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The History of Ceiling Fans

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By Conner Flynn 5 years ago 71808 Views 1 comment

Ceiling Fan with LED Light

Ceiling fans serve a great purpose in our homes and have been around, in some fashion, since at least the 1600’s. Some versions were even noted as being around during the Roman Empire. Long before electricity was founded and utilized, ceiling fans were operated manually to help keep those who had one stay cool and comfortable in hot weather. Fans have a fascinating place in history, even if under-told, eventually making their way to built-in electricity driven ceiling fans. Even those who now have air conditioning still rely on ceiling fans to circulate the air and keep rooms comfortable and cool.


The First Ceiling Fan

Looking back in time, the first noted ceiling fan was found in India in the 17th century. Called the punkah, this fan like device was made from palm leaves or cloth and hung from the ceiling. They moved manually, when a servant pulled a cord, turning the palms, or cloth, and moving the air. Today, like the rest of the world, India is still a huge mecca for ceiling fans.

Ceiling Fans in the United States

Around 1860 the first ceiling fan was installed in the United States. It did not yet run off electricity, but rather utilized a belt system and water, or steam, energy. Due to being belt driven, a network of fans could be installed throughout a large building, making them popular in offices, department stores, and even restaurants. Typically, the wealthy were able to install these massive units to help keep their employees comfortable and productive.

In 1882 a man named Philip Diehl, who worked for the Singer sewing machine company, invented an electric ceiling mounted fan using a sewing machine motor. Later he added a light component making it a multi-functional investment. A German immigrant, Diehl surely didn’t realize the magnitude of his invention.

Each model of ceiling fan, either belt driven or electric, was widely popular in the South, as heat was as much an issue then as it is now. Four blade ceiling fans, as opposed to its two-blade predecessor, started to surface around World War I.


Ceiling Fans in Residential Properties

Ceiling fans were not primarily found commercially until around the 1920’s. While some wealthy citizens were able to afford a fan in their homes, in the early part of the 20th century, they were not cost effective for the first two decades for the vast majority.


Around the world, sales of ceiling fans also started to take off and despite the decline that hit in the middle of the 20th century in the US, the ceiling fan was still a great commodity world-wide. Especially in very hot climates, such as India, which still depended on a cooling system.

Residential Air Conditioners

The advent of the air conditioner temporarily halted the popularity of the ceiling fan in the US around 1950. Now room temperatures could be dramatically reduced rather than just buy a couple of degrees. But still, they were not cost effective for all, and the ceiling fan remained an affordable option for most families. So much that, the design of the ceiling fan continued to change. With the addition of more fan blades, energy efficient technology, and aerodynamic sciences, ceiling fans sales continued to rise world-wide, and eventually again in the US in the late 20th century.

Ceiling fans are beneficial because:

  • They are cheaper to run than an air conditioner (especially new models that utilize a DC motor)
  • They are multi-function when equipped with a light
  • Ceiling fans are easy to use, and many come with a wireless remote controller
  • With a directional change switch, ceiling fans can be used to push warm air down, in the cooler months, and providing a savings on heating costs
  • They are quiet and often used as a source of white noise to help people and children sleep

  • Ceiling fans will most likely never go out of style. Even with central air conditioning systems, and window mounted air conditioners, ceiling fans are still the most affordable way of getting air to move and circulate. With many different sizes, designs, and styles, ceiling fans can be used both indoors and outdoors, and work well in a small apartment or a large factory.



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    jannatul fardous 4 years ago at 12:41 PM
    Really nice fan and i like this.
    regard
    nika-talana