A ceiling fan is a must-have for many homes. They can provide comfort, potentially reduce your energy bills, and add decorative flair. With multiple options to choose from, the selection process can be a bit overwhelming. To help you find the perfect fan for your space, we've put together this guide.
Finding the Right Ceiling Fan: Where To Begin
Before buying, you will want to do an adequate amount of research to find the right fan. You need to consider all the variables and ensure you are selecting a fan that complements your home's aesthetic.
Whether you’re replacing an old fan or buying a new one, you should start by deciding on your budget. Once you have allocated a budget for your ceiling fan, you need to decide on the location you want your new fan to be in.
What Ceiling Fan Size Is Right for You?
The size of the room will dictate how big the ceiling fan needs to be. Choosing a fan that’s too small or too big for your space means that the air won't circulate properly. Measure the length and the width of your room you plan to install a ceiling fan. If you complete all your measurements beforehand, this will eliminate the issue of buying the perfect new fan for your home, only to realize afterward that it's not the right size.
Another important thing to note is the height clearance you should have before installing a ceiling fan. The National Electrical Code requires ceiling fan blades to be over 7' from the floor for your safety. Before shopping, take measurements from your ceiling to your floor. Knowing this measurement is necessary to buying the proper ceiling fan mount and choosing the downrod length.
What Type of Ceiling Fan Should You Get?
There are tons of brands and types of ceiling fans out on the market, and each kind comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Standard Ceiling Fans
These are the types of fans you find in the majority of homes. They are versatile, normally have four or five blades, and come in a variety of styles that can match almost any decor.
ENERGY STARⓇ Ceiling Fans
There is nothing better than staying cool and saving money. ENERGY STARⓇ fans use 20 to 30% less energy than what federal standards require — which can save you a lot of money long-term and is better for the environment.
Low-Profile Ceiling Fans
Instead of using a downrod, these “hugger” fans are installed directly onto the mounting bracket, which keeps it above the recommended floor clearance. Low-profile ceiling fans are typically found in homes where the ceilings are less than eight feet tall.
Dual Motor Ceiling Fans
These fans are exactly as they sound: fans with two motors. Normally built with a unique design, these fans come with a feature that allows you to set each motor at its own speed. These types of fans are typically used outdoors.
Remote-Controlled Ceiling Fans
Many, if not all fans on the market today, have a remote control option. The remote control allows you to adjust settings such as the speed, direction of the blades, and the lights.
Smart Ceiling Fans
Even your ceiling fans are smart these days. A smart ceiling fan operates just like your regular ceiling fan except you can set it to run on a schedule and make sure it’s only spinning when needed. Check out this clean and contemporary smart ceiling fan for example.
What To Look For in Ceiling Fans
Personal preference is a huge part of choosing the perfect fan. It’s up to your personal preferences on whether or not your fan has a light, remote control, wall control, pull chain, reverse rotation options, or even a WiFi connection. The type of airflow, the overall efficiency, and the finish of your blades are also a part of choosing the right fan to transform your space.
You should also look at the blades, CFM (cubic feet of airflow per minute), and the motor. Blades come in all different shapes, colors, and cuts. Many fans come with four or five or even more blades. The number and angle of the blades are significant to the fan’s functionality than their shape.
The CFM is the wind chill effect that makes people feel cooler. Generally, you want to choose a fan with the highest CFM so you can turn down the thermostat and save energy. The motor also plays a big part in your perfect ceiling fan. A bigger, higher-quality motor can help boost the CFM but also reduce noise and wobbling.
How To Balance Indoor Ceiling Fans
Proper installation of an indoor ceiling fan is crucial to the fan’s life span functionality. An off-balance ceiling fan can lead to inefficient operation and excessive wear on the fan motor. It’s essential to make sure that your fan is mounted correctly to avoid a noisy wobbly fan. If it does become noisy and wobbly, it is probably time to balance your fan.
To balance your ceiling fan, you need to do some troubleshooting. First, clean your ceiling fan. Dust builds up on ceiling fans over time and can clog the fan motor and put pressure on the blades.
If you think your ceiling fan is off-balance, check its structural support. You can start by looking for loose fasteners and measuring the lengths of the blades. If the measurements are not the same, adjust the blades that are off by tightening the mounting screws that hold them to the motor. If your fan is still off-balance after these few steps, then it might be time to consider purchasing a fan balancing kit or upgrading your fan.
When Should You Replace an Indoor Ceiling Fan?
Like many other household appliances, most ceiling fans won’t last forever. The life span of the average ceiling fan is about 10 to 15 years. There usually aren’t any significant warning signs that signal your ceiling fan is ready to be replaced. Some signs you may want to look out for are if your ceiling fan is making unusual noises or if your fan is shaking while it’s on. If you want to save on energy efficiency or simply update your home's decor, then buying a new ceiling fan is a good investment.
Finding the Best Ceiling Fan for Your Home
Finding the best ceiling fan for your home can be a fun process. When you find the right one that excels in both form and function, you also have a cool statement piece for your home.
Follow the tips in our guide and shop at a trusted ceiling fan shop, and you're bound to find the perfect ceiling fan that meets all of your needs and personal preferences. If you have any questions, contact us to get in touch with one of our trusted, experienced ceiling fan specialists and let us help you find the perfect ceiling fan.