Ceiling Fans - A Brief HistoryCeiling fans have come a long way and in spite of the fact that air conditioning is being used around the world, ceiling fans are still a great option in homes. Ceiling fan came to America by the end of the 19th century, around the 1870s. During this period the ceiling fans were not powered by electric motor as we see today. They were being run using water. A stream of water was made to run through a turbine that drove the belts which controlled the fan blades. Initially the fans had 2-blades but now ceiling fans have anywhere between 3 and 5 blades. The first electrically driven ceiling fan came into existence in 1890 and was invented by Philip Diehl. Diehl used an electric motor, which was being used in sewing machines. He just made the motor adaptable for being used in a ceiling fan and thus the first ceiling fan was named as the Diehl Electric Fan. During the World War I period, ceiling fans had four blades and were being considered as the most efficient and effective way of creating an air circulation that helped people to sleep in peace when the outside temperatures were simmering. By the 1920's, the ceiling fans had become a common feature in every home in the United States and many other parts of the world. During and after the Second World War, the ceiling fans had disappeared for some time and came into recognition and use again around the 1960's. It was being used, manufactured and exported from Asia. By the 1970's the use of ceiling fans increased considerably because the fans consumed far less energy than an air conditioner. It was the level of energy efficiency that has kept the ceiling fans alive and still a common sight in homes. In fact in the last decade or so, ceiling fans have been given a facelift. Manufacturers now design and sell ceiling fans that add to the décor of your home. They are stylish, and are available in different types of blades like steel, wood, brass, silver, chromium etc. Some ceiling fans are also available with built in lighting kits and handy remote controls. Today you can find a great ceiling for as less as $40 and a classic styled fan for $200. Ceiling fans are popular not only because of their utility but they are also easy to install and can be used in summers as well as winters. |