20 September 2024

Keep cool and save money this summer with a simple fix

| Jacqueline Lyons
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Man installing fan

Tim Middleton from True Connection Electrical is one of Canberra’s most recommended electricians. Photo: Liv Cameron.

The days are getting longer and that means the mercury’s about to start rising.

So what do you do when you want to keep your house comfortable and your electricity bill low?

The solution might be closer than you think with the installation of a good old-fashioned ceiling fan.

The classic design has been around for more than a hundred years, and True Connection electrical owner Tim Middleton says there is a reason for its ongoing popularity.

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“Not only is the installation process cheap and straightforward, but the cost to keep it running is much cheaper than an air conditioner. They’re also extremely simple to use,” Tim says.

“It’s a basic idea, but there is a reason they are still popular even if they’ve been around for as long as they have.”

“Ultimately, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to make sure your house is consistently comfortable.”

The electrically powered ceiling fan was invented by Philip Diehl, who re-engineered the electric motor used in the first electrically powered Singer sewing machines. In 1882, he adapted that motor for use in a ceiling-mounted fan.

The electric ceiling fan was instantly a huge commercial success and the design has been evolving ever since.

Beacon lighting owner Tilak Pokhrel says these days, there is a vast range of ceiling fans to suit everyone’s comfort and style preference.

“When ceiling fans first came out, there was a massive limitation on style and design, but it’s not the case anymore,” Tilak says.

“Ceiling fans aren’t what they were 20 or even 10 years ago; there are styles that can be controlled by an app on your phone; you can even add LED lights to enhance the look and feel of your house,” Tilak says.

“The average ceiling fan is not what it used to be, to say the least.”

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When it comes to energy efficiency, Tilak says the combination of a fan powered by a direct current (DC) motor and an air-conditioning system is the way to go.

“There has been a lot of research done by various universities over the years that have concluded that the combination of the two systems is going to save you the most money.

“The changes in the way houses are built these days ultimately means there is no guarantee when it comes to how you can control the temperature of your house, but a ceiling fan is a good way to moderate it.”

Even if you already have an evaporative heating and cooling system, it is worth considering a fan as the installation could increase the comfort of your home, no matter the season.

To learn more about ceiling fans and anything related to all your electrical needs, visit True Connection Electrical.

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