Ceiling fans are marvelously multifunctional! They can provide a comforting breeze, illuminate a space, save energy when adjusted with your heating and cooling system, and provide a stylish design factor in your room. But how do you begin to choose the right ceiling fan?
Size and Placement of Your Ceiling Fan
The Right Height
When choosing to install a ceiling fan for a room with a low ceiling, consider a flush-mount model to ensure proper head clearance. For average-height ceilings, using the manufacturer-supplied hanging rod should work. For higher ceilings, an extension rod will lower the fan to the optimal position within the room.
The Right Blade Size
The width of the blades should correspond to the width and proportion of the room. Blade spans range from 24 to 80 inches. The American Lighting Association suggests the following guidelines:
Room Size Fan Size
Up to 75 sq. ft. 36 inches or smaller
75 to 144 sq. ft. 36 to 42 inches
144 to 225 sq. ft. 44 to 50 inches
225 to 400 sq. ft. 50 to 54 inches
For very large rooms with high ceilings, fans with 60- to 80-inch blade spans are available.
The Right Space
Ceiling fans circulate air throughout your room and create a breeze. Install them in places where you spend the most time. When choosing the placement of your ceiling fans also consider your control options. Remotes, wall controls or even multiple controls can allow you to adjust lighting, speed and the direction of the blades. Also, determine if you will need electrical wiring installed to the part of the room you want to add the fan.
Special consideration is needed for fans installed in outdoor living areas. Spaces with direct exposure will need a wet-rated ceiling fan. If the fan is going inside a sunroom or other area with walls, a damp-rated fan will work. Also, consider factors such as saltwater spray and the impact of UV rays. Fans rated for outdoor use can also be used inside. They are perfect for high-humidity areas, like a laundry area or a gym.
Visual Comfort's damp rated Adler Ceiling Fan | Photo by: Houses of Celebs
Ceiling Fans as Energy Savers
Because the primary function of a ceiling fan is to circulate air throughout a room, it can cut down on your heating and cooling costs when the blades are properly rotating. During the summer months, you should set your fan to rotate counter-clockwise. This will push the air downwards and create a windchill effect. During the winter months, set the fan to rotate clockwise. This will pull air upwards, displacing the warmer air that settles near the ceiling, as heat rises.
Keep in mind that today’s fans are rated by airflow and airflow efficiency. With these standardized ratings, you can compare one fan to another without being an expert on fans. The higher the airflow (CFM), the more air the fan moves, and the better the airflow efficiency, the more air is moved per watt.
Also, buying a ceiling fan with a DC motor uses 70% less electricity than standard AC motors. They are often quieter as well.
Visual Comfort's Clarity Fan | Design by This Little Nook
Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan Style
Today’s ceiling fans are not your mother’s ceiling fans! Fans today can range from contemporary modern styles to traditional, transitional, and more. Each style also includes a broad range of colors, as well as more specific designs. Some have more, or fewer, blades, and others also include light kits. Some of the light kits are add-on pieces for a more chandelier-like design, while other fans have integrated lights.
Ceiling fans are quite the multitaskers. Because they work hard for you and can run several hours a day, try to purchase the ceiling fan with the best quality but still fits your design aesthetic.
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