Summer has not yet arrived, and the heat in the apartments already makes you think about buying an air conditioner. But the air conditioner is not cheap and requires highly qualified specialists to install it. In addition, a modern split system cannot be used to cool an open terrace. In this case, a ceiling fan is a worthy alternative. It gently mixes the air without creating dangerous drafts, it is inexpensive, and any owner can handle the installation. In the article we will talk about the types of ceiling fans, their design features, advantages and disadvantages.
Applications
The method of cooling a room with a fan is universal and can be applied in different areas. Ceiling fans are used in industry to remove gases from the room, as well as to cool and heat workshops. Some models are designed to clean the room from smoke in case of fire. Fans have found their way into public buildings due to their efficiency and lower energy costs compared to air conditioners. Ceiling fans are perhaps the only way to cool the outdoor terraces of summer cafes. The fan does not change the temperature background and does not create drafts, so the body does not experience stress from the temperature difference between the street and the room. It is almost impossible to catch a cold using a fan. Ceiling fans with a lamp are often installed in apartments and cottages to cool bedrooms and living rooms, as well as open verandas. Such models are distinguished by a variety of designs, so choosing a device for an interior of different styles is not difficult. Ceiling exhaust fans for bathrooms do a great job of removing damp air. They are also used in basements and other areas where there is no natural ventilation, to remove stale air.
Benefits
Among the main advantages of using fans in everyday life, the following should be noted:
- Ceiling fans can be used in summer and winter mode. In summer, they redistribute the colder air coming from the open window, thereby reducing the temperature in the room. In winter, the fan "returns" the warm air that has risen to the ceiling from the radiators.
- Winter fan mode saves heating costs by improving distribution efficiencywarm air. In addition, ceiling fans use much less electricity than residential air conditioners.
- Fans can be used on open verandas and gazebos.
- The device does not create drafts and temperature differences, so the risk of catching a cold is minimal.
- Exhaust fan models are effective for quickly removing excessively humid or stale air from a room.
- Installing a fan is no more difficult than a regular chandelier, so any owner can handle the job. In addition, installation does not require a permit, unlike air conditioners with an outdoor unit.
Flaws
The main disadvantage of ceiling fans is their noisy operation. The problem can be solved by balancing the device, but it will not work to completely get rid of the noise load. Therefore, before buying a fan, pay attention to the noise level of a particular model and the ability to adjust modes. Noise level must not exceed 30 decibels at maximum blade speed.
Design
Household ceiling fan consists of the following items:
- Blades. They are made of plastic, metal, wood. In some models of fans, the blades can be foldable. Usually installed from 3 to 6 blades.
- Slats. With their help, the blades are attached to the body.
- Engine. Responsible for the rotation of the blades, speed and modes of operation.
- Case. The box contains the motor, wiring and controls.appliance.
- Fasteners. Designed for mounting the device to the ceiling. Includes rod, hangers and decorative elements that cover the fastener.
- Lamp. All types of household lamps can be used in the fixtures: incandescent, fluorescent, halogen or LED.
- Switch. It can be stationary or in the form of a remote control.
Working principle
Suspended ceiling fans have an axial design and direct the air flow parallel to the axis of rotation of the blades. They can work in summer and winter modes. In summer, the blades direct the air downward. They mix indoor air with cooler currents coming from an open window. Due to this, the temperature in the room is slightly reduced. The cooling effect is based on increased evaporation of moisture from the surface of the skin.
According to the laws of physics, warm air rises, and a fan operating in winter mode raises cold streams from the depths of the room and directs them to the ceiling. The air currents are mixed and due to this the room warms up faster. Winter mode allows you to save up to 30% of energy spent on heating.
Ceiling exhaust fans operate on the centrifugal principle. The air flow is picked up by the blades and moves in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller. They "suck" the air from the room into the ventilation ducts. Due to the resulting pressure difference, fresh air begins to enter the room through the doors,windows, slots, ventilation ducts.
