Need a convenient way to beat the South Carolina heat that won’t break the bank? A ceiling fan may be the answer. Swift Services is here to answer the most asked questions we receive about ceiling fans.
Ceiling Fan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While they’re fairly straightforward pieces of equipment, there are several common questions related to ceiling fans. With that in mind, here are the questions we receive from homeowners about choosing, maintaining, and troubleshooting ceiling fans.
Q: Why does my ceiling fan make noise?
A: There are many possible reasons a ceiling fan is making noise. One likely cause is that your fan’s out of balance and requires cleaning. If cleaning the fan doesn’t help, try tightening the mounting screws and blade connections and checking the pull-down strings. If your fan still makes noise, it may be the motor or another part within the fan’s housing. This can happen to older fans, and it may need to be serviced or replaced.
Q: Which direction should ceiling fans rotate?
A: The proper summertime setting for a ceiling fan is counterclockwise. In the winter, fans should rotate clockwise to circulate warm air around the ceiling throughout the room.
Q: Why does my ceiling fan keep tripping the breaker?
A: A tripped breaker only happens when there’s an excessive electrical current that it can’t handle. If flipping on your ceiling fan trips a breaker each time, it’s likely an issue with the installation. The best way to address this issue is to contact an electrician.
How to Pick out a Ceiling Fan
If you’re thinking about adding a ceiling fan to your space, you’ll want to consider the right style and size for the room. Additional things to consider include light fixtures and remote controls.
Some common questions that might come up when choosing a fan include:
Q. Is a 3-blade or 4-blade fan better?
A. While 4-blade ceiling fans tend to be less noisy, they don’t usually move as much air as a 3-blade fan. Four-blade fans are also more expensive than 3-blade fans.
Q. Which is the quietest ceiling fan?
A. The type, size, quality of the motor, and how the fan is mounted all play into how quiet a ceiling fan will be. The motor is the essential piece of the equation when it comes to noise; higher-quality motors tend to be quieter.
Ceiling Fan Sizing
The first step in choosing a ceiling fan is determining the size of fan you need for your space.
Your fan packaging will list formulas to guide you in identifying a good match between room size and fan size, but here are some general guidelines for reference:
- 29″ or less than 50 sq. ft. EX: hallway, laundry room, walk-in closet
- 36″ up to 75 sq. ft. EX: breakfast nook, large bathroom
- 42″ up to 100 sq. ft. EX: bedroom, office, kitchen
- 52″ up to 225 sq. ft. EX: master bedroom, dining room, patio area
- 56″ up to 400 sq. ft. EX: large living room, great room
For long, narrow spaces or overly large rooms, it’s a good idea to install more than one fan.
Ceiling fan blades should be positioned 8 to 9 feet above the floor, which will ensure that it’s safe while also moving air throughout the space. If you have vaulted ceilings, a ceiling fan can be installed with a down rod to bring it to the correct height.
How to Clean a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are relatively low maintenance, but they should be cleaned approximately every two weeks to ensure longevity.
Items you’ll need to clean your fan include:
- Stepladder: Never try to clean a fan standing on a table or an upside-down laundry basket.
- Microfiber cloth: You can use any cloth you’d like, but microfiber cloths collect and lock in the dust.
- Damp cleaning cloth or towel: If your fan hasn’t been cleaned in a while, a damp cloth will come in handy to remove dirt that won’t come off with your dry cloth.
- Cleaning solution: Use the solution to wet the rag and aid in grime removal. Any all-purpose cleaner will work, or, for a homemade option, use a vinegar and water solution.
Fan Cleaning Tips
Cleaning a fan is simple, but following a few tips will make the job even easier. Always dry wipe the blades and housing first; then use a cleaning solution if there’s still stubborn dirt and grime on the fan. Dry the fan thoroughly after using the cleaning solution. Finally, dust or wash the glass shades on the lighting components of ceiling fans with lights.
Ceiling Fan Installation in South Carolina
Have another ceiling fan question not covered here? The Swift Services team is here to help. We provide HVAC services and more to the Myrtle Beach area. If you’re ready to install a new ceiling fan, we can help with that too. Reach us at (843) 352-6427or request service online.