HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT CEILING FAN

With the ability to enhance the comfort, beauty, and value of your home, ceiling fans are an incredibly worthwhile investment. Today, they are available in countless ceiling fan options, from basic, “builder grade” fans to elaborate styles with all of the beauty and presence of a chandelier.

With so many options, how do you choose the right one? Follow these simple guidelines.

1. Choose a high-quality motor. The difference between high-quality ceiling fans and the low-quality variety is the quality of the motor. Contrary to popular belief, it is the quality of the motor (not the design or appearance) that you are really paying for in a ceiling fan.

Lower quality motors typically have a thin metal covering, which can cause unpleasant rattling and other noise when running. High quality fans have a heavy gauge steel motor case, which is both quiet and more visually attractive.
 

2. Choose An Outdoor-Specific Fan for Outdoors. A ceiling fan is a wonderful addition to your outdoor space providing a wonderful cool breeze throughout the warmer months. Outdoor ceiling fans are made with more durable materials that are made to withstand the outdoor elements, whereas indoor fans are not. Consequently, indoor ceiling fans installed outdoors will soon swell from humidity, resulting in unsightly drooping.

When you are browsing outdoor fans, consider the climate where you live, as well as where you wish to install the ceiling fan. “Damp” rated fans are for use under a covered porch or patio, whereas “Wet” rated fans can be exposed to rain, and used in areas like gazebos or pergolas.
 

3. Consider the Ceiling Fan’s Efficiency and Air Movement. Although most ceiling fans can help you save on your air conditioning bill, ceiling fans that are “Energy Star” labeled are particularly efficient.

When measuring efficiency, an important component is airflow: how much air is this ceiling fan able to move? This is determined by the quality of the ceiling fan motor, the pitch (or angle) of the blade, and the material of the blade. The best pitch for residential ceiling fans is considered to be 14 degrees, which provides the most airflow; the best materials for fan blades are laminates (rather than solid wood), because of their strength and resistance to warping.

4. Choose the Right Size for Your Space.  Rooms larger than 400 square feet (or, very long rooms) benefit from the use of two or more fans. Here are some general guidelines on choosing the right fan size for your space:

• <50 square feet (hallways, baths): 29" fan
• <75 square feet (breakfast nook, utility room): 36" fan
• <100 square feet (small kitchen or bedroom): 42" fan
• <225 square feet (kitchen or bedroom): 52" fan
• <400 square feet (living or family room: 56" or larger, or two 52" fans
• >400 square feet: Multiple fans are recommended.
   

5. Accessorize Your Ceiling Fan. Some ceiling fans are sold as separate parts, while others come with the whole package. Whether you’d prefer the flexibility of customizing your ceiling fan motor with your choice of fan blades and fan light kit, or the convenience of purchasing an all-in-one package, is up to you.

Fan Downrods are sold separately, and allow you to lengthen your ceiling fan to provide optimal airflow in your space (particularly for high ceilings). At the other end of the spectrum, “hugger” kits allow you to fit your ceiling fan to fit low ceilings. Fan remote controls and wall controls offer added convenience.

It is important to remember that most fan accessories are made to fit a particular brand of ceiling fan, and are not compatible with others.