An easy, breezy guide to built-in fans.

How do ceiling fans work?

Ceiling fans don't actually lower the room temperature, but instead work the same way a breeze does: by moving air around and over your skin, which cools you by accelerating perspiration evaporation.

They can be an effective, low-cost alternative to air conditioners or even heaters during the cooler months.

Ceiling fan types

There are two broad categories of ceiling fans: alternating or direct current. Within these two categories are a number of alternatives that use different materials, sizes and blades.