A ceiling fan can save homeowners as much as 40 percent on their air conditioning bills by creating a breeze that makes the ambient temperature feel seven or eight degrees cooler than it actually is. Hence, you can set your thermostat at 80 degrees and feel like it is set at 72 degrees. In the winter, a ceiling fan can move heat trapped near the ceiling back into the living area, reducing heating costs up to 10 percent.

Blade pitch is the degree of vertical blade tilt to obtain optimum air movement. The higher the blade pitch, the more the drag on the fan as it goes around, thereby requiring a larger motor. Many manufacturers believe a 14-degree pitch provides optimum air movement.

No. If all other factors remain the same, five blades won’t move 30 percent more air. Generally, five blades have a more contemporary look, while four blades create a more traditional appearance.

In the summer, the ceiling fan should rotate so that it forces air down into the room. During the winter, reverse the setting in order to blow air upward and off of the ceiling, where the hottest air stratifies. However, the bedroom is the one application where you wouldn’t normally run a fan backwards during the winter. The reason? The head of the bed is usually up against the wall and even at a low speed, you will feel a draft coming down the wall.

It depends on square footage, but you can determine the right size based on what is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Typically, 29-inch fans are designed for bathrooms and small bedrooms. A room that is 8 feet by 10 feet usually requires a 42-inch fan. When dealing with a living space larger than 10 feet by 12 feet, consider a 52-inch diameter fan, which is the most popular size. Fans that are 54 inches, 56 inches and 60 inches also are available for larger rooms. In general, remember that a small fan in a big room looks out of proportion, while a fan that is too big for a room will overwhelm the space. And even on low speed, it may create more airflow than you want.

The decorative pipe that runs from the ceiling to the body of the fan.

Most fans are designed to hang from standard 8-foot ceilings, even when a light kit is attached. Blades should be a least seven feet from the floor. For ceilings lower than 8 feet, use a special model that hugs the ceiling. On ceilings higher than 8 feet, use a down rod to achieve the desired drop. Remember that atriums, cathedral and vaulted ceilings require the use of a down rod in order to increase the air supply above the blade for maximum fan efficiency.

Many companies offer outdoor models that are listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories as suitable for use in wet locations, such as porches, gazebos, etc. To withstand water, motors, switches and wiring are rubber sealed. Other features include rust-resistant motor housings, stainless steel hardware and all-weather blades. Damp and wet are not interchangeable terms, although many consumers think they are.

It may if the installation is not correct, such as the hanging ball not being set properly in the canopy. Occasionally, a set of blades may not be properly balanced, particularly if an installer is hanging more than one fan, and gets the blade sets mixed. Fan blades come balanced as a set from the factory.

Casablanca^® stands alone in its approach to the design, engineering and manufacturing of ceiling fans. While some ceiling fans may look similar at first glance, there are important differences to consider if you are seeking quality, lasting performance, durability and value. Casablanca^® is known for the originality and authenticity of design as well as for innovation, including the first computerized ceiling fans. Casablanca^® continues this leadership by offering many exclusive new features and diverse convenience options, such as remote operating systems that control fan speed and direction, lighting and even home security.

For more information about Casablanca^® ceiling fans, please refer to the company’s web site at Casablanca Fan Co. or look for their ads in magazines such as Martha Stewart Living, This Old House, Country Home, Midwest Living, Traditional Home, and Architectural Digest.