If you’re preparing to sell your home in the near future, it’s never too early to start thinking of ways to increase the value of your home, especially taking into consideration that any improvement will most likely help you get your home sold faster.

One of the best additions that a homeowner can make is to put in energy-efficient ceiling fans, which will cool the home during the warm months and circulate warm air during the winter months. Installing the correct ceiling fan will not only help you reduce energy costs, it will also improve the overall comfort of the room and bring together the design concept with a unifying look.

When choosing a ceiling fan, don’t just grab the cheapest model. Find one that fits the style of the room and your home. With so many choices out there when it comes to colours, finishes, blade designs, sizes and accessories, finding the perfect fan may take some time. Fans these days have many options such as antique or aluminium motors, various light kit options and endless blade finishes.

Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive, generally quiet, and come in a variety of materials and styles to suit any room in the home.  The different styles that have come out in recent years are more decorative and can really add character to a room.  Most estate agents will tell you that having ceiling fans in the home is a welcome sign to many buyers, especially those concerned about energy savings, however, they probably won’t be a deciding factor in a sale. But if the ceiling fans are replacing outdated ceiling fixtures, it could be the difference between someone remembering a room or not.

A ceiling fan/light combination unit is more efficient than conventional light units, which can save you money on your utility bills. If you’re going to spend the money by installing ceiling fans throughout the home, it’s important to understand how they work in order to utilize them effectively. For instance, in the summer, fans should be set to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction so that you feel a cool breeze when you stand directly under the fan. The airflow produced creates a wind-chill effect, making you feel cooler.

In the winter, reverse the motor and operate ceiling fans at low speed in a clockwise direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. This works best on tall ceilings.

Not only are ceiling fans a great addition to the main rooms in your home, they can also be effective in kitchens and bathrooms where dampness may be an issue.

Cleaning and maintaining your fans isn’t difficult either; with a damp towel, slowly and carefully wipe off any dust or grime and continue as necessary until the fan is clean then use a microfiber cloth or feather duster to dust the housing and other parts.