How To Choose The Right Ceiling Fan For Your Home
Some of the things to consider before you shop for a ceiling fan are:
• Your budget
• The size of the room
• The height of the ceiling
• Where you want to install it
• Your home décor
• The need for lighting
• The type of controls
Once you have considered your requirements, you can search for ceiling fans that meet your criteria. Compare the different models and identify one that’s right for you. The points mentioned here will help you to choose the right ceiling fan for your home:
How much can you afford to spend?
You will have to spend more if you’re looking for a high-end ceiling fan that offers superior performance, functionality, energy efficiency, lighting, and looks.
• For around $100, you can buy a simple, traditional ceiling fan that may have a pull chain control and lighting. These low-cost fans are the right choice if you are on a tight budget. They are often used in rental properties and budget homes and are preferred by contractors who buy large numbers of fans.
• For about $200, you can get fans with more lighting, finish and style options. You will have a choice of models with integrated lighting, curvilinear blades, and styling that’s somewhere between conventional and modern. These reasonably-priced ceiling fans are suitable for small offices, apartments, and homes.
• For around $300, you can buy a ceiling fan with superior performance and functionality. You can choose from wide range of controls, accessories, and styles. Ceiling fans in this price range offer full-range light dimming and a reverse function. Many have energy-efficient DC motors and integrated fluorescent lighting. These fans are suitable for offices, homes, and condos.
• For over $300, you can get a premium grade fan that offers superior performance. It may feature deluxe textiles, handcrafted glass, LED lights and handcrafted blades. These high-end fans have a variety of styles ranging from vintage to modern and are suitable for retail or commercial spaces and luxurious homes.
What’s the size of your room?
Pick a ceiling fan of the right size to ensure that your room will be cooled properly. To determine the area of your room, measure the length and breadth of your room in feet. Multiply the length by the breadth to arrive at the area in square feet. You also need to measure the height of the ceiling.
Pick a fan that’s appropriate for your room based on the area and the height of the ceiling. The websites of fan manufacturers provide guidance about the right size of ceiling fan for a room based on the area of your room.
In general, if the area of your room is:
• 80 square feet or less, pick a ceiling fan with a blade span of 24 – 42 inches
• 100 – 150 square feet, choose a ceiling fan with a blade span of 44 – 50 inches
• 150 – 300 square feet, look for a ceiling fan with a blade span of 52 – 60 inches
• Over 300 square feet, pick a ceiling fan with a blade span of over 62 inches or use two fans
You need to ensure that there is an appropriate gap between the blades and the ceiling, the floor, the walls and any light fixtures.
The choice of the down rod will depend on the height of your ceiling:
• A flush mount will be needed if the ceiling height is less than 8 feet
• A standard down rod will be required if the ceiling height is 8 – 10 feet
• An extended down rod will be needed if the ceiling height is more than 10 feet
• An adapter will be required if the ceiling slants at 32 degrees or more
Where will the ceiling fan be installed?
• If you want to install a ceiling fan in an exposed patio or deck, look for one with a wet rating that can withstand direct exposure to the elements.
• If you want to install a ceiling fan in a porch, kitchen, laundry room or bathroom, pick a fan with a damp rating that can withstand exposure to humidity and moisture.
• If you want to install a fan in your living room, bedroom or office, look for a regular ceiling fan with a dry rating.
• Bear in mind that a ceiling fan with a dry rating must not be installed in a location where it will be exposed to moisture, humidity, or water.
Do you need a fan with lighting?
You can look for a ceiling fan with lighting if your room doesn’t have enough light fixtures and lacks natural light. Pick a warm or cool light based on your preferences. You can choose from a range of fans with LED, fluorescent or halogen lights.
LED lights last really long and use very little energy. Fluorescent lights use much less energy than incandescent lights and last a lot longer than them. Halogen lights also last longer than incandescent lights and use less power. They are suitable for fans that are easy to reach.
Look for a ceiling fan that matches your home décor
Pick a ceiling fan with a color and design that matches the décor of your room:
• Tropical ceiling fans are suitable for homes with nautical, island and coastal interiors.
• Rustic ceiling fans complement homes with western, mission and country interiors.
• Contemporary ceiling fans are suitable for transitional and modern rooms.
• Vintage and antique ceiling fans are suitable for homes with traditional decors.
Check out our tower fan reviews.
What sort of controls are you looking for?
• A ceiling fan that uses a basic pull chain to control the speed and lighting may be suitable for an area where there isn’t much traffic or where the ceiling is low.
• A wall control will allow you to control direction, speed, and lighting with ease. It is suitable for living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.
• A remote control offers the most convenience and flexibility. It’s ideal for bedrooms and rooms with high ceilings.
You also need to check out the warranty and energy star rating of the ceiling fan before you make up your mind. A high-quality, energy-efficient fan with a warranty may cost a little more, but it will provide great performance and reduce your utility bills in the long run.