Ceiling fans are very versatile fixtures to have in your home. Not only do they add to the décor of the room, they also provide much needed air circulation to keep the area comfortable and to your liking. When used in conjunction with your thermostat, ceiling fans also help save money and energy in the long run. Read on to find out the things to consider when buying a ceiling fan.
Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan Size
Picking the right ceiling fan size is very straightforward. Your fan size should be proportional to the room you are installing it in. Measure the size of your room in square feet, and then choose the ceiling fan with the appropriate blade size to cover the entire room.
The Best Place to Put a Ceiling Fan
Indoor ceiling fans are the most common type and can be installed anywhere inside the home. Just because a room is small doesn't mean a fan is not needed inside. Fans are important to generate and distribute airflow, so they can be placed in any room that needs it. At the same time, large rooms like living rooms and dining rooms also need fans to keep them comfortable and regulate the temperature. Ceiling fans are most commonly installed in bedrooms, kitchens, hallways and foyers, great rooms, and family rooms.
Ceiling fans can also be installed outdoors, but keep in mind that these need to be outdoor-rated or wet-rated. You can find outdoor ceiling fans in patios, balconies, covered pool areas, and sunrooms.
Ceiling fans are ideally placed in the center of the room to maximize the coverage area, and away from walls and any obstructions. They also need at least 7.5 feet clearance from the floor. For high or vaulted ceilings, consider using a downrod to position the fan a little lower. This way you can still feel the breeze it generates.
Different Ceiling Fan Styles
Ceiling fans come in a wide variety of styles and designs to fit the theme of your room or home. You can go with traditional ceiling fans for a classic look, or modern ceiling fans for a low profile and cleaner look.
You can also go with the more decorative route, with rustic ceiling fans, Industrial ceiling fans, andwindmill ceiling fans. They also come in different colors, like white, black, brushed nickel, bronze, and brass.
Ceiling Fans with Lights
Most ceiling fans now come with a light attached, or have the option to add a light kit. Ceiling fan light kits are very flexible and also come in different designs and styles. Most ceiling fans with lights now have the light as an LED module, but you can still find some that uses incandescent or LED bulbs.
Ceiling Fans with Remote
Aside from the traditional wall switch, ceiling fans can now be controlled in a number of ways. Try fan speed controls to adjust the speed of your fan, and use themin conjunction with dimmers to control that light output for ceiling fans with lights.
Smart ceiling fans that can be controlled from your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are starting to become more in-demand too.
AC vs. DC Motor Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans use AC motor, but you can consider DC motor if you prefer a quieter fan. They also consume less electricity, making them better for energy saving.
Ceiling Fan Airflow
As a ceiling fan's primary function is to generate airflow, it is important to consider how much it generates, and what it's airflow efficiency is. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute, and the higher the airflow, the more air the fan moves. Airflow is affected by the motor size, the fan blade size, and blade pitch (the angle the blade is tilting), among others.
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