A ceiling fan is a versatile addition to any space, serving as a stylish focal point, a source of comfort with its cooling breeze, an illuminator, and even an energy-saving solution when combined with your heating and cooling system. With its multifunctionality, it's essential to choose a fan that is perfect for your specific needs and preferences. When exploring your options, take the following factors into consideration:
Location
Determine where you intend to install the ceiling fan. Will it be placed indoors or outdoors? If it's an outdoor installation, consider whether it will be exposed to the elements or situated in a covered area. For areas with direct exposure to weather conditions, it is crucial to select a wet-rated ceiling fan. If the fan will be placed in a sunroom or a similar enclosed space, a damp-rated fan will suffice. To ensure optimal performance in wet-rated environments and withstand environmental factors like saltwater spray and UV rays, consider our Weather+™ range, offering extended warranty, higher durability materials (such as stainless steel, aluminum, or ABS housings), and meeting stringent testing requirements of over 1000 hours of concentrated water and salt spray testing.
Style
Ceiling fans are available in a wide range of styles, catering to different design preferences. Whether you prefer a modern, eclectic, farmhouse-inspired, highly detailed, or clean and simple aesthetic, there is a fan style to suit your taste:
- Modern Ceiling Fans: These fans offer a clean and understated touch, ideal for open spaces.
- Traditional Ceiling Fans: Perfectly complement rooms with classic and elegant décor.
- Transitional Ceiling Fans: These fans feature simple and sophisticated designs with minimal ornamentation.
Size
Picking the size of fan you need is actually easier than you think. Just determine the square footage of your room, and then find the blade size that works for your space:
For Room size: 90 square feet or less use Blades 15”–42” For Room size: 90–100 square feet use Blades 44”–48”
For Room size: 100–150 square feet use Blades 50”–54” For Room size: Over 150 square feet use Blades 56” or larger
Illumination
Consider whether you would like the ceiling fan to have built-in lighting or the option to add a light kit. A fan with a light kit provides additional functionality by offering ambient lighting for your space.
Control Options
While every ceiling fan comes with a means of control, you often have the flexibility to add or change the control mechanism. Explore options such as remotes, wall controls, or even multiple controls, which allow you to conveniently adjust the lighting, fan speed, and blade direction.
Airflow
Several factors, including motor size, blade pitch, and blade materials, contribute to the airflow produced by a ceiling fan. To make comparing fans easier, standardized ratings for airflow and airflow efficiency have been established. The airflow rating, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), indicates the amount of air the fan moves. Higher airflow values indicate greater air movement. Additionally, airflow efficiency measures the amount of air moved per watt of electricity consumed.
Motor Type
While AC motor fans are the most common, it's worth considering a ceiling fan with a DC motor depending on your specific requirements. DC motors consume up to 70 percent less electricity compared to AC versions and operate whisper-quietly. Opt for a DC motor fan if you live in an area with high electricity costs or if you aim to minimize energy consumption.
