As warmer weather becomes the norm, you’re probably dreading the next few electric bills. Ceiling fans can be saviors this time of year. By keeping the air in constant circulation, they provide the feeling of a cooler room without the need to turn the air conditioner down. Here’s a few things to remember while trying to stay cool this summer.
Why does my ceiling fan wobble?
If you’re stuck with a wobbly ceiling fan, don’t worry – it can be fixed. Check to see if all of the pieces are aligned and fastened tightly. If the blades look out of whack, you may be able to straighten them out by lightly bending the blade holder until proper alignment is achieved. If it’s not the blades, use a balancing kit to investigate further. These are usually included in the box but can also be requested from the manufacturer if necessary. If the blades appear straight and the fan seems balanced, but the fan is still wobbling, it may be a good idea to take it down and remount it.
How to mount a ceiling fan
Fans should always be anchored to a joist in the ceiling, which are typically located in the middle of a room. Ceiling fans can weigh up to 50 pounds, so mounting them properly is of extreme importance. If you’re replacing a current fixture or installing one for the first time, ensure that the proper outlet box (where all of the wiring is housed) is mounted above the ceiling where the fan will attach. If you aren’t 100% sure about what you’re doing, call Mister Sparky and let us handle the dirty work.
Saving energy with ceiling fans
Always remember to turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room. Ceiling fans cool down people, not areas – so they offer little value to unoccupied space. Some will argue that leaving fans on to circulate the air, even when no one is home, helps keep temperatures lower. Fans essentially create a wind-chill effect, so your body feels cooler, but there’s actually not a significant change in room temp.
During warm months, make sure that your fan is rotating counterclockwise. This forces air downwards. Stand directly underneath it – if you feel a cool breeze, you’re good to go. Most newer fans are equipped with a switch, or easy access, to reverse the motor. In the winter time, having the fan spin clockwise results in an updraft, causing warm air that’s trapped near the ceiling to be brought down to warm the room.
To get the most benefit from your ceiling fan this summer, adjust your thermostat to higher temperature and rely more on the fan. You’ll be amazed by the savings.
If you have a ceiling fan that isn’t functioning properly, or are considering installing a new one, contact the expert electricians at Mister Sparky. We’ll be happy to install, replace, or fix your cooling systems so that your summer is more enjoyable. Call us at (713) 428-2120 or request an appointment online today!
On Time Guarantee
We’re Here Whenever You Need Us
“We’re on time you’ll see or your electrical repair is free”. We back our superior electrical service with not only integrity, transparency, and dependability, but also our On Time Guarantee. We understand your time is valuable which is why we guarantee we will be there when you call.
When you need expert electrician services in Houston or surrounding areas, just give us a call at (713) 428-2120 or click here to book your appointment online so we can send a Mister Sparky technician to help you as soon as possible.
Red Carpet Treatment
The Respect you Deserve
Our technicians understand the value of being neat and considerate while working in your personal space, which is reflected in how we leave your home after solving eletrical issues.
Mister Sparky protects your home while he’s working: he slips on shoe covers (“floor savers”) and will even go the extra mile and roll out a red carpet to protect your flooring from dirt, scuffing, and scratches. Work completed, he vacuums the area to ensure that he leaves your home as clean or cleaner, than he found it.
Starched White Shirt
The Mister Sparky Standard
Because of Mister Sparky’s commitment to excellent service, we believe in hiring only the most professional and knowledgeable Houston Electricians. This means that in addition to technical excellence, all Mister Sparky electricians must uphold our Starched White Shirt standard for conduct and professionalism.
You can easily recognize a Mister Sparky electrician by his clean-cut, freshly shaven appearance and his signature starched white shirt and gray pants.
