Ceiling fans have come a long way since Philip Diehl invented it with electric motors in 1882. Ceiling fans are extremely helpful during the hot summer months, as they minimize the heat by using a small amount of energy. They are also very useful in the winter when you can turn them on occasionally to clear out the warm air from the ceiling where it gathers.

There are many manufacturers and brands of ceiling fans and most of them have the complete range from budget to the high-end price-range. The higher quality ceiling fans have a reversible motor which makes the ceiling fan usable in summer and winter.

A ceiling fan serves two uses – it provides relief from heat, as well as act as light fixtures in the area. The next part talks about the different parts of a regular ceiling fan and the guidelines regarding how to install one.

Please read the installation and user’s manual before starting to install any ceiling fan!

Parts of a Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is made up of these basic components blades, an electric motor with a housing, and a mounting device

Even though most fans have four blades, it is still possible to have three to five blades according to the available size. The cost of a fan could depend on the number of blades. Blades are available in various diameters and lengths. Moreover, the volume of air that the fan creates is determined by the length of the fan blades. Most of the fans come with a diameter of 36, 42 or 52 inches.

Blades are usually made from plywood, solid wood, and lately, some are made of metal. The typical finishes are walnut, rosewood, cherry wood, oak, white and black. You can have another color for your blades, but you may have to place a custom made order.

These days, blade covers are available as well. They capture the dust and germs in the air, which help keep your house cleaner. You can easily remove the covers and wash them once in a while.

The most preferred, sturdiest and rather expensive motor for a ceiling fan is the K55 or the stack style motor. This style was created in the late 1970 when the fans were almost extinct. The motor allows a blade pitch of 14 to 16 degree and even, wider blades to help improve the air movement. It functions effectively for many years and has a lifetime warranty.

Ceiling Fan Installation

There are various ways to set up a ceiling fan based on the mounting option. The following are the installation process if you are choosing a down rod:

• Turn off the main power supply before you touch or tamper with any electrical connection in order to avoid experiencing shocks.

• The initial step in a ceiling fan installation is to examine if the space you want to put up your fan has an electrical fixture that would work as an anchor to attach the fan to your ceiling. If there is no electric anchor point on it, you should install one first before going further.

• Even though there is an anchor point, you should look for an electrical output by using a circuit tester.

• Position the down rod in the mount making sure that the ball end is toward the ceiling.

• Carefully thread the white, blue and black lead wires from the motor via the down rod and the canopy.

• After placing the down rod in the collar yoke, rotate it until all of the holes coincide. Add the connector pin in the holes and screw it firmly. Take extra care and make sure that the lead wires are not cut or damaged.

• Attach the down rod and the hanger to the motor by securing the screw on the side of the down rod. The positioning of the screw will be based on the fan model.

• After putting the ball in the hanger area, work on all the vital electrical wires.

• After making sure the electrical connections are done properly and the wires are positioned well in the outlet box, you can then slide the cover up into the hanger bracket to be attached permanently with screws.

• If the fan is functioning without a wobble, then you have effectively installed your ceiling fan.

Different Types of Ceiling Fans

Apart from information on ceiling fan installation and its basic parts, here is a little something extra for you. To create a superior overall performance at affordable costs, fans have consistently been under the hammer and are modified frequently. The different kinds of ceiling fans that we have seen up to now are:

• Wall Mounted Control – This type has its controls attached to the wall.

• Variable Speed Control – This type has a dial installed on the fan. You can rotate to decrease or increase the speed of the fan.

• Wireless Remote Control – This fan will work on the infrared signal that is sent from its remote.

• Pull Chain Control – This type of fan has a cloth cord or metal that if pulled, cycles the fan from the operational speed to stop it at the end.

With the advancement in technology, the cost of air conditioning units has been significantly decreasing through the years. In fact, the ceiling fans have been on the brink of extinction several times during the last century and yet have bounced back always with a bang. Since ceiling fans consume a lot less electricity then air conditioning units makes the ceiling fan a great replacement for the warmer summer days. These fans also help in decreasing the heat and help you stay connected with the environment.