Ceiling fan FAQs
How much do ceiling fans cost to operate? Ceiling fans are an extremely effective way of cooling your home. Most ceiling fans use only about as much power as a 60 watt light bulb, which equates to around 1 cent per hour. Ceiling fans can save you money on power bills in both summer and winter.
When a ceiling fan is used in conjunction with an air conditioner you can save as much as 40% off your cooling costs.
What is a reversible feature? Most Beacon Lighting fans have a reversible feature. This allows for the rotational direction of the fan blades to be changed at the flick of a switch. A ceiling fan can be operated in an anti-clockwise direction during winter to push warm air down your ceiling along the walls to keep the room warmer and reduce heating costs by up to 10%. In summer the fan is switched to a clockwise direction generating a cooling breeze.
How much air do fans circulate? 122cm (48”) fan can circulate up to 368m3 of air per minute. 142cm (56”) fan can circulate up to 467m3 of air per minute. Check instore or on the product specifications for the exact air movement figures of each fan.
What is the difference between a 3, 4 or 5 blade fans? There is not a great deal of difference between the performance features of a 3,4 or 5 bladed fan. Generally speaking 3 bladed fans are usually made from metal blades and therefore move a significant amount of air, however the down side is that they will produce a little more noise than a timber bladed fan. 5 blade fans will usually require a larger motor to push the 5 blades around and larger motors generally mean more energy is used. 4 bladed fans are the most common ceiling fans available.
What is blade pitch? Blade pitch is the angle of the blade from the motor, the higher the pitch the greater the movement of air.
Are some fans more powerful and quieter? Another key dimension to look at when purchasing a fan is motor power. Motors are measured in watts and poles, often indicating how powerful the motor is. The speed of the motor, along with the rest of the design, can have an impact on how the fan operates and the noise it emits. Quieter fans are generally more desirable, however, quiet fans do tend to cost a little more.
What is a pole? The term poles can be a little confusing but think of them as magnets. The more magnets the stronger the engine. Our fans range in pole size from 12 to 18.
Metal vs. timber blades Fans with metal blades generate a moderate level of noise and therefore are not recommended for bedrooms. Timber blades are ideal for bedrooms as they produce minimal noise. However, due to the shape of metal blade fans, they tend to move more air than timber blades.
Do ceiling fans with metal blades rust? Most metal bladed fans are covered in a protective UV powder coated paint, this reduces the chance of rust, however if the fan will be in an area where it is exposed to salty air, sand or moisture it is advisable to use a minimum of 304 grade stainless steel blade. In coastal areas a 316 marine grade stainless steel bladed fan is recommended. Most importantly is that all fans require maintenance, if left unmaintained your fan may become rusty, dirty and unbalanced. Regular cleaning is required especially for fans that are used in coastal areas. First clean with a damp cloth and detergent, and protect any stainless steel surfaces with a neutral oil such as WD40, or specific stainless steel protector. This will need to be completed at least 4 times a year in coastal areas.
What is a bell canopy? A bell canopy is just that, shaped like an upturned bell, this hooks onto the ceiling. This is generally a sign of a low quality fan, as newer modern fans now use the cathedral canopy/hang sure fixing method that reduces ceiling fan wobble.
What is a cathedral canopy? Cathedral canopies (sometimes referred to as ‘hang sure’) allow a fan to be hung from an angled or cathedral type ceiling. They also allow the fan to find its own center of gravity, which results in the fan running with less movement and noise.
What warranty is available on fans? A fan needs to be reliable. Beacon Lighting is proud to offer a minimum two year in home warranty period with both parts and labour on all our fans. Should the fan be installed by a Beacon Lighting Installations electrician, the warranty period is extended for an additional year on Lucci fans. Contact 1300 ALIGHT to speak to one of our qualified electricians to arrange a quote for installation.
How much will it cost to install a ceiling fan? Ceiling fans must be installed by a licensed electrician. There are a number of factors that affect the installation price, such as whether it is replacing an existing fan or light, ceiling height, and whether there is ceiling/wall access, sufficient support and wiring.