01 Oct Do ceiling fans actually improve air circulation?
Do ceiling fans actually improve air circulation?
Did you know that ceiling fans are not actually designed to cool off a room? I know, it’s a surprise but it’s true. While cooling off the room may be the desired effect ceiling fans were originally designed to improve airflow and circulation throughout the building.
The History of Ceiling Fans
Using “fans” to circulate air around a room and cool its inhabitants is not a new idea. The earliest record of fans comes from Inda in 500 BC. The Punkah-style ceiling fan was developed and used in the houses of nobility throughout India. This fan was a mix of the Palmyra leaf and a cord system that when pulled moved the leaf from side to side creating a gentle breeze.
It wasn’t until modern times that we see designs of a much more familiar-looking ceiling fan. Developed by Phillip Diehl in 1882 the electric ceiling fan was the first of its kind. Its popularity took off and helped to pave the way for the ceiling fans we use today.
How Ceiling Fans work and can help your Budget
Ceiling fans of today use specially designed blades that take advantage of the laws of physics to move and circulate air throughout the room. While they don’t technically change the temperature or humidity level of the room they can help us to adjust to the room temperature at a much quicker and easier rate.
When we sweat our body secretes sweat so it can be evaporated and thus, cool us down. When ceiling fans circulate air throughout the room that air allows our sweat to be evaporated quicker than normal and what we get is a feeling of being much cooler.
This allows us to adjust to room temperatures that are higher than what we might prefer. Next time you feel a bit too warm, instead of adjusting the thermostat, try turning your fan on! Your wallet will thank you!