Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509110042
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: D-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES DULLEY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: While all ceiling fans look basically alike, there are significant quality and structural differences among them. Definitely, do not shop for just the lowest priced one. Within a year, it will begin to hum and wobble.
Many new efficient contemporary designer fans have three to six blades. One five-blade model, called Petal, has wraparound, petal-shaped blades. Another high-output three-blade model has split hi-tech airfoil blades.
Key design features to look for are motor housing material, bearing type, motor size, blade pitch, range of speeds, automatic speed and lighting controls and sound/ vibration isolating features.
Die cast or cast iron motor housings are best. These are made to close tolerances. This heavier metal, as compared to a thin steel stamping, dissipates heat better, is more durable and provides longer motor life.
A larger, more powerful motor also runs cooler and quieter. Double-shielded, permanently-lubricated bearings are most durable and quiet. Look for sound and vibration reducing components between all metal parts.
A steeper pitch angle (twist) of the blades is better and moves more air at a lower speed. Most better-quality fans have a blade pitch of 13 or 14 degrees and even steeper on larger contemporary three-blade models.
Balance (some blade sets are matched to within one gram of each other) and quality of the blade finish are more important than the blade material itself. Some of the best quality, most expensive fan blades are made of laminated or solid hardwoods, engineering plastics or fabric covered frames.
For the greatest convenience, select a fan with a hand-held remote speed and lighting control. These are often available only on the highest quality fans. Remote controls are ideal for bedrooms or when relaxing by the TV.
One hand-held remote, Air Design, provides six speeds and programmable preset speed/lighting combinations. A unique sleep setting gradually slows the fan speed as you sleep. The typical pull chain, three-speed settings on most fans are often not adequate for effective, quiet cooling.
Even an expensive fan can pay back its cost in utility bills savings. A properly-sized fan allows you to comfortably raise your thermostat setting five degrees. In winter, reverse the fan rotation and set your thermostat lower.
For a buyer's guide of highest quality, efficient ceiling fan manufacturers listing sizes, styles, speed ranges, blade pitch, motor housing materials, bearing types, features and a fan size selector chart, write to James Dulley, The Roanoke Times, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio. Ask for Update Bulletin No. 922 45244. Please include $2 and a business-size stamped self-addressed envelope.
Q: I just had some firewood delivered that I plan to use next winter to heat my living room. How can I tell if it is seasoned wood? How small should I split the logs?
A: Look at the ends of the logs. If they are well seasoned, they should be checked and cracked. Knock two of the logs together. Seasoned wood makes a ringing sound, not a dull thud.
If they seem to be well seasoned and they were small enough for you to knock together, you should not have to split them more. If the wood is still green, split it into smaller pieces so that it dries out by next winter.
by CNB