Having an outdoor space like a patio or sunroom usually means that there will be times when you’re sitting outside enjoying the nice, warm weather. However, for when temperatures cross over from warm into hot and the humidity leaves you feeling more than a little sticky, outdoor ceiling fans are a great idea to cool your outdoor space, keep air circulating, and help the space feel more complete. Here are some things to consider when buying an outdoor ceiling fan.
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What the space is like
Your outdoor space will likely have chairs, tables, and various other items in it. These may be there permanently or just sometimes, but either way you need to make sure that the fan can circulate enough air to cool the entire space. If you’re installing a fan in a garage or work shed, you’ll likely need to be extra careful.
For spaces that have screens, there will be a more powerful fan effect. For non-screened areas, you’d be better off with a more powerful fan as it can move more air and withstand the various weather elements your space will encounter. -
How big the fan is
The fan should roughly be as big as the area you would like cooled, because unlike indoors, cool air doesn’t bounce back from walls. You might like to place the fan directly above where the seating is, or somewhere specific in your area. Most people place the fan in the center of their outdoor space, but wherever you place it, larger diameter fans will shift more air (measured in cubic feet of air per minute) although their wind speed is lower since they have less revolutions per minute. Larger fans don’t create a very substantial breeze, but do mix a lot of air in a large area.
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What the ceiling fan is made of
What your fan is made of is important to make sure that it stands the tests of time and weather. Since your fan will be exposed to the elements unlike an indoor fan, you need to carefully consider what weather your fan will need to be able to withstand. You mostly need to be worried about sand, wind, dirt and moisture.
Stainless steel is the best material to withstand exposure and is also incredibly durable, but there are more affordable alternatives as well, such as fiberglass, aluminum, or even plastic. These materials also don’t warp or corrode, and have unique looks and aesthetics to them as well.
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How efficient the fan is
Many people use air-conditioning to cool and circulate air around their outdoor spaces, but this is not only a heavy burden on your electricity bill, it’s also incredibly bad for the environment.
Ensuring that you have an energy-efficient outdoor ceiling fan means that you can save money, go green, and also enjoy your time outside without burning alive or melting in the heat! -
What style the fan is
Aside from their size, material, and placement, what your fan will look like is also important. If you select a fan that doesn’t match the look and feel of your outdoor space, it will feel out of place and you won’t feel as relaxed spending time there.
Some things to consider from your outdoor space are the patterns, colors, and even shapes that already exist or will exist there. If you have lots of brown and circular patterns, go for a fan that matches this trend. Suddenly having a plain white fan will make the space feel strange and it simply won’t look right.
If your fan matches your space, it will feel warm, inviting, cohesive and be simply beautiful.
Additionally, if you live in a place where you’re at threat of high-speed winds that may threaten your fan, there are also unibody fans that are made as a single piece. They’re less likely to fly apart as they aren’t attached as separate pieces.
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How the fan will be mounted
Depending on how the fan will need to be mounted, you may need the help of a professional. A flush mount outdoor fan will be needed for a fan that will be installed in an area lower than 8 feet high. But for areas higher than that, you’ll need a standard mount fan, hanging from a downrod. For areas that exceed 9 feet, a downrod can be added to pretty much any standard mount fan.
An outdoor ceiling fan can add so much to an outdoor space, not only visually, but in terms of enjoyment, relaxation, and comfort as well. If you take the time to choose a fan that’s just right for your space, you definitely won’t regret it.