Is It Worth the Investment to Have Ceiling Fans in My Rental Property?

As a commercial property management company, we are often asked if installing a ceiling fan for rental apartment is worth the investment. If you are a landlord, it's important to always look for ways to save energy, and ceiling fans are one way to reduce energy use.

Air conditioning use is a huge expense during the hot summer months. When a ceiling fan is used at the same time as an air conditioner, you can set the thermostat a bit higher and still stay comfortable.

It is less expensive to run a ceiling fan than it is to set your air conditioner to a lower temperature. The combination of ceiling fan and air conditioner will reduce your energy bills, and makes you wonder why don't apartments have ceiling fans everywhere.

Will a Ceiling Fan Be Enough to Keep You Cool?

You aren't going to cool off your rental property simply by using a ceiling fan. Although ceiling fans are going to help circulate the air throughout the space, they don't reduce the temperature of the air. You might feel a bit cooler from the breeze, but the temperature likely hasn't changed.

When a room is already hot, a ceiling fan is only going to circulate the hot air everywhere. The air conditioner will provide cool air, allowing the ceiling fan to circulate the cooler air.

Are There Problems With Ceiling Fans In Apartments?

Ceiling fans are an excellent way to reduce energy costs, but they have to be taken care of in order to work properly. A commercial property management company will ensure that the ceiling fans are inspected annually. They should be cleaned periodically to get rid of any dust, as this reduces the ability to circulate air.

Ceiling fans should be inspected to look for any safety concerns. Lubrication is also important, and this is an easy process when you know what you are doing. Some types of ceiling fans do not need any lubrication, and it's important to know the difference before you try to put any oil drops into the ceiling fan.

Problems You Might Experience With Your Ceiling Fan?

There are a number of problems you might experience when you install ceiling fans in your rental properties. As ceiling fans get older, you might experience:

• Unbalanced Fan Blades - You might notice a wobbling with the ceiling fan blades over time, as they can become unbalanced. Balancing kits can be used to repair the issue.
• Loud Noises - A ceiling fan can make loud noises, which can indicate you need lubrication or a repair made.

If you inspect the ceiling fan and find that it is dirty, take the time to clean the blades thoroughly. When there is too much dust on the blades, the fan is not going to run efficiently. You will end up blowing dust throughout the space, which could cause a hazard to your health.

Is It Worth Installing Ceiling Fans In Your Rental Property?

The easiest answer is yes, it is worth the investment to install ceiling fans in your rental properties. The minimal maintenance required for the ceiling fans will help to keep your energy costs down.

Remember that a ceiling fan is only going to help you save on energy costs when you run the ceiling fan along with the air conditioning.

If you have ceiling fans in your rental property, keep in mind:

• Don't run the fan all the time. If no one is around, turn the ceiling fan off.
• All ceiling fans need to be at least eight feet from the ground.
• Ceiling fans can be used in the winter to circulate warm air, keeping the space warm.

At Olympus Group Real Estate, we are ready to help you with commercial property management services. Give us a call to learn more about what we offer.