Outdoor ceiling fans are an excellent way to cool your favorite outdoor spaces. Whether your garage and workstation need a little more airflow or you want to turn your patio into the perfect oasis, an outdoor ceiling fan can help you get there. Finding the right fan for your outdoor space is all about knowing what you need and what’s available. So let’s break it down.
What’s the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Ceiling Fans?
The main difference between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans lies in their UL rating. A UL rating is determined by the manufacturer, who looks at the fan’s electrical components and determines if it can safely withstand moisture expsoure, or if moisture can increase the risk of electrical shock or fires. There are three ratings used to catalog fans, “indoor”, “damp rated,” and “wet rated”. Fans with an indoor rating should never be used outside, but fans with a “damp” or “wet” rating are fine for indoor and outdoor use.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Another differentiator between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans is the type of care required to keep it running at peak performance for as long as possible. Because outdoor ceiling fans are exposed to the elements more frequently, your outdoor ceiling fan may require a little more TLC. However, because it’s constructed to handle these elements well, it can take a different kind of cleaning than your indoor fans as well.
Indoor fans should never be cleaned using damp cloths as they are not able to handle moisture exposure well. Thanks to the damp and wet rating requirements, you can use damp cloths to clean your outdoor ceiling fans. All you really need to clean an outdoor fan is a multi-surface cleaner and a microfiber cloth or rag. Wipe down each blade from top to bottom. Wipe down the housing and fixtures as well, and remove any glass globes or attachments to soak in warm water for a comprehensive clean.
The exposure to elements that your outdoor ceiling fans face may equate to more frequent maintenance needs, but if you care for the fan well and use it according to its limitations, you likely won’t see much of a difference in maintenance needs from your indoor ceiling fans. Plus, proper maintenance and cleaning are a great way to extend your fan’s lifespan.
What’s the Difference Between a Damp and Wet Rated Fan?
Now that you know you’re looking at damp and wet rated fans for your outdoor cooling needs, let’s define the difference between the two.
Damp Rated Fans
Damp rated fans are better for covered areas like a patio, lanai or back porch. Damp rated ceiling fans can handle moisture but are designed to have a roof over their heads. If there is a likelihood of moisture falling directly on the fan itself, a damp rated fan may not be the best choice. In order to keep your relaxing outdoor spaces as safe as possible, areas that are openly exposed to moisture should always opt for a wet rated ceiling fan instead.
Wet Rated Fans
Wet rated fans are made to handle intense moisture. The top of the fan is sealed to prevent moisture from getting in the motor, making these fans a good fit for uncovered areas such as a pergola where rain or snow may fall directly on the ceiling fan.
What Outdoor Ceiling Fan Features Are Right for Me?
Once you decide between a wet rated and damp rated outdoor fan for your needs, it’s time to have a little fun thinking about features.
Lighting Fixtures
Light fixtures on damp rated ceiling fans add a layer of protection around the lightbulb in order to prevent electrical hazards. They can feature light fixtures that help save space and eliminate the need for another light source. Because wet rated fans are constructed to be safe even when brought into direct contact with moisture, they rarely include light fixtures.
Remote Control
Remote controls are an excellent alternative to pull chains or wall switches. Depending on your outdoor ceiling fan’s location, choosing a remote operated fan can eliminate the need for additional wiring, too.
Air Flow Capacity
Air flow capacity depends heavily on the size of the space you want to put your new outdoor ceiling fan. So how do you know what kind of capacity you need? Here are the basic guidelines to help you decide which fans will keep your whole space cool.
Very Small Outdoor Spaces 6’ x 6’ or Smaller:
A 18- to 36-inch blade span is ideal for these spaces. This may be a compact, outdoor seating area.
Small Outdoor Spaces from 8’ x 8’ to 10’ x 10’:
A 36- to 42-inch blade span works well in these spaces. This could be a front porch, or small patio area.
Standard Sized Outdoor Spaces 12’ x 12’ to 16’ x 16’:
Blade spans of 52- to 60 inches are great for these spaces. Most patios and garages fall into this room size.
Large Outdoor Areas 18’ x 18’:
For these spaces, a blade span between 60 and 72 inches is ideal for optimal airflow. Large outdoor patios that feature seating and gazebos are examples of this size area.
Wide Open Spaces 20’ x 20’ and Up:
Spaces this big require an extra-large fan to get the job done, specifically something with a 65-inch or larger blade span. If you have a large, covered pool area then this could be the size for you!
How Dan’s Fan City Can Help You Find the Right Outdoor Ceiling Fan
At Dan’s Fan City, we’re passionate about helping you find the right fan for all your cooling and air flow needs inside and outside of your home! We have extensive experience in helping our customers choose and install outdoor ceiling fans and are happy to help answer any questions you may have about your outdoor ceiling fan.
Variety of Choice
We pride ourselves on carrying a wide variety of the top ceiling fan brands in America. Our own Troposair and Gulf Coast fan brands offer a wide variety of wet and damp rated ceiling fans in stunning designs for all of your outdoor cooling needs. You can see our entire catalog of outdoor ceiling fans here. Spend a little time in our catalog and you’ll see that we have fans to suit every personal taste – whatever aesthetic you’re going for, we can help achieve. If you don’t find a fan that matches your style, you can also design your own ceiling fan.
Professional Installation
The best installation is one that covers all the bases and ensures your safety as well as superior fan performance. If you want to install your ceiling fan yourself, all of our fans come with a detailed guide to help you – and if you have any questions throughout the process, our helpline is open during business hours. Our team at Dan’s Fan City can handle all aspects of your outdoor ceiling fan installation quickly, effectively, and with an unmatched eye for detail. Because ceiling fan installation requirements vary according to the unique fan and the space it will live in, never hesitate to ask us installation questions you may have.
Ready to get even more enjoyment out of your outdoor spaces? Contact Dan’s Fan City today to start your outdoor ceiling fan journey.