Ceiling Fan Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Ceiling Fan
With such a broad range of fans to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in phrases like sloped-ceiling adaptable, blade span and 14-degree blade pitch. And all the questions: Big or small? How many blades? What controls do I need? Et cetera, et cetera.
There can really be a lot to think about when it comes to buying ceiling fans. So, if you want to brush up on all the technical jargon before making the wisest ceiling fan choice possible, you can do so here by checking out the following FAQs (plus, other ceiling fan articles, to your right).
What are my ceiling fan mounting options?
There are several options available, each designed to optimize air circulation and fit proportionally into a space. Regulations do require fans to be installed at least 7 feet up from the floor. (Before choosing a low-profile fan, be sure to measure the space between your ceiling and floor.) Aside from that, you can choose the fan mounting that best suits your room and, of course, your style.
Hugger Ceiling Fans
This type of flushmount ceiling fan is ideal for low ceilings (8 feet or shorter). There is no space between the ceiling fan’s motor housing and the ceiling, making it an ideal choice for smaller urban spaces, including apartments and condos.
Close-to-Ceiling Fans
A downrod of 3 to 5 inches is installed between the ceiling canopy and fan. The added space between the low profile ceiling fan and ceiling allows for more air circulation and fan efficiency, while remaining relatively close to the ceiling and out of the way. This mounting option is good for any room where the ceiling-to-floor height is roughly 9 feet.
How To: Choose a Ceiling Fan
Choosing a ceiling fan is enough to make any homeowner’s head hurt. With so many variables and options, what should you consider when choosing a ceiling fan?
Get the Height Right
If you’re planning the installation for a low-ceilinged room, insist on a flush-mount model (also called a “ceiling hugger”) to ensure adequate head clearance
For average-height ceilings, using the manufacturer-supplied hanging rod should do the trick. For higher ceilings, an extension rod will lower the fan to optimal position within the room, about eight or nine feet off the floor.
Place Your Fan Properly
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower room temperatures; they cool by creating a breeze. Install them in places where you spend the most time. Good spots are over the bed or above family-room or kitchen seating.
Consider Control Options
Do you want to control the fan from a wall switch, a remote, or a good old-fashioned pull chain? You may not have a choice. Mode of operation depends on the fan that you choose. Tastes vary, but there is certainly something to be said for the convenience of a remote that enables you to change fan speed (or ceiling-fan light fixture settings) effortlessly.
How to Choose a Ceiling Fan for Comfort and Style
Ceiling fans make great additions to the home year-round. They cool us down in summer and warm us up in winter. New features and technologies mean they’re more energy-efficient than ever, and design updates have led to some pretty stylish models
Personal preference plays a big role when buying a ceiling fan, and it’s always helpful to discuss your needs with a professional. To help you get started, check out the following tips from experts on how to choose a ceiling fan, including determining the right ceiling fan size and the optimal hanging distance from the ceiling.
How to Choose a Ceiling Fan
Pick the right ceiling fan size for your room. Size is important. If your ceiling fan is too small for your room, it won’t move air efficiently or effectively. If it’s too big, it could create the feeling of being in a wind tunnel.
How to measure a ceiling fan: Ceiling fan measurements come from their blade span, which is the diameter of the circle their spinning blades create, also called their “sweep.” For a ceiling fan with an even number of blades, measure the fan’s diameter to determine its span. For a ceiling fan with an odd number of blades, measure from the center of the fan to the end of a blade, and multiply by two.
Consider the number and angle of the blades. With today’s models, there isn’t necessarily a right number of blades for a ceiling fan. It’s more of an aesthetic preference than a practical one.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CEILING FAN
CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE RATING FOR YOUR LOCATION
Is this fan going indoors or outdoors? There are 3 different ratings to consider:
Indoor Rated: Rated only for indoor use, cannot withstand moisture or direct water exposure.
Damp Rated: Rated for mild Outdoor use and indoor use; Can withstand heat and cool moisture, such as desert heat or cool mist or fog. CANNOT withstand direct rain or hose exposure.
Wet Rated: Rated for Outdoor use and can withstand Direct Water Exposure like Rain or cleaning with a hose; You can also use WET Rated fans for DAMP or INDOOR Locations, but not the other way around.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BLADE SPAN
You want to choose the proportional blade span for the space. Below is a good starting point, keep in mind that if the room is very large, you may want to consider using two fans instead of one.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DROP
Measure the height from the ceiling to the floor of where you plan on installing your fan. The chart below will give you a good reference guide as to which downrod you should choose. Keep in mind that some homeowners may choose a slightly different drop for preferred “visual” reasons.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FINISH
There are 3 main finishes/colors for ceiling fan motors. Most fans will come in 3 different options that fall in the category of; silver, brown, and white
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTROL
There are 3 main types of controls; Pull chain, Remote Control, and Wall Control. In most cases, you can generally add a remote control or wall control to your fan, but hardly ever add a pull chain to one.
How to Buy a Ceiling Fan
What makes the perfect ceiling fan? While style and finish are certainly important, considering a few key factors will help you pick the right ceiling fan for your space
Indoor Ceiling Fans
Do you need a ceiling fan for your living room, kitchen, or bedroom? Then you’ll need an indoor ceiling fan. All ceiling fans can be used indoors, which means they might not be marked as indoor fans so you’re free to shop and browse the entire selection of ceiling fans.
But if the indoor area is subject to humidity, you’ll need a damp-listed ceiling fan. These special rated fans are ideal for indoor areas, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. To find a damp-listed fan for your bathroom, you’ll need to shop our selection of outdoor ceiling fans and look for a fan with a damp-listed rating.
Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Designed for outdoor use in spaces such as patios and porches, outdoor ceiling fans are weather-resistant fans that can withstand exposure to the elements.
Damp Listed Ceiling Fans
A damp-listed ceiling fan is recommended for outdoor areas that are covered but not directly exposed to water. Examples include covered porches and covered patios, since these areas are completely protected from water.