Pendant fan
The hanging model is considered a classic. It is attached to the mounting plate with a special hook. The body with blades is separated from the ceiling by the length of the rod. The size of the rod may vary depending on the height of the ceilings. For ease of use and efficiency of the device, it should be installed so that the lowest point of the structure is at least 215 cm from the floor. If the installation of a suspended fan is planned on a stretch ceiling, a wooden substrate should be provided between the base ceiling and the stretch canvas. The device can operate on 220 W or 12 W, depending on the model and purpose. In the latter case, the device operates through a step-down transformer.
The body and blades of the fan can be made of metal, plastic or wood. The span of the impeller of the device comes in three standard sizes: 30, 42 and 52 inches. The first is suitable for small rooms up to 9 square meters. m. A fan with a blade span of 42 inches will be effective for rooms up to 16 square meters. m. And a device with a blade span of 52 inches is used in large rooms, common living rooms, studio apartments up to 32 square meters. m. Devices intended for outdoor use have a high degree of protection against atmospheric influences. They are marked with the index IP65-IP67, where the first digit indicates the level of protection against dust, and the second - against moisture.
Chandelier fan
Ceiling fan model with lamphas earned recognition due to its versatility. Both the fan and the chandelier should be placed in the center of the room or dedicated area. Ergonomic placement of two devices on the ceiling is not possible, since part of the room will be poorly lit, and the other part will not be blown by the fan. In addition, the fan blades will create moving shadows when both appliances are turned on. The optimal solution for such cases is a ceiling lamp with a fan. The design of the device is similar to a hanging fan and is complemented by a lamp at the bottom. Such a device will not obscure the space while turning on the overhead lighting and the impeller. All kinds of household lamps can be used in the chandelier ceiling fan. LED lamps are considered the most economical and safest. The speed of rotation of the blades and the intensity of the luminous flux is controlled by a remote control. Such a device can be used as a night light. In some models, colored lighting modules are installed. Fans with a luminaire and a sealed housing can also be used to illuminate open terraces and verandas.
Exhaust fan
Such models are usually built into a suspended or suspended ceiling and connected to the ventilation system of the house. Outside, only the decorative grille remains. Install ceiling exhaust fans in the bathroom, toilet, basement and other rooms that require forced ventilation. Such devices effectively and quickly remove products from the premises.gas exchange, steam and stale air. Ceiling fans for the bathroom have 3-5 blade speeds and a sealed housing with a moisture protection rating of at least IP65.
Additional features
Manufacturers often equip household fans with additional features designed to increase the efficiency of the device, reduce energy costs or increase user comfort:
- Remote control allows you to adjust the speed and modes of operation of the fan, as well as control the lighting.
- The presence sensor turns on the fan when there are people in the room and turns it off when the room is empty. The device allows you to save up to 40% of electricity. Such devices have proven themselves in bathrooms.
- The humidity sensor automatically turns on the exhaust fan when steam accumulates in the bathroom, dressing room or bath.
- The timer allows you to set the operating modes of the device for up to a week. Can be programmed to operate at high speed during the hottest hours and minimum airflow at night.
- LED ceiling fans are sometimes fitted with a rechargeable battery that allows the lamp to run for up to several hours in the event of a power outage.
Setup, operation and care
Sometimes after installing the fan, it starts to make a lot of noise. The problem is solved by balancing. In construction stores you can buy a specialbalance kit and use it to equalize the weight of the blades.
The ceiling fan is quite easy to operate and maintain. It is only necessary to periodically wipe the impeller and housing from dust. The accumulation of dust on the blades leads to an imbalance of the device and an increase in the noise level.
Ceiling fans are a good alternative to air conditioners in places where the installation of the latter is not practical. They consume less electricity, do not create temperature differences, and can be used on open verandas and in summer cafes. Ceiling fans can operate in summer and winter modes. The latter allows you to more efficiently distribute the heat of the radiators and save on heating. Built-in exhaust fans are used in bathrooms and basements to quickly remove the products of gas exchange and moist air.
