What to Consider When Buying A Ceiling Fan
With so many options for size, style, finish, lighting effect and more, you'll discover that ceiling fan makes a space more beautiful - and more comfortable. Let us help guide you through the design and planning process.
Style
No matter the style you are after: modern, eclectic, farmhouse-inspired, highly detailed or clean and simple. Today’s ceiling fans offer styles to fit any taste:
- Modern Ceiling Fans add a clean, understated touch to open spaces.
- Traditional Ceiling Fans perfectly complement rooms with classic, elegant décor.
- Transitional Ceiling Fans are simple and sophisticated with minimal ornamentation.
- Tropical Ceiling Fans with blades inspired by bamboo, rattan, or palm leaves, and finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or white
Determine the right size and mounting
Selecting the correct fan size and mounting style is crucial for both function and safety.
Fan size and airflow
Match the fan's blade span (diameter) to your room's square footage for optimal air circulation.
- For room size: 90 sq. ft. or less use blades 15" - 42"
- For room size: 90-100 sq. ft use blades 44" - 48"
- For room size: 100 -150 sq. ft use blades 50" - 54"
- For room size: Over 150 sq ft use blades 56" or large
Mounting style and ceiling height
The proper mounting ensures safety and efficient airflow
- Low-profile or "hugger" mount: For ceilings lower than 8 feet, this mount sits directly against the ceiling to maximize headroom.
- Standard mount: For standard 9-foot ceilings, this option uses a short downrod, which is a pipe that extends from the ceiling.
- Extended downrod mount: For ceilings over 9 feet, an extended downrod positions the fan blades at the optimal height of 8 to 9 feet from the floor for maximum airflow.
- Sloped mount: For angled or vaulted ceilings, you will need a special adapter kit for proper installation.
Consider location and environment
A fan's rating indicates its ability to withstand moisture, which is vital for bathrooms, porches, or other outdoor spaces.
- Indoor (dry-rated) fans: These are for dry, climate-controlled environments only.
- Damp-rated fans: Suitable for covered outdoor areas like a covered patio or screened porch, or for indoor rooms with high humidity like a bathroom.
- Wet-rated fans: Built with sealed, rust-resistant materials to withstand direct rain and outdoor exposure, such as on a pergola or deck
Choose a motor and blades
The motor and blade design affect the fan's performance, energy use, and noise level.
Motor type and efficiency
- AC motor: A traditional, reliable, and less expensive motor that uses more energy and is generally noisier.
- DC motor: A more advanced, energy-efficient motor that offers quieter operation, more speed options, and often a higher price.
- Energy Star: For maximum energy savings, look for fans with the Energy Star label. They are up to 60% more efficient than standard fans.
Blade count & function
- Three blades: Often found in modern designs and are efficient at moving air, but can be slightly louder.
- Four or five blades: Standard for balancing aesthetic appeal and performance, providing a steady, quiet airflow.
- More than five blades: These are often for decorative purposes or very large spaces and may require more energy.
- Reverse fuction: This feature allows you to change the blade direction to push cool air down in the summer and circulate warm air down from the ceiling in the winter.
Decide on lighting and controls
Your choice of lighting and controls can add convenience and change the ambiance of a room.
Lighting options
- With light: Many fans come with an integrated light kit, which is a good option if you need both air circulation and overhead lighting.
- Without light: A fan without a light kit is a simple, modern option if the room has sufficient lighting already.
- LED: These are the most energy-efficient, long-lasting, and often dimmable lighting choice.
Control options
- Pull chain: A standard manual option for controlling speed and lights.
- Wall control: A switch mounted on the wall to control fan speed and light settings.
- Remote control: Offers convenience for adjusting settings from anywhere in the room.
- Smart fan: Many new fans can be controlled with a smartphone app, voice command, or programmed on a schedule, often integrating with home automation systems.