The Complete Guide to Buying a Ceiling Fan

If you switch to fans instead of air conditioners as much as possible in the summer, you will not only save energy but also save money. They may not cool a room as much, but they can definitely give you a break from the heat. Whether indoors or outdoors, a ceiling fan continuously circulates and moves the air, providing a comfortable feeling.

How to choose the right ceiling fan? Some of the things to consider when buying a ceiling fan are:

• Where you want to install the fan
• Your budget
• Type of ceiling fan
• Size of ceiling fan
• Number of fan blades 
• Fan efficiency and Energy Star rating
• Fan control and other features

Whether you are buying for the first time or looking to replace an existing ceiling fan, the seemingly endless selection in the market can be overwhelming; the rest of this article is intended to serve as a guide to help you make the decision about which ceiling fan is best for you and your home.

The Guide to Buying the Right Ceiling Fan

As mentioned earlier, ceiling fans contribute to a healthy airflow in the room. By continuously circulating the air in a room, fans help refresh the room without consuming too much electricity, thus saving money.

Benefits of Ceiling Fans

There are several benefits of using a ceiling fan for a room:

Healthy Air Circulation

Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room, keeping it fresh and maintaining the ideal room temperature. They help maintain a low temperature during summer by circulating cool air. In winter, they push warm air down through reverse circulation, creating a warm and cozy temperature.

Save Energy & Money

Instead of always turning to the air conditioner, which consumes more energy and hence raises the energy bill, ceiling fans consume very little energy. Ceiling fans with direct current (DC) motors and an Energy Star rating can reduce energy consumption by almost 60%.

Add to Aesthetics

With so many designs and styles, ceiling fans not only provide functionality but also add personality to a room. From sleek, modern designs to more traditional, artistic designs, a ceiling fan can seamlessly blend into your space and even enhance its appearance.

Integrated Lighting

Fans with lighting fixtures help brighten up a room and give it atmosphere. Depending on the design you choose for your fan, you can mount the lights underneath for maximum light output or mount them above the fan for more ambient lighting.

If you are in the market to reap these benefits of a ceiling fan, but are unsure where to start, consider the following factors:

The Location for Your New Ceiling Fan 

You have decided that you need a ceiling fan for your room. But is the location good to hang a ceiling fan? Is the fan at a safe distance from the floor? Could you install a ceiling fan box to mount the fan? These are some of the questions you should answer before buying a ceiling fan.

Where Will You Install the Fan?

The best place to hang a ceiling fan is in the center of the room. This ensures that air circulates evenly in the room rather than creating an air cushion in one corner. Also, ceiling fans require support as they are heavier than regular light fixtures, and their circular motion can strain the hanger. Always use a ceiling fan box to mount the fan and make sure the ceiling is strong enough to support the fan.

Installing Fans at the Right Height

When hanging a ceiling fan, pay attention to the ceiling height. The ideal distance between the floor and the fan is 8 feet.

The rule of thumb when adding a ceiling fan to your room is that nothing should obstruct its motion vertically or horizontally. There should be at least 8 inches of space between the ceiling and the blades of your fan. The horizontal distance between the fan blades and the walls of the room should be at least 18 inches.

For higher or lower ceilings, the fan can be adjusted through various available mounting options.

Mounting Options for Your Fan

When selecting a ceiling fan, keeping an eye on your ceiling height is very important. If a fan is hung too close to a high ceiling, it may not properly circulate the air throughout the room. Conversely, a fan that hangs too low on a low ceiling becomes a safety hazard. Depending on your ceiling height, two mounting options are available:

• Flush Mount – This method is perfect for hanging fans on low ceilings. Here, the fans are mounted flush without any additional attachments to keep the fan closer to the ceiling and maintain a safe distance between the fan and the floor.
• Downrod Mount – This method is used for hanging fans on higher ceilings to ensure the fan does not hang too high. In this procedure, the fan is attached to a downrod to give height to the fan itself. The size of the downrod depends on the height of the ceiling. The table below shows the ideal downrod sizes for different ceiling heights:

Ceiling Height (Feet)	Downrod Length (Inches)
9 Feet	6 Inches
10 Feet	12 Inches
12 Feet	24 Inches
14 Feet	36 Inches
16 Feet	48 Inches
18 Feet	60 Inches
20 Feet	72 Inches

Indoor vs. Outdoor Location

Buying a ceiling fan for your bedroom is different from buying a ceiling fan for your patio. The same fan will not efficiently work in both locations. Depending on where you want to hang your fan, you need to buy a ceiling fan that is ideal for that location. There are several ratings that differentiate an indoor from an outdoor ceiling fan. The most common ones are:

• Dry Rated Ceiling Fans – These fans are designed for dry indoor spaces free from extreme humidity, moisture, or water. These are perfect for any indoor space like living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, or offices. If these fans are installed in humid environments, they can rust or corrode and stop functioning.
• Damp Rated Ceiling Fans– These fans can operate in conditions of high humidity and moisture but will not work in direct contact with water. Hence, they are ideal for covered outdoor areas like sunrooms where they won’t get directly wet. 
• Wet Rated Ceiling Fans – These fans are designed to withstand rain, saltwater, snow, and other environmental conditions. They use a highly moisture-resistant motor, allowing them to work in any weather. They can be used on decks, patios, or outdoor spaces.

