There is no doubt that heat is bothersome to many. It doesn’t matter if the heat is from a hot stuffy room or the sun beating down on you while you are at the beach. Heat that we are exposed to on a daily basis is either dry heat or moist heat. Dry heat is troublesome because it makes breathing difficult as you try to pull hot dry air into your lungs. Moist heat, which is called humidity, can cause rapid dehydration due to excessive sweating.
No matter which type of air you are exposed to, heat can affect your thinking ability, and makes everyday tasks that would have been easier in cooler weather, harder to perform. For those who live in hot, humid climates, summer heat can be oppressive. Often the only solution is to spend the day confined ito an air-conditioned room.
In these economic times, air conditioning may be a luxury few can afford. Running an air conditioning unit can be expensive. Add to that the purchase cost, maintenance, and the need for routine cleaning; air conditioning may not be an option for the poor or elderly. Fixed incomes may not be able to handle the cost of running an air conditioning unit on a regular basis.
If dealing with the heat doesn’t give you a headache, your monthly electric bill while using an air conditioner certainly will. A relatively inexpensive alternative to air conditioning is the use of electric fans. Fans are inexpensive to purchase, fairly easy to install, and easy to maintain. They are inexpensive to repair and replacement costs are low. During times of extreme heat, arranging your fans properly can help you bring in cool air and keep warm air out of the home.
Choosing the proper type of fan for your circumstances is important. There are 4 basic types of fans that you can choose to effectively cool your home.
A pedestal fan can be adjusted to various speeds and its height can also be controlled, so you can direct the air to the area where you are working.
A box fan is a smaller electric fan with a rotating face. This type fan is designed to push air and then circulate it into different parts of a room.
A ceiling fan, as its name implies, hangs from a ceiling and pushes cool air downwards.
The final type of fan is an exhaust fan that is built into a wall. This type fan helps air circulate, especially in closed surroundings such as warehouses, attics or garages.
All four of these types of electric fans can help lower your electric bill.
Air conditioning units operate by using cooling fluids and it takes much more energy to convert hot outside air to cool air and to remove water vapor from the air. Fans, on the other hand, just circulate air around the room and use much less electricity.
When shopping for a fan, choose a brand that is inexpensive but carries and energy star rating. This will give you a fan that gives you the most power, while using the least amount of energy.
In order to achieve maximum benefit from a fan, be sure they are properly located. You don’t want to bring additional warm air into the home where it is not wanted. Drawing air in from the sunny side of the home will only increase the discomfort level.
Tips to Cool Your Home Using Fans
The following tips will help you use your fans effectively to cool your home.
Use cross ventilation. You shouldn’t need a fan going in every room to cool your home. By placing a powerful fan in one room and then opening any adjoining doors, you can direct the fan to blow the air to the next rooms. Placing an exhaust fan high on the ceiling will also help to keep air in constant motion. To cross ventilate a home, open any windows that arent’ facing the sun to allow cool air to enter.
By closing windows that are facing the sun, and shielding them with curtains, you can lower the temperature of your room quicker. Position electric fans perpendicular to open windows, so any incoming air is circulated immediately. On calm, windless days, position the fan at the other end of the room, facing the window.
If it is very hot and humid, then an electric fan may do you little good on its own. If you have an air conditioning unit, turn it on low cool or fan mode, then use the electric fan to circulate the hot air. On its own, the air conditioning unit will take up more energy as the humid air will be difficult to cool. The electric fan, on its own, will use more energy, as it will have to be operated at higher, faster settings, and for a longer time, before it can finally cool the air.
Running fans in rooms that are not occupied is not an energy efficient way to use a fan. If a room is not use, close the door and turn off the fan. Remember to open the door in the evening when it is cooler to allow air circulation so a buildup of mold is not created, especially in humid conditions.
