Outdoor and indoor, ceiling fans keep the air circulating and help keep your house cosy during summer and winter. Let us help you find a fan that suits your area and decor.
Picking the Ideal Ceiling Fan for Your Area
The main purpose of a ceiling fan is to move air in a space. Air conditioners cool air, but ceiling fans move that around, which ensures they are useful for both heating and cooling. A ceiling fan in the bedroom facilitates good sleep without using the air conditioning. On an exposed or covered porch, a ceiling fan will produce a soothing retreat—just make sure it’s approved for moist or wet areas. Find outdoor fans with weather resistant fan blades.
Both styles can withstand moisture, but damp-rated devices are not supposed to interact with water. Wet-rated fans are ideal for coastline and wet regions.
You must first pick the correct size to get the most out of ceiling fan. ENERGY STAR® includes the following suggestions for the diameter of the ceiling fan:
Spaces: up to 75 sq ft = 29 in-36 in
Spaces: 76 sq ft – 144 sq ft = 36 in – 42 in
Spaces 144 sq ft – 225 sq ft = 44 sq ft
Space 225 sq ft – 400 sq ft = 50 in – 54 in
Ceiling Elevation
Keep in mind the elevation of the ceiling when choosing a new or a replacement ceiling fan. The optimal fan level from the ground to the blades is around 8 ft. Many fans have several choices for installing, allowing them to work just about anywhere in the house. Measure the height of your roof to decide the mounting choice that will work the best for your room.
Mounting Possibilities
Flush Mount
Made for spaces with low ceilings where a light weight is needed or expected. These ceiling fans are flush-mounted to the roof, with no additional connection.
Downrod Mount
Built for spaces with high ceilings, usually 8 ft or more. A number of ceiling fans have a downrod. Check the package to see if the downrod is provided and acknowledge the size of the package. However, in the case of extra-high ceilings, you can need a longer downrod than offered. See below to help measure the optimal length of the downrod:
9-feet ceiling = 6-inches downrod
10-feet ceiling = 12-inches downrod
12-feet ceiling = 24-inches downrod
14-feet ceiling = 36-inches downrod
16-fee ceiling = 48-inches downrod
18-feet ceiling = 60-inches downrod
20-feet ceiling = 72-inches downrod
Ceiling Fan Designs and Finishes
Ceiling fans are made in an almost infinite variety of designs and finishes. Many fans have variable speeds and an inverted airflow feature to assist with warmth during cold months. Look for remotely controlled ones, too.
Shades – Ceiling fan lamp shades usually come in glass, but recent revolutionary designs incorporate a fan concealed within the drum shade of the fabric. Common ceiling fan shades include the following:
- Opal glass
- Alabaster glass
- Etched glass
- Clear glass
Finishes – Ceiling fans are coming in a range of finishes. Take a look at the current finishes in your house. If the door locks and the cabinetry are all made of polished nickel, select a ceiling fan in a similar finish. Common ceiling fans styles for base and fan blades include:
- Wood Ceiling Fan
- Antique bronze
- Satin
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Brushed nickel
- Matte black
- Polished pewter
- Gloss
Look for pre-assembled fans for quick setup. Simply review the maker’s guide for step-by-step guidance, protection, alert and warning. If in doubt, please contact a trained electrician.