Modern Ceiling Fans

The origins of the modern ceiling fan can be traced back over 100 years, but ceiling fans are gaining in popularity today. Offering functionality, cost savings and style, ceiling fans are here to stay. Modern Ceiling Fans takes a look at the history of ceiling fans, their parts, top makers and what to look for when buying a ceiling fan.

Ceiling fans first appeared in the 1860s and were powered by a stream of running water turning a turbine that used belts to transfer power to turn the fan. These were large machines that were used primarily in commercial applications such as stores and restaurants.

The 1880s saw the first electrically-powered fans that ultimately led the more efficient four-bladed fans.

Ceiling fans began to fade in popularity in the US after the 1920s due to different factors to include economic hardship and the eventual introduction of air conditioning. However, they remained popular outside the US. With the energy crises of the 1970s, Asian and US manufacturers were able to greatly increase sales of ceiling fans in the US.

Ceiling fans now
Since then, in part to compete with cheap air conditioning units, the modern ceiling fan has evolved in different ways. Now, ceiling fans can be found with variable-speed motors, remote controls. Decorative ceiling fans are available in various designs, materials and colors. For those who do not want to spend us much, cheaper units with standardized parts are also popular. Some top makers that will be examined here include Minka Aire ceiling fans and Westinghouse ceiling fans.

Uses of the modern ceiling fan
Apart from lighting, the most common use of a ceiling fan is to keep cool. With the fans set to blow the air down, the breeze created helps evaporate sweet and creates a cooling effect. This wind chill effect makes it possible to keep an air conditioner 40% lower without any loss of cooling effect. This can offer dramatic energy savings.

In winter, warmer air rises to the ceiling. A ceiling fan, set to rotate in the opposite direction as in summer, will pull cooler air from the lower levels of a room. The warmer air is then forced down the walls to the lower levels of the room where it can be felt by people. Since the ceiling fan is not blowing air onto people and running at a lower speed (ceiling fans should be set at lower speeds in winter unless the ceiling is high), it is not creating the wind-chill effect that air being pushed directly downward does in the summer with the fan at a medium to high speed.

The flush mount ceiling fan and ceiling fan globes will be examined here.

With their increased features, functions, different styles and the likelihood of higher energy costs in the future, the modern ceiling fan is likely to be part of an increasing number of homes and businesses for a long time to come.