So, you may be wondering which ceiling fan is going to be the right one for you. There are a variety of different choices when it comes to ceiling fans, that it can be quite a task to pick out the one that is best for you and your home. If you are planning on purchasing ceiling fans in the near future, there are many things you need to consider. So, here are a few tips to help you pick out the best ceiling fans for your home.
Fan Size
First of all, when you are trying to find the best fans for your home, you will want to consider the size. Ceiling fans can be found in a variety of different sizes; however, the size of the room you are buying for will definitely influence this decision. If you are buying fans for a smaller room, then you’ll want to go for a smaller fan. However, for larger fans, you’ll need something that moves a bit more air, so a large fan, like a 50-54 inch fan, is a great choice.
Noise
The last thing you want in a ceiling fan is a lot of noise. Before you purchase a new ceiling fan, be sure to take the time to check the noise ratings. If you can actually test the fan and see how noisy it is. The best ceiling fans will be so quiet that you’ll barely even know that they are running.
The Motor Type
You will also find that the motor type is important when you are trying to pick out the best fan. There are two types of motors that are usually used in ceiling fans – friction driver motors and direct drive motors. Usually a direct drive motor is the best choice, since they last longer and have fewer parts that are separated. However, they do tend to be a bit more expensive, but are well worth the extra money you’ll pay.
Lighting
When picking out ceiling fans, you’ll need to consider whether or not you want lighting to come with the fans. Some fans come with light kits on them, while other fans do not. In some cases you may have to pick out the light kit separately as well. There are a variety of different light kits that you can choose from, and you’ll want to pick one that will look nice with the fan and offer plenty of light.
Price
If you are looking for the best ceiling fans, price is also going to be important. While you no doubt want to get a good deal, it is important to realize that you get what you pay for. Going with the cheapest fan will probably not be a great idea, but a fan that is a bit more expensive will have better features, such as remote controls, variable speeds, and a higher grade. So, you are often better of to spend a little more money for a fan that will be reliable and long lasting.
No doubt choosing for the best ceiling fans for your home is important to you, and these tips can help you make the best possible choice. So, next time you are shopping for new ceiling fans, keep these simple tips in mind to help you pick out the very best.
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Copyright 2008 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
When looking to purchase a humidifier one brand to look at is Hunter humidifiers. The company has been in business as the Hunter Fan Company since 1886. They are most known for the patented wickless technology and being part of the Energy Star products. Hunter humidifiers come in a variety of styles and sizes.
Benefits of the Hunter humidifiers are much like any others. The machines are low maintenance because they are easy to use and clean. It is important to keep your unit clean so harmful matter does not enter the air. Most models have digital dials to adjust output so you can monitor the output of water into the air. Add a hygrometer to your home to assure the appropriate amount of water is in the air at all times. Another convenience is that filters are easy to change and clean as well as the water tanks. Some Hunter humidifiers have the permawick filter technology meaning the wick lasts forever or use wickless technology. Both options save time and money.
Some Hunter humidifier systems are made with a regulated release system that continues flow and eliminates the possibility of stagnant water that can lead to bacteria and mold growth. Another prevention on some models for bacteria growth is antimicrobial properties. These key plastic parts and wicks have built-in antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of mildew, fungi and mold. For models with wicks, the units use top down water dispersion to spread water over the entire wick reducing performance and possible mineral build up.
A few things to keep in mind before purchasing a Hunter humidifier is the advantages a humidifier will have on your home and the precautions to take when using one. During the winter months a humidifier should be used to add moisture to the dry hair. The cold temperatures outside combined with the heating systems in homes can lead to dry, irritated skin, cracked lips, nose bleeds and unhealthy air contaminated by viruses. By keeping your mucous membranes moist, you also can relieve sinus aches, cold and flu symptoms. The lack of moisture can also be damaging to your home. The walls and ceilings can crack if there is not enough moisture causing thousands of dollars worth of damage. Aside from preventing discomfort and damage, the proper humidity level reduces annoying static electricity which can be a lifesaver in itself for busy on the go people.