There are many downsides to keeping a ceiling fan on 24/7. Among them are the fire hazard and high energy costs. However, there is no need to panic. You can just give your ceiling fan motor a rest by turning it off when returning home.
Problems with leaving a ceiling fan on all day
While ceiling fans are a great way to keep your home cool during summer, they can also pose a safety hazard. The fan needs electric current to run, which can result in overheating. The risk of overheating is minimal with good-quality fans, but higher with poor-quality fans. Overheating is usually the result of dust or other debris being accumulated on the fan. Older fans also tend to wear more, increasing the risk of overheating.
The length of time you can leave a ceiling fan on will depend on several factors. These factors include the quality and age of the fan as well as cleanliness. In theory, leaving a ceiling fan running for 24 hours a day is safe, but it is not recommended. This can damage the fan in the long run and cause it to overheat.
Ceiling fan maintenance costs
To calculate the cost of running a ceiling fan, you need to know how many watts it consumes. Then, multiply that number by the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour, or kWh. The calculator will give you an estimate of the cost of running your fan for one hour. The cost of running a ceiling fan varies from state to state. For example, Hawaii has a high tariff while Louisiana and Washington have lows. You can get a better idea about the cost of running your fan by using the average for each state.
The material of the ceiling fan also has an impact on the cost. For example, a plastic fan will cost you about $50, whereas a metal one will cost you about $60-400. Other materials like wood and rattan will be more costly. Price will also be affected by the number of blades. Fans with two or more blades will cost you $150-$500, while fans with six or more blades will cost you between $200-600. The more blades you have, the more they cost, but they also will improve air circulation.
Fire hazard
Leaving a ceiling fan on all day is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports that approximately 100,000 home structures burn each year due to electrical problems. The two biggest causes of these fires are an overheated motor and improper wiring.
Fires can often start while people are asleep. The hot air could ignite if a fan is left on for too long. According to the National Fire Protection Association, house fires caused by fans are most common during summer, when rooms are hotter and fans are used more often.
