Most people know that ceiling fans help rooms feel comfortable, but the truth is that they do much more than that. They can even help you save money on your monthly utility bills.
Ceiling fans cost much less to run than air conditioners. They also let you bump up the temperature on your thermostat without noticing a difference in comfort.
If your home doesn’t have a ceiling fan, then it’s time to think about getting one. But what if you’re unsure how to choose a ceiling fan?
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Keep reading to learn about seven tips that will help you find the best ceiling fans for your home.
Consider the Height
The height that you hang your ceiling fan is important. If you hang it too low, it might prevent the air from circulating the room as it should. If you hang it too high, the air might not reach the lower areas of the room.
If the room you’re installing the fan in has low ceilings, look into using ceiling huggers for installation. This will prevent it from hanging too low, ensuring that nobody hits their head on it.
Average-height ceilings should be fine with the hanging rod that comes with the fan, while high-ceiling rooms might want to consider getting extension rods.
Choose a Blade Size
To determine the right blade size, you’ll want to take a look at the size of the room where the fan will hang. Blades can range from as small as 24 inches to as large as 80.
As a general rule of thumb, use the following parameters:
- 75 square foot room: 36-inch blades
- 75 to 144 square foot room: 36 to 42-inch blades
- 144 to 225 square foot room: 44 to 50-inch blades
- 225 to 400 square foot room: 50 to 54-inch blades
If you have a very large room or one that has high ceilings, get an oversize ceiling fan with extra-large 60 or 80-inch blades. Aside from being practical, this will also ensure that the fan scales well with the room.
Choose a Blade Number
Contrary to popular belief, the number of blades of a fan has no correlation with how much air it can circulate. Modern fans do a great job at pushing air around the room regardless of how many blades they have.
The blade number has more to do with aesthetics than functionality. Fewer blades might work well in more minimalist and modern spaces.
What does affect the power of the fan is the motor. Make sure that the fan you’re getting has the power necessary to circulate air around the room.
Think About Lights
As most people hang ceiling fans in central locations, it’s natural that they often come with attached lights. These are a great way to light up an entire room or area.
If the fan you’re set on buying doesn’t come with a light, don’t worry—you can always buy a separate light kit and attach it to the fan yourself.
If you’re interested in getting a light kit, make sure that the one you get is LED. This will ensure that you get all of the light you need while still only having to use around 16 to 18 watts.
Find the Perfect Spot to Hang It
Remember that even the most amazing ceiling fans don’t bring down the temperature of a room. It might feel like they do, but all ceiling fans really do is create a breeze.
If you’re not in a space where you can feel that artificial breeze, then the ceiling fan is going to be useless. Make sure that you install the ceiling fan in a place where the air can reach you.
For most people, ideal fan placements include over their bed in bedrooms, in family rooms, and above the dining room table.
Take Advantage of Remote Control Options
The ceiling fans of today come with a lot of great control options that set them apart from the traditional pull chain fans of the past. You might not have a choice, but it’s worth looking at fan options that have the control options you want.
Many modern fans come with remotes that let you control them from a distance. This makes it easy to set the speed or change the direction of the air.
There are also many great smart fans on the market today. These allow you to control them with your phone, a smart device like Alexa, or even your voice.
Consider the Installation Procedure
You might think that you can do a DIY installation, but unless you know a lot about electrical wiring, it’s probably better to work with a professional. This is especially true if the fan you’re getting has a light.
A professional installation company will help you install the fan in no time. They’ll also be able to identify any potential problems during the installation procedure, as well as ensure that the motor isn’t too loud.
They’ll also provide you with a 30 or 60-day warranty that allows them to come back and make adjustments for free if necessary.
Wondering How to Choose a Ceiling Fan? This Guide Should Help
Ceiling fans can be the difference between uncomfortable temperatures and a cozy living space. Because of that, it’s important that you understand how to choose a ceiling fan that works for you and your home.
To ensure that you end up with the best ceiling fans in your rooms, make sure to follow the tips mentioned in this guide.
Do you now have a better idea of how to choose a fan for your ceiling? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more home-related guides and tips.