Residential Electrician: Ceiling Fan or Box Fan, What Is the Better Choice?

Fans are an economic and environmentally friendly way to cool a home and circulate air than using air conditioning. There are two main kinds of fans for home use, ceiling fans and box fans. Each type of fan has its own advantages and disadvantages, applications, costs, and installation issues. To decide which kind of fan is right for a given situation it is important to understand these factors.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are permanent fixtures that can be installed to circulate air and cool a whole room with rotation from above. Since they are hard-wired into the electrical system they should be installed by a certified residential electrician. Some ceiling fans have light fixtures, and many have designs that compliment a room's decor. In hot weather, ceiling fans can be set to turn counter-clockwise to give a cooling draft and disperse hot air. In cool weather, the blades' rotation can be reversed to bring warmer air down from the ceiling.

Box Fans

Box fans are portable and can be moved from one area of the home to another to provide focused cooling and airflow as needed. They can be installed in a window to bring in cooler air from outside on lower stories, especially on windward sides of the home. Since heat rises, another tactic to cool a home with box fans is to install them facing-out in windows on top floors. This blows the room's accumulated hot air outside. Box fans don't need installation by a residential electrician. They are also cheaper than ceiling fans, and are portable and easily directed at a desired area.

Cost Comparison

Ceiling fans are generally more expensive, but they are also much longer-lived. There are cheaper models that can be bought from home-improvement stores that don't have light fixtures or are simpler in design. Though many people install their own ceiling fans, it is recommended that a residential electrician perform any kind of electrical alterations. This is because of safety concerns as well as issues of potentially voiding home insurance. Box fans are less expensive and are more focused, but it often takes several of these to equal one ceiling fan in whole-room cooling power.

Safety and Convenience

Ceiling fans can provide safe, long-term cooling and air circulation for years, since they are permanent fixtures. They are highly convenient when the on/off function is wired to a wall switch and need little maintenance other than a wipe-down of the blades and oiling of the bearings every few months. Box fans can tip over easily, accumulate dust and dirt quickly, need frequent cleaning, and have safety issues with trailing cords. It is also inconvenient to have to carry a fan from one room to the other.

Installation

It is highly recommended that residential electricians install ceiling fans, especially those with light fixtures and dimmer/fan-speed switches. It is a relatively simple process for the installer. They shut off power to the room; drill a hole in the ceiling to accommodate the anchor post and expose the wiring; then carefully integrate the fan into the room's circuits. Box fans should only be installed in windows with screens to keep insects and other airborne debris blown into the room to a minimum. Box fans only need to be plugged into a wall outlet.

Fans are a major convenience and cost-cutter for home cooling and air movement. Each kind of fan has its own place and application. For long-term cooling and convenience ceiling fans are the clear winners, but for portable, directed airflow at a lesser price box fans come out on top. Both kinds of fans can be used to keep a home cooler and well-ventilated.

With over 30 years of experience, Bob Lord is an expert at installing and repairing electrical wiring. Bob has a unique and outstanding knowledge of residential and commercial electrical installation and repair.

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The Differences Between Commercial Fans and Residential Fans

Commercial fans are useful in industrial settings where efficiency, reliability and power are more important than aesthetics. Some significant differences between the commercial and residential versions are the former operates with less number of blades for faster speed.

Commercial fans are designed to allow greater and efficient airflow. Their curved or sculpted blades deliver an airflow pattern for better air circulation in large areas with higher ceilings. Take a look at some commercial fans that are available on the Internet at such websites as alpinehomeair.com, airdistributor.net and Amazon.

Ventamatic CX30BD2SPDWT Whole House Fan-30" Belt Drive Fan with Shutter:

This fan is the best replacement for your traditional air conditioner. It works by drawing air in through the window and exhausting it out through the attic. Some of its standard features are joist-out and joist-in installation, thermally protected two-speed PSC motor, steel motor struts, four aluminum fan blades with 30 inches diameter for superior air movement, steel venture for durability, powder-coated white shutter, wall switch and belt-drive type blower. It covers 2,500-square foot area and fits opening dimensions of 29.5 inches by 32 and 1/4 inches. This fan sells for $314.99, a discount of $99.00 from the original price of $413.99.

Model #CP56 BK Black Commercial Ceiling Fan:

This fan series features variable speed motors that are thermally protected with lubricated bearings, painted steel blades that have curved ends for maximum air movement over covered area of 1,450 square feet, reversible motor to provide summer time cooling and winter heat destratification and 16-inch down rod.

Westinghouse Ceiling Fans 78127 56" Industrial Ceiling Fan:

This white finish industrial fan features 3 56-inch aerodynamically curved steel blades, 5-speed wall switch, ball hanger installation system and 12 inches down rod. The design of this fan is aimed for rooms with high ceiling, no less than 10 feet from the floor. The fan is built to last for a long time and requires little maintenance and repair. It is heat-resistant as well as dirt-resistant. This fan sells under model 78127 for $47.22.

Emerson Fans HF948W 48" Industrial Heat Contemporary Appliance White Ceiling Fan:

This white finish fan features 188mm spinner motor that comes with a two-year warranty, 3 white metal blades with 48-inch span and 12-degree pitch and 8 inches and 22 inches poles. The fan is indoor rated and has superior cooling performance for a comfortable work environment courtesy of its unique paddle-type blades. You can buy this fan for $124.80, a savings of 32 percent or $57.60 from the list price of $182.40.

TPI Heavy-Duty Industrial-Grade Down Draft Ceiling Fan:

The fan features 60-inch blades, a noiseless motor that operates at 320 RPM for efficient air circulation. It measures 56 inches in diameter and comes with 18-inch down rod, 6-foot 3-wire cord and a mounting kit for easy installation. This fan is perfect for use in garages, shops and other large areas. Prices for this fan vary depending on options. The fan sells under model number HDHR-56.

Commercial Grade Variable Speed Ceiling Fans - Metal Blades:

This fan features a thermally protected motor with variable speed, permanently lubricated bearings, painted steel blades designed with curved ends to deliver superb air movement over wide areas. This 56-inch fan's reversible motor is designed to provide cooling during summers and warmth during winters.

For more information concerning Commercial Fans and other types of fans, visit http://www.themodernceilingfans.com.

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