the easiest to check because it is often listed on the packaging. A steeper blade pitch, up to 18 degrees, moves more air at a slower fan speed. This reduces noise and wobble. A steeper pitch also indicates a more powerful, reliable motor.
A model with a wide range of speed from low to high is best. This provides the most comfort and noise control. This is particularly important when installing one in a bedroom or if you plan to use it in the winter too.
Some models now have programmable controls with hand-held remotes like a television’s. These allow you to program the speed to automatically change as the room temperature changes. For bedrooms, choose one with a programmable sleep mode that automatically reduces the fan speed at night.
The newest “air cleaner” ceiling fan design uses snap-in air filters (with charcoal for odors) hidden inside each of the blades. As the air circulates, it passes through the blade filters.
Write for (or instant download https://www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 462, a buyer’s guide of the highest-quality standard and air-cleaning ceiling fans, unusual styles, blade pitch, speed range, controls, sizes and features. Please include $3 and a business-sized, self-addressed envelope and send to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
Kits Provide Look of Commercial Awnings
Q: I have always liked the look of the commercial taut fabric awnings. Does this type of material block much of the sun’s heat from entering a window? Is there any way to make one myself?
A: This type of colorful acrylic fabric is very effective for blocking heat through windows, especially on the west side of your house. A 25% heat reduction is typical, plus glare is reduced.
Since the fabric must be taut, these awnings are difficult to make from scratch yourself. There are some reasonably priced do-it-yourself aluminum-frame awning kits available, called Poncashades, that are easy to install.
Wooden Mantel Is Safe if It Keeps Its Distance Q: I am remodeling our living room. It has a wood-burning fireplace that we use for heat in the winter. I would like to attach a decorative wooden mantel. Is this safe (from fire) and how can I attach it?
A: A wood mantel is fine as long as it is at least one foot above the fireplace opening. I have a rustic wood mantel over my fireplace, which I use frequently in the winter.
For the nicest appearance, install a hollow wooden mantel. First attach a backer board (one inch or thicker) to the fireplace. Then fit the hollow mantel over the backer board and attach it to the board with finishing nails.
Letters and questions to James Dulley, a Cincinnati-based engineering consultant, may be sent to James Dulley, Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.
