Ceiling Fan Buying Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Fan
There are several reasons to consider adding a beautifully finished ceiling fan to your space. Some choose to add a ceiling fan to save money on energy costs associated with cooling or heating spaces while others look to sleek designs to pull off a particular element of style. Regardless of your motivation, this guide will show you precisely what should go into choosing the perfect fan for your space.
Here, you'll find information on some of the elegant styles that are available to add functional, high-end finishes to your room. Whether you seek a vintage vibe or something that has a little more flair for your outdoor space, you'll have a better idea of how to approach your search by the time you reach the end.
Besides the potential for significantly reducing energy costs, which is attributed to how fans help to evenly cool or warm your home, there are plenty of reasons to add a ceiling fan to any room. Traditional wood and metal units, or even some with more modern touches, like brushed metals and textured surfaces, create a strong focal point in any décor.
Modern technological advancements have made fans more user-friendly, efficient and visually stunning, with more options available than ever before. Here's what you need to know to wade through different fan sizes, styles, specifications, and cutting-edge features with ease.
Size
A beautiful fan can easily serve as the focal point of a room. To be sure that it won't overwhelm your space, you must consider two primary measurements for any fan: the diameter and the down rod height. If you ignore the generally accepted rules below, you might find that the perfect fan overwhelms or underwhelms your space. Follow these guidelines, and you'll be able to find out whether your room will be better served with a small, standard, or large size fan.
Diameter Span
Measuring the diameter of your ceiling fan is simple. Knowing how this measurement is obtained will help you find the best fan for each room. A 44” ceiling fan can move easily between 3,600 to 3,700 cubic feet of air every minute with ease. It doesn't make sense to put a fan this large in a smaller room that doesn't require that much air moving capacity. Similarly, a large fan may visually overwhelm the space, and a fan that is too small won’t be able to effectively circulate enough air.
On this site, for example, whenever you see a number associated with the width of the fan, that represents its diameter. The easy way to understand diameter is that it's measured as if the rotating fan were drawing an imaginary circle. The diameter is the distance from one side of that imaginary circle to the opposite. There are three primary fan categories and different ways to measure each's diameter, depending on the number of blades and style of the fan.
Here’s how to find the diameter for the three different types of fans:
- Fans with an even number of blades: Traditional fans with an even number of blades are simple to measure. Just find the distance between the two ends of opposing edges, and you've got the diameter of the fan.
- Fans with an odd number of blades: Most ceiling fans have three or five blades instead of an even number. To get an accurate measurement of fans with an odd number of offset blades, first, find the distance from the center of the fan out to the tip of any single blade. Then multiply that distance by 2 to find the fan's diameter.
- Windmill fans: Windmill fans look a bit more complicated to measure thanks to their multiple blades. You'll use a similar approach to finding the fan's diameter as with a fan that has an odd number of blades. Measure from the center of the fan to the tip of one blade. The diameter will be that number multiplied by 2.
Ceiling Fan Span vs. Square Footage
The most widely accepted way to find an appropriately sized ceiling fan for a given room is by comparing the ceiling fan span (or diameter) to the room's square footage. This design principle generally holds that the square footage of the space around a fan should be between a few times greater than the fan's diameter.
To apply this principle, you’ll first need to find the square footage of your room. Take the length of the room (measured in feet) and multiply that by the width of the room (also measured in feet). The product is the square footage of your room.
- Length of room (ft) x width of room (ft)= square footage (sq. ft.)
Rooms that are less than 50 square feet are best served by smaller fans with a 29” or 30” blade span. 36” fans are great for rooms that are up to 75 sq. ft. Slightly larger rooms, between 76-149 square feet can accommodate a 42” diameter fan with ease. 52” diameter fans are best suited for rooms between 150-249 sq ft, while 54-60” fans do well in spaces that are between 250-400 sq. ft.
In rooms that are larger than 400 sq. ft., you may want to consider placing two fans in the space. It’s usually best to position your fan directly in the center of the room to facilitate optimal airflow. If you plan to install two fans, just make sure that they’ll be at least 18-24” away from the closest wall.
Ceiling Fan Downrod Height
The second measurement to choose will be the distance between your ceiling and the fan. To hang your fan at an optimal height, you may employ a downrod, essentially a ceiling fan extension rod. Some fans will come with one or two downrods (they are usually between 3-inches to 72-inches long) in standard lengths, to help you customize the installation of your new fan. Those details will be listed in the product description so that you can verify it’ll fit your space before you buy it.
The ideal height for a ceiling fan is between 8 and 9 feet from the floor. To avoid safety concerns like trapping air or potentially injuring taller friends and family members, fans should always be hung more than 7 feet above the floor. The more space you can put between the ceiling and the blades, the better your airflow and circulation will be.
