Often, ceiling fans are not the most attractive feature in an interior space. Especially if you have moved into a home that requires some updates to look and feel on trend, you might be considering removing your ceiling fans altogether to give your rooms a sleek and modern look. Yet, is uninstalling a ceiling fan the best choice for the design and function of your home? Read on to find out.
Ceiling Fans Are Functional Home Appliances
Ceiling fans may seem superfluous if you have an HVAC system in your home — however, the truth is that ceiling fans work with your HVAC to maintain a comfortable temperature in your interior spaces. Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans do not cool the air; rather, they encourage air to move and flow around a room and throughout your house.
By circulating air, ceiling fans utilize the body’s natural cooling system, which involves evaporating moisture off the skin. However, fans can also be useful during the cold seasons, when they can push warm air near the ceiling back down into your living areas.
Undeniably, the best benefit of ceiling fans is their energy efficiency. A single ceiling fan can reduce the perceived temperature of a space by up to four degrees, which is a significant difference that can radically reduce your energy bills every month.
During the summer season, the typical AC unit will cost about 36 cents per hour, but a new ceiling fan costs less than 1 cent per hour to provide the same cooling effect. In terms of energy expenditure, an AC might demand more than 1000 watts, while typical models of ceiling fans run effectively on around 30 watts.
If you are interested in lowering the carbon footprint of your home while saving money, you should keep your ceiling fans and make good use of them throughout the year.
You Can Find Attractive Ceiling Fans for Any Style
Old, outdated ceiling fans are unattractive — but so are most old outdated home appliances. Just because your home came with a refrigerator from the 1980s does not mean you would consider eliminating the fridge altogether; rather, you will make acquiring an updated fridge a high priority on your home renovation to-do list. You should have the same attitude toward your ceiling fans.
Ceiling fans are not one-style-fits-all. These days, ceiling fans come in all manner of looks to suit any interior aesthetic. You might spend some time shopping for modern ceiling fans from respected brands to get a sense of your options before you commit to eradicating ceiling fans from your home. The truth is that by updating the look of your fans, you can take advantage of their energy-efficient temperature control without worrying about the disruption of your interior design.
There are many ways savvy interior decorators deal with ceiling fans in their spaces. One option is to try to hide ceiling fans by blending them into the background; another option is to encourage ceiling fans to stand out as statement fixtures in the space.
You might consider the philosophy behind your interior aesthetic and how it might guide you to make decisions regarding ceiling fan style.
For example, if you ascribe to minimalism and try to use natural materials and neutral tones throughout your space, you might want to invest in a fan that does not add visual weight. In contrast, if you enjoy a maximalist style, you might want a fan that provides additional interest and excitement to the area.
In addition to the style of the ceiling fan, you should consider how the size of the fan might affect its look and functionality in your space. The square footage of your room should tell you what size fan you need; here is a helpful guide:
- Rooms up to 100 square feet: 36-inch fan
- Rooms up to 200 square feet: 42-inch fan
- Rooms up to 400 square feet: 52-inch fan
- Rooms larger than 400 square feet: 60-inch fan or two 52- to 56-inch fans
Your ceiling fan is as important to your home as your washing machine or your kitchen skin. Fortunately, ugly ceiling fans can be updated at a relatively low cost, so you can enjoy an improved aesthetic and energy efficiency in your new home.
Why Do You Need to Consider the Upgrade of Your Old Ceiling Fan?
Using an outdated ceiling fan can present several dangers to you and your home. Firstly, older ceiling fans may not have the same safety features as newer models. This means that they may be more prone to malfunction, which can cause the fan to fall or break. It can be especially dangerous if the fan is located in a room where people sleep, as it could fall on someone while they are in bed.
Another danger of using an outdated ceiling fan is the risk of electrical issues. As ceiling fans age, their wiring can become frayed or damaged, which can increase the risk of an electrical fire. Additionally, older ceiling fans may not be equipped with modern safety features such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which can help to prevent electrical shocks.
In addition to the safety risks, using an outdated ceiling fan can also be inefficient and costly. Older ceiling fans may not be as energy efficient as newer models, which can result in higher energy bills.
Replacing an outdated ceiling fan with a newer, more efficient model can save you money on your energy costs in the long run.
Cost of Replacing the Outdated Ceiling Fan with a New One
The cost of replacing an outdated ceiling fan with a new one can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the fan, the features it has, and the location where it will be installed.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $300 or more for a new ceiling fan.
To get a more accurate estimate for your specific situation, it would be best to get quotes from local home improvement stores or electricians. They can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the materials and labor costs involved in the installation of a new ceiling fan.
Conclusion
It is possible to stay attached to your outdated ceiling fan but it is important to consider replacing it. An old fan may not be functional in the long run. However, the new one can save you a lot of trouble.
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