One Ceiling Fan or Two?

[ShenKen]

Which is better for circulating the heat from a wood stove, a single fan centered on the stove, or two fans on either side?

We are in the process of building a new house, currently in the electrical rough-in stage. We plan to have a wood stove in the finished basement, located in a long-ish family room. The room is approx 16 ft x 28 ft, with the stove centered lengthwise and backed up against an exterior wall. We could place a single ceiling fan in the center of the room, or we could have two fans spaced 14 ft apart (7 ft on each side of the stove). In the cooling months, I am guessing that two fans would be more effective, but in the winter when we are trying to distribute heat, I'm not sure. Any input would be welcome as well as links to other resources.

Thank you!

 

[begreen]

That's not a large space to heat as long as the basement is insulated. I would not put in any ceiling fans unless the basement ceiling is unusually high. If it is standard 8' it may give a tall person a haircut.

 

[stoveliker]

And your can always add a fan on the ground in the cold corner blowing colder air slowly to the stove. It'll be replaced by warmer air flowing along the ceiling.

 

[ShenKen]

Thanks for the replies! I forgot to mention, the ceiling is 9 ft in that area, so we have room for ceiling fans. And yes, pretty well insulated: the walls are precast concrete with foam, and there is 2" foam under the concrete slab.

It would be nice if the stove would heat more than just that family room, although we won't be relying on that alone. The stairway to the main floor is about 30 ft from the stove. I believe what I am hearing around here is that ceiling fans won't be very effective to move heat across the room and up those stairs. I am hoping the heat will naturally travel up through the uninsulated basement ceiling to the main floor and maybe even the half story above that. I will attach a screenshot of the basement family room plan and some adjacent features.

 

[begreen]

With a 9' ceiling a centrally located, shallow profile, ceiling fan won't hurt. It can blow upward in winter to reduce drafts. For better heat up the stairwell, leave it as open as possible. Make the 87.5" wall an open railing instead of a dividing wall. For better heat transfer, don't insulate the basment ceiling.