How to Buy a Ceiling Fan: Everything You Need to Know in 5 Easy Steps
Any home, small or large, can benefit from the aesthetic appeal and functionality of ceiling fans. Most homeowners install a ceiling fan in their living rooms because it can make the surroundings breezier and more comfortable. Ceiling fans are also a great way to upgrade your home’s look and lower your energy bill.
A simple ceiling fan can make a room stylish as it adds to the general aesthetic look of a house. However, ceiling fans that have very intricate designs should be avoided especially in small spaces as it will create a cramped look for your house.
Our moms agree that the best ceiling fans to choose are those that match your house walls and overall interior design. A ceiling fan with an adjustable light fixture can add elegance to an otherwise drab family room. It can provide comfort to living rooms where members of the family congregate and enjoy each other’s presence.
Here are our top five tips to follow when purchasing a ceiling fan:
1) The first thing to consider is where your ceiling fan will be installed. Will it be mounted indoors or outdoors? If looking for an indoor fan, almost all models will work. If you’re going to be using it outdoors, there are two types to consider: damp-listed and wet-listed.
a. Damp-listed ceiling fans are good for areas that are covered and not directly exposed to rain or weather.
b. Wet-listed ceiling fans are needed for outdoor areas like open-air decks, uncovered gazebos or patios that have a portion of the area open to weather elements
2) Next, you’ll need to find out what size of fan you need. To do that, you’ll need to know the size of the room or space where you’ll install the ceiling fan. To get a correct measurement take the length of the room and multiple it by the width. This is the square footage of the space. If your room is 75 square feet or less, a 44” or small fan will work very well. Rooms up to 350 square feet choose a fan that is 48”-58”. Rooms over 350 sq. feet, you’ll need a fan that is 60” or larger to properly cool the space.
3) Next, figure out what type of ceiling fan down rods and mounting type you’ll need. To pick the right mounting type and down rod length, you’ll need to know your ceiling height. Measure from the highest point of the ceiling to the floor. For low to standard ceiling heights (around 8-9 feet), a hugger fan (a fan that hugs close to the ceiling), will work best for you. This type of fan can be mounted directly to the ceiling without using a down rod. Low profile fans can also be used for standard ceiling heights. Low profiles have a dual mount feature which allows you to mount close to the ceiling, or with a down rod. For ceilings higher than nine feet, consider adding a down rod for better airflow.
For safety, mount standard blades at least seven feet from the floor, and metal blades at least ten feet from the floor.
4) Decide what type of ceiling fan control you prefer. There are three control options for ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can be operated using a pull chain attached to it, by remote control, or a wall-installed switch. Ceiling fans have speed regulators which can be easily adjusted using the string, remote control, or the wall switch.
5) Before purchasing your ceiling fan, do a little research and ask the sales clerk if the ceiling fan you have chosen has a forward and reverse feature. Most ceiling fans should ideally come with this feature because the forward function is responsible for blowing the air downward, enabling you to feel the air when standing below the fan. The reverse function will allow the air to rotate and distribute the air above and you will not feel any air when you are standing below the fan.
This feature is important during seasonal changes. During winter, you do not need much direct air flowing down so it is more practical to have the fan in reverse mode so the air will just rotate and be distributed in the surroundings. When it is summertime, adjusting the function to forward mode will provide you more air below to cool you up.
Most ceiling fans are easy to install and generally do not require an expert. Almost all ceiling fans carry with them an installation instruction manual, and you only need simple tools to install. Here is a great video from Lowe’s that should help you.
However, if you are not the do-it-yourself kind of person, then you may opt to hire a professional ceiling fan installer. Working with electrical devices and wiring can be dangerous, so we encourage you to consider having a handyman or electrician install your new fan.
Cleaning Your Ceiling Fan – Ceiling fan blades can quickly accumulate dust. It is advisable to wipe the blades of your ceiling fan at least once a month to make sure that you and your family members are breathing fresh air and not dust mites. You can use a Swiffer to wipe down the blades and base of the fan, and a vacuum cleaner to clean those hard-to-reach parts of the ceiling fan. However, if you do not have these cleaning gadgets then a clean, soft rag with a bit of household cleaner will do.
