How to Buy a Ceiling Fan
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.
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
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTROL
There are 3 main types of controls; Pull
chain, Remote Control, and Wall Control. In most cases, you can generally add a
remote control or wall control to your fan, but hardly ever add a pull chain to
one
Ceiling Fan Tips
From decorative styles to slimline designs that blend effortlessly into any interior. But with so much to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is the right fan for your room.
Save energy with fans
Ceiling fans provide a natural energy
saving cooling solution. Most ceiling fans use only about as much power as a 60
watt light bulb which equates to less than 3 cents per hour to run.* Ceiling
fans will save you money in utility bills in both the winter and summer months.
Outdoor areas
Fans located in outdoor areas should be
protected from the elements, therefore are only recommended for outdoor rooms
or alfresco areas. Outdoor fans must not be exposed to water under any
circumstances and must have at least 2 walls of protection from wind
Ceiling Height
If you have ceilings above 3 metres, you may require an extension rod. All ceiling fans come with an optional extension rod, our standard size is 900mm but you can easily cut them to suit your requirements.
Recommended Installation Height
Any ceiling fan should be at least 2.1
metres from the floor to the blades of the fan and at least 300mm from the ceiling
How to choose the best ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are a great way to stay
comfortable when the temperature rises. They can work in tandem with your air
conditioning to circulate cool air, or as a cost-effective alternative. When
choosing the best ceiling fan for your space, there are a few things you might
want to consider.
What size ceiling fan
It might sound obvious but the basic rule
is the larger the room, the bigger the fan required. For a small room (up to 20
square metres) fans with blades up to 122cm are ideal. For a bigger room,
you’ll probably want to look for a fan with blades that are 130cm or more
Take control
Generally, there are two options when it
comes to controlling your fan. Either a wall switch with a dial to vary the
speed, or a remote control if access to the roof and wiring is an issue.
Three or four blade ceiling fans
Most fans have either three or four blades
and are made of either plywood, metal or plastic. The number of blades has no
effect on their ability to cool a room but timber and plastic blades do tend to
be a little quieter than metal.
Finish and colour
Another factor worth considering is how
your fan is going to look within a room, as they can become a dominant feature.
This is not too much of an issue if it’s going to be installed in an outdoor
area, but for indoor fans it’s worth thinking about how it will complement your
colour scheme and décor.
Ceiling Fan Buying Guide
Choose the Right Ceiling Fan for Your Space
A ceiling fan’s primary purpose is to
circulate air in a room. Air conditioners chill air, but ceiling fans push it
around, which means they’re useful for both cooling and heating. In a bedroom,
a ceiling fan encourages restful sleep without running the air conditioning. On
an open or screened porch, a ceiling fan can create a refreshing retreat — just
be sure it’s rated for damp or wet locations. Look for outdoor fans with
weatherproof fan blades, too. Both types can handle moisture, but damp-rated
fans shouldn’t come in contact with water. Wet-rated fans are suitable for
coastal or rainy areas.
Ceiling Height
When selecting a new or a replacement
ceiling fan, keep in mind the ceiling height. The ideal fan height from floor
to fan blades is approximately 8 feet. Many fans have multiple mounting
options, allowing them to work almost anywhere in the home. Measure the height
of your ceiling to determine the mounting option that’ll work best for your
space.
Mounting Options
Flush Mount: Made for rooms with low
ceilings where a low profile is wanted or required. These ceiling fans are
mounted flush to the ceiling, with no extra attachment.
Ceiling Fan Blades
The look of a ceiling fan’s blades are
actually more of a design feature than a matter of efficiency or utility. The
fan’s ability to move air is determined by the pitch of the blades, so pick the
one you like the look of best. Many fans come with reversible blades so if you
get tired of one finish, you can reverse them later. Talk about an effortless
design update. The number of blades and blade shapes are also getting a
makeover. Some fans have as many as nine blades, for a helicopter style;
however, the traditional four- to five-blade ceiling fans remain classic
Ceiling Fan Direction in Summer and Winter
Change the ceiling fan direction to make it
more comfortable year-round, and save energy and money by adjusting your
thermostat. In the summer, set the fan blades to revolve in a counterclockwise
direction as you look up at it to create a downward motion and a cooling
effect. Doing this also raises the thermostat temperature, which will reduce
your air conditioner’s workload.