Article Written By: Gary Nickless
While many people in Canada and the United States have no idea what a ceiling airer even is, people in the United Kingdom and Europe are very familiar with this energy saving device and they've been using it for over a hundred years. This age-old device is simple to use and the ideal way to dry clothes and maximize energy efficiency at the same time. It costs nothing to use and utilizes the warm air that rises up near the ceiling in your home to dry laundry on the wooden rails of the device which is raised up and out of the way. To use it, lower the device to hang clothing on the wooden rails, and then raise it back up toward the ceiling where it is out of the way while clothes dry.A ceiling airer has cast iron ends or holders into which horizontal rails or "laths" made of wood-usually hardwood-fit at fixed intervals. The cast iron ends are also attached to cords used to raise the device and lower it. These cords also run on pulleys that are affixed to the ceiling to enable that movement. A cleat on the wall keeps the cords secure and out of the way. While indoor spin dryers are common, they can use up quite a lot of electricity. With utility bills high in winter anyway, using a ceiling airer can help you take the best advantage of the situation by using the warm air within your house to dry your clothes naturally and gently. It's ideal for drying jumpers and shirts, and models that have clothes hanger attachments for shirts will minimize the amount of ironing you'll have. There are many different styles available to suit every type of domicile. Models range from having three to six drying laths, so that they'll fit even into small spaces. The "Sheila Maid" is one of the most common ceiling airers. It is a style that has been around for 100 years. The cast iron rack ends are curved, and it has four wooden laths. Kits come with a single pulley, double pulley, a cleat hook for the wall, and a 10-meter long jute rope. Installation instructions are included too.The Kitchen Maid is another of the "original" style airer. The end pieces are made to resemble an original Victorian design that was common during that era. The end pieces of this ceiling airer are solid cast iron, and the laths are typically made from pine. A Kitchen Maid clothes airer is one of the most earth friendly ways to dry your laundry. It can dry up to 30 kg of washing overnight. The wooden laths are finished and smoothed so as not to snag washing.If you have a larger family, you can also purchase one that stack to double the quantity of clothes you can dry using the warm rising air in your home. You can install it on any hard ceiling surface. You can also purchase models that have flat laths that you can use as storage like shelves. And many models can be customized with additional laths to add more drying space.As mentioned previously, they are designed to accommodate small homes or apartments. Shorter and more compact, these models have just a few laths, but they are still a great way to dry clothes without the expense or wasted energy associated with electric or gas dryers. It's the eco friendly way to go!Probably the ideal time to install it in your home is during autumn. This is because it is just prior to the time when you will be heating your home and that hot air will be rising and otherwise simply be wasted. If you have to pay for heat, you might as well get free clothes drying at the same time. You can install ceiling airers on any hard ceiling surface including on slanted ceilings. They even work over stairwells. In fact, they work well in many areas. In addition, if you don't have an outside clothesline, you can use this device year round! It will save money on your energy and utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment.
This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 4 Nov 2009 and Read 356 Times