Ceiling fans are less expensive to operate than air conditioners.
A watt is a measurement of energy. Knowing the wattage of a ceiling fan helps predict how much electricity the fan will use during operation. Wattage is not a good indicator of ceiling fan performance, however. Overall construction of the ceiling fan, including blade design and the quality of its motor, determine how fast the fan will turn at full speed.
Differences
A poorly designed ceiling fan with an inefficient motor and blades could have a higher wattage rating than other ceiling fans. Differences in workmanship and quality could make the ceiling fan consume more energy than other models of the same size. The fan may also turn slower at full speed than other fans despite a higher wattage rating.
Blade Design
Specially designed blades on some ceiling fans allow up to 40 percent more airflow than conventional blades, according to Flex Your Power, a California nonprofit organization focused on energy conservation. The superior design of some fan blades allows them to operate with much smaller motors and consume up to 50 percent less energy than other fans.
Velocity
Operating a fan at full speed isn't always best. Strong breezes from a high-speed fan could blow loose papers from a desk, for example. Efficient fans with larger blades provide comparable cooling at less speed and velocity.
Noise
Noise is another important consideration in choosing a fan. An inefficient fan running at full speed may make more noise than a higher quality model. That could prompt you to avoid using the fan at full speed. When shopping for a fan, consider the wattage rating but also look for noise level ratings.
Noise level in ceiling fans is measured in "sones." The lower the sones rating, the better. The quietest fans are rated from 0.5 to 1 sones, according to Flex Your Power. Some fans rated as very good operate at about 1.5 sones. Check the packaging or contact the manufacturer for the sones rating of a fan you are considering. Fans that operate quietly and smoothly tend to last longer than less expensive models.
Size
Select the proper ceiling fan for your room to avoid having to operate the fan at full speed. Choose a 36- or 44-inch diameter fan for rooms of up to 225 square feet. Choose 52-inch fans in larger rooms. Install multiple fans in large dens or lofts.
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