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Choosing the right ceiling fan is much more than just selecting the one with the right look for your room. Sure, style is an issue, but it is important to understand the fundamentals of fans before you decide. A properly chosen fan can keep you cool in summer, warm in winter and save you a fortune on your utility bills.
The main thing to understand with ceiling fans is that they do not, in themselves, cool or heat a room. The ceiling fan just circulates the air. In summer an efficient fan will make the room seem much cooler by providing a breeze, as well as freshening the air if a window is open. In winter the fan will keep the air circulating, so that the hot air is pushed around the room, making it feel warmer.
The most important fact to consider when purchasing a fan then, is the motor. While it is not necessary to go for the most expensive option, it is probably advisable not to go for the cheapest. You want a motor that will work well, and also be quiet. The problem with cheaper motors is that they may start off quiet, but soon they will start to buzz or grind. This is because cheaper motors are covered with a thin metal, which soon starts to make noises when it vibrates.
The next thing to consider is the fan’s blades. Obviously one issue here is style. However, the main things to be aware of here are the type of blades and the angle at which they are balanced. Cheaper blades tend to be made of cardboard, which warps easily in humidity. A solid wood or plastic, sealed against damp, is the best option in most cases. Choose the best that your budget can afford. Make sure that the fan’s blades are angled at roughly 15 degrees, and are all equally spaced. This ensures that the blades circulate the maximum air, as well as making sure that the ceiling fan doesn’t wobble.
- A small room (75 square foot) can take a 29” to 36” fan
- A medium room (144 square foot) can take a 36” to 42” fan
- A large room (225 square foot) can take a 50” to 54” fan
Of course such measurements depend entirely on the shape of your room, and you may be well advised to consult a salesperson to get the best fan size for your needs.
There are numerous styles to compliment any design ideas you, an important point is to buy a fan that works with the rest of you interior design.
- tiffany
- victorian
- contemporary
- outdoor
- rattan
- rustic
- traditional
- tropical
Be sure to stick with trusted designer brands such as, Hampton Bay,
Hunter, Casablanca,
Harbor Breeze,
Emerson, Monter Carlo, Casa Vieja and Minka Aire, to name a few
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