Low Ceilings
Low profile, flush-mounted, or hugger ceiling fans are all great options for lower, shorter ceilings. These are designed to be installed close to the ceiling, so you don’t have to worry about lower fan blades. Since they’re designed for shorter spaces, their designs won’t call for downrods.
Average/High Ceilings
A 6-inch downrod is recommended for a fan to be hung from a 9-foot-high ceiling. A 10-foot high ceiling fan should use a 12-inch downrod. For every additional foot of ceiling height, plan to add another 6-inches of downrod to your ceiling fan when you install it. If necessary, you can purchase additional downrods in various lengths for the perfect fit.
Sloping/Vaulted Ceilings
Another challenge to be aware of when choosing your new fan is whether it will be installed on a sloped or vaulted ceiling. Most fans are designed to accommodate up to 30 degrees of slope. If that exceeds your ceiling's angle, check to ensure that your desired fan is compatible with sloped ceilings. That way, it can be safely installed in your desired location. Otherwise, you may need to add a longer downrod to make sure the blades clear the ceiling or purchase an angle mount to adapt the fan to the slope of your ceiling.
Ceiling Fan Parts and Styles
How ceiling fans work
A ceiling fan works by rotating blades, commonly made of wood, metal, or plastic, using a motor. The blades are set into the fan at a particular pitch or angle, which allows the fan to scoop air on each revolution. It's this airflow, or movement of air, that offers a cooling sensation.
Blades
Thanks to technological advancements, there are plenty of fun designs that are all incredibly efficient. Functionality is no longer dependent on the number of blades in a fan, for example, so you're free to choose whatever works with your aesthetic.
There are many blade shapes and styles that all do a great job of circulating air. There are single blade fans, dual blade fans, all the way up to windmill-style fans with several blades for an entirely different look. Vintage, industrial-style metal finished ceiling fans with multiple blades or a cage around the fixtures will lend your space a chic, rugged, minimalist vibe. Rustic, farmhouse-style ceiling fans may, by contrast, add a little southern charm to your décor.
Styles and Shapes
Ceiling fans are fantastic design elements, and there are so many shapes and styles for you to choose from. Thanks to technological advancements, these ceiling fans are all relatively efficient, too, so choose whatever style feels most at home in your space.
Windmill ceiling fans are the perfect choice for a cottage, country, or more rustic-themed setting. These often feature 10, 15, or more blades instead of four or five to make a big statement. They are ideal for barn and porch setups because they move air effectively but at a lower velocity, saving energy.
Propeller fans are often designed with two to three blades, reminiscent of an airplane propeller. This modern look features narrow, rounded blades that go well with nautical themes and soft, contemporary spaces.
Aviator blade fans still look like airplane propellers but often share the critical distinction of having sharper angles and rectangular blades configured in sets of three or more. Like propeller fans, they come in similar pitched, body shapes and finishes at home in edgier design schemes.
Turbine blade fans are often ideally suited for industrial looks in sleek rubbed metallic finishes. Like the windmill fan, you’ll find several blades arranged with a steep pitch for lots of visual impact.
Cage fans have the blades and body of the fan encased in metal wires for a chic, industrial style. Since they are fully enclosed, they are often on the smaller side and look great when more than one unit is grouped in the same more extensive space.
Twisted blade fans are incredibly eye-catching and will anchor any unique, playful, and contemporary space. Their twisted design is quite efficient, producing consistently higher airflow than their traditional counterparts. Twisted blades set at a steep pitch give a futuristic look to any space.
Leaf-blade fans are ideal if you want to transport yourself to a tropical paradise. These fixtures bring lots of drama to a space, with broad, sweeping, paddle-like blades creating a gentle breeze that provides a subtle airflow.
Ceiling Fan Efficiency
How many blades does a ceiling fan need?
This used to be a lot more vital than it is now, as more blades meant more airflow in the past. Now, efficiency depends on the fan. An important consideration is how the blades interact with the motor. A fan with three blades will spin more quickly than a fan with five blades because the blades are lighter and the motor has less drag to contend with. A fan with five blades may ultimately move more air, but since the blades weigh more and the motor works harder to propel it, it may use more energy and be less efficient.
The type of motor in a ceiling fan, the shape, pitch, and weight of the blades are all important considerations that go into determining a fan's efficiency. Your best bet is to check a fan's airflow rating. This rating will tell you exactly how much air it can move each minute and how much it will cost to operate.