Getting a Good Fan within Your Budget

With so many options available in the market, you will undoubtedly find a ceiling fan no matter your budget, whether it’s $100, $500, or $1,000. However, what you need to consider when buying a ceiling fan is what you get based on the price.

Fans under $199

You will find a lot of options for fans under $100. These are perfect for starter homes or apartments and come with and without lighting options. These have a simpler design, which means you won’t have many color or feature options to choose from.

Fans Between $200-$599

As you increase your budget, you will find that you have more choices in terms of styles, finishes, and lighting options. Fans in this range have all the basic features of a fan plus some additional features like reverse motion. In terms of design, you will find options in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Fans Between $600-$999

As you increase your budget, you get a fan with enhanced features, functionality, motor power, as well as styles, accessories, and improved controls. In a higher price range, you will also find fans that are more energy-efficient and prove to be cost-effective in the long run. You might also find fans with comprehensive lighting solutions.

Fans over $1,000

If you have a large budget and can spend a lot on your ceiling fan, then expect to be pampered with the design, styles, and features available at that price. From handcrafted blades to textured glass and even integrated remote-controlled LED lighting, you will find fans from vintage to deluxe. You might also find smart fans for your home that can be operated through your smart home devices or remotely.

Types of Ceiling Fans

Traditionally designed to maintain a continuous airflow, today’s ceiling fans also need to match the style of your room. Therefore, it’s important to know what type of ceiling fan you want when making a decision. Ceiling fans can be categorized based on functionality, style, and even their construction.

Types of Ceiling Fans based on Functionality

• Hanging Propeller – As the name suggests, these fans look like an airplane propeller attached to a rod hanging from the ceiling. This is the most commonly used type of fan in residential and office buildings.
• Directional Fans– These fans can be adjusted to stay at a particular angle to provide an airflow in a specific area, as opposed to the hanging propeller fans that ventilate the entire room.
• Rotational Fans – These fans are a combination of directional and hanging fans and have more than one set of blades that rotate independently of each other. These two sets can be tilted in different directions, thus covering a greater area for airflow.
• Indoor Fans – As the name suggests, these fans are perfect for use in indoor spaces. They can be placed in any room that is not affected by external weather conditions; that is, they do not come into direct contact with the heat or moisture from outside.
• Outdoor Fans – These fans are designed to withstand extreme conditions such as heat, water, snow, moisture, or humidity. This makes them a good option for outdoor areas like patios, backyards, or decks. Ideally, these fans should have a larger diameter to cover more area than indoor fans.

Types of Ceiling Fans based on Style

• Traditional Style – These fans have traditionally shaped blades, often with intricate details. These fans go well with traditional decors like oakwood or wrought-iron furniture.
• Contemporary Style– Clean, straight lines and solid colors are the hallmark of fans in contemporary style. They go well in rooms that have a modern ambiance. Rooms with beams, spaces with industrial decor, and homes with vaulted ceilings are some examples of styles that complement these fans.
• Transitional Style – These fans combine the best of both worlds and have a clean, modular design with a touch of embellishment. This makes them a first choice for any decorative space as these fans easily blend in.
• Leaf Blades – These fans have blades shaped like leaves, such as banana or palm leaves. Due to their special blade design, these fans are ideal for decorative purposes inside rooms, as seen in restaurants, resorts, or spas.

Types of Ceiling Fans based on Construction

You can even select a ceiling fan based on the construction of its housing. Some common types include:

• Coastal – These fans come with blades made of natural wood and oil-rubbed bronze finishes. The most commonly used wood types are bamboo with rattan blades or leaf-inspired designs, which are perfect for rustic-style homes.
• Modern – These fans have brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome finishes and a sleek blade design. Ideal for condominiums, lofts, or mid-century spaces, they add a touch of modernity to a room.
• Cottage – The classic white colors make these fans perfect for vintage cottage-style decoration. However, these fans require higher maintenance as they quickly look spotty or dusty.
• Classic – Paired with dark oak or walnut wood finishes and antique pewter, you can’t go wrong. With timeless blade designs, these go well with any environment.
• Rustic – Featuring a natural wood style and pattern, these go well with outdoor areas, complementing the nature around them.

Ceiling Fan Size

The size of the ceiling fan you need to buy depends on the square footage of your room. A simple rule is to select the blade size based on your room size:

Room Size (Square Feet)	Blade Size (Inches)
<90 Square Feet	15” – 40”
90 – 100 Square Feet	44” – 48”
100 – 150 Square Feet	50” – 54″
>150 Square Feet	>56″

For rooms larger than 150 square feet, you should consider installing more than one fan to evenly distribute airflow throughout the room.

Fan Blades

The type of blades your fan has affects the appearance and performance of your fan. Just like the fan motor, the blades are designed for factors such as size, weather conditions, or energy efficiency.

Are Ceiling Fans with More Blades Better?

A common misconception when buying a fan is that more blades are better. It is believed that more blades mean more airflow and less cost. In reality, however, more than four blades are just a design gimmick. 

What matters for air circulation is the motor power. Three or four blades result in the same airflow as five to six blades if its motor is powerful enough. A small motor circulates the same amount of air in smaller or larger blades. The