How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan
Selecting the right ceiling fan isn’t just about choosing the right color and style. There are some key factors that you must consider your decision in order to get the maximum efficiency and enjoyment from your fan.
Decide where you want to install the fan. Most fans are placed in the center of the room, allowing smooth air flow throughout the room. However, larger rooms may be better suited for 2 fans for optimal air flow. For safety reasons, do not install a fan over a bed
Room Size
30″ ceiling fan for rooms up to 8′ x 10′ (small bedrooms, walk-in closets, smaller kitchens)
42″ ceiling fan for rooms up to 12′ x 12′ (medium bedrooms, kitchens, small recreation areas)
52″ ceiling fan for rooms up to 18′ x 20′ (large bedrooms, family rooms, great rooms, dining rooms)
Ceiling Height
Low ceiling: Hugger mount or traditional- mount without down rod
Standard 8′ ceiling: traditional- mount with down rod
9′ or Higher ceiling: Extended down rod
Sloped ceiling: Extended down rod
You will need to check the floor to ceiling height of the blades. Make sure you take into account the distance that the fan hangs from the ceiling.
For safety, a minimum height of 7’-9’ is recommended. If your fan does not meet the 7’ recommendation, you can look into a low-ceiling mount. Building codes in your area may require this.
For optimum air circulation it is most efficient to have the fan blade 8′ to 9′ above the floor. For higher ceilings see the chart for recommended down rod length.
Install or Replace a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your home comfortable year-round. Learn how to replace an existing fan or light fixture with a new ceiling fan.
Ceiling Fan Installation Considerations
The ceiling fan you install should be the right size for the room:
Rooms that measure about 75 square feet need a fan with a 29- to 36-inch blade diameter.
For rooms measuring 76 to 144 square feet, choose a fan with a blade diameter of 36 to 42 inches.
If the room size is 144 to 225 square feet, select a fan with a 44-inch blade diameter.
For rooms that are 225 to 400 square feet, use a fan with a blade diameter of 50 to 54 inches.
When installed, the fan blade tips should be at least 30 inches from the walls and other obstructions. The bottom edges of the blades should be at least 7 feet above the floor. Once you select a fan, check the included documentation for any additional requirements for blade clearance or ceiling height.
Turn off power to the existing fan or light at the main fuse or circuit box and use a circuit tester to verify the power is off. Place the wall switches to the fixtures in the off position.
Remove the fan motor screws and disposable shipping blocks. Save the screws — you’ll use them later to secure the blade arms to the motor. In some fan kits, these screws are packaged with the other fan installation hardware.
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. There are different variations of these
How to Buy a Ceiling Fan – A Four-Step Guide
Determine Ceiling Fan Location – Indoor or Outdoor Ceiling Fan?
There are three types of ceiling fans: indoor, damp-listed, and wet-listed ceiling fans. Here’s how to determine which one you need based on where it will be installed
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
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.
Wet Listed Ceiling Fans
If you have an outdoor area directly exposed to water, look for a wet-listed ceiling fan to avoid weather damage. Examples of outdoor areas that require wet-listed fans include uncovered gazebos, open-air patios, and open-air decks.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans have several key benefits:
Energy savings. Ceiling fans can give your hard-working (and energy-sucking) AC a break.
Year-round use. Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer. They can help circulate warm air in the winter as well.
Perfect home accents. Today’s ceiling fans use a wide variety of materials, which makes for some interesting looks.
Functionality. In addition to circulating the air, ceiling fans with light provide extra utility
Make sure your fan comes with the ability to switch directions. You want your fan to push air down in the summer and up in the winter (to keep warm air circulating).
Consider your room’s dimensions. If you have a medium-sized room (about 15′ x 15′), choose a 42″ fan. If your room is larger than that, then a 52″ fan will likely push enough air
Pay attention to ceiling height. Fan blades need to be at least 7 feet off the floor and 8 feet to 9 feet might even be better. If you need to get close to the ceiling, consider a “hugger fan.”
Understand how you want to control your ceiling fan. You can install a regular wall switch for some ceili
ng fans. For others, you might have remotes or wall controls that control speed, dim the light, and even reverse direction.