How to measure airflow
No one blade configuration is decidedly more efficient than another because of all of the factors that determine how well a ceiling fan moves air within a space. Efficiency is measured in terms of CFM (cubic feet/minute) of air moving at the fan's maximum speed. Good CFM ranges are from between 4,000-5,000 CFM. Better fans will move 5,000-6,000 CFM, and the best fans move more than 6,000 CFM.
Higher numbers mean greater airflow, which can help larger spaces, like outdoors above a porch or patio. If a fan you like has an exceptionally high CFM, look into how many motor speeds are available to see if you can find the perfect airflow on a setting below high.
Ceiling fans are a great way to reduce your heating and cooling costs. A reliable indicator of a fan’s efficiency is given as CFM/W or cubic feet per minute per watt of electricity used. The higher the CFM/W is, the more efficient the fan is. When you compare CFM/W, remember that this doesn't provide an airflow indicator. For example, fans with different airflows, one with 2050 CFM and one with 6000 CFM, can have the same CFM/W. Ideally, the CFM/W of a fan should be above 75 to be considered efficient, according to ENERGY STAR appliance requirements.
How does blade pitch affect air movement?
The blade's pitch is the angle between the horizontal ground and the cutting edge of the blade. The higher the pitch, the steeper that angle is. Experts tend to agree that optimal blade pitch is between 10-15 degrees. Depending on the type and style of the fan, many pitches will move air well. Generally, the steeper the blade's angle, the more air the fan will be able to move.
The lower the pitch, the gentler and more subtle the airflow will be. Consequently, fans with less than 10 degrees of angle are more decorative and less efficient. To make sure that the blades of a fan you're considering will work for your space, make sure to refer to the CFM and CFM/W ratings of the fan.
Fan Features
With the essential information out of the way, here's a look at some of the different bells and whistles that can typically be found on modern ceiling fans. Here's how to sift through your motor options, controls, and tailored specifications.
AC vs. DC motors
DC motors are generally smaller, lighter, and more compact than AC motors. DC motors consume less than 70% of a typical AC powered ceiling fan's power by transforming electric energy into mechanical energy while they rotate. Consequently, though DC motors cost slightly more upfront, they are more efficient and are becoming increasingly more common.
In addition to the compact size, DC motors offer virtually silent operation. Since they use energy more efficiently, they often last longer than AC motors. They also reach higher torque, which yields faster startup speeds. When the ceiling fan includes a light kit, those will often be with LED bulbs, which can mean even greater overall efficiency.
There are three main motors: small (153mm), medium (172mm), and large (188mm). Larger motors are better suited to push blades with higher pitches or steeper angles. A fan with long blades set at a deep pitch set to run on a smaller motor might not be as efficient as a fan powered by the same motor with fewer or shorter blades.
Reversible motors for year-round use
Ceiling fans don't actually directly affect the temperature of the space they're in. However, they can make a room feel warmer or cooler by moving the air within it. That's why ceiling fans are touted for having such a significant impact in reducing climate control costs.
If your fan comes with a reversible fan motor, you can use it throughout the year to cool spaces in warmer months and warm up those same spaces. In the summer, set your blades to spin forward. The higher, cutting edge of the blade will lead, pushing cool air down into the room while simultaneously pulling warm air up. In the winter, reverse the direction to spin blades in the opposite direction. Warm air rises, and reversing the blades will pull the warmer air back down into the room.
Lights
Getting a ceiling fan with a light kit can be a great way to illuminate your space. If you don't need any additional light in the room, look for a ceiling fan that doesn't come with one.
Traditional, farmhouse-style fans will generally include lights with a more classic lampshade silhouette encasing each bulb. Modern ceiling fans will often come with a slim, more minimalist-style lamp, and industrial fans rely on warehouse shades. Regardless of the design, lights are a great addition to most ceiling fans.
LED lights, commonly found on efficient, DC motor-driven fans, are the most likely to come with an ENERGY STAR rating since they're great for saving energy. Even if your fan doesn't include LED lights, swapping out traditional light bulbs for LED light bulbs will help you similarly reduce your energy consumption.
Multiple Speeds
Most fans will offer between three to five speeds with an increasing number of resolutions and heightened airflow as speed increases. If your motor is reversible, it will usually provide one reverse speed to warm your home in cooler months.
Multiple speeds allow for greater control and a more customizable experience, depending on what you’re looking for. Fan speeds are clearly listed in the technical description for each fan. To cycle through the different speeds, you’ll want to pull the chain or select the speed on the fan’s remote.
Controls
Most ceiling fans still rely on classic pull chains to change the speed. If your electricity configuration works, it's simple to control your fan with a light switch that turns it on or off. Better still, some fans come equipped with remote controls. Fan remotes are either mounted on the wall, which keeps them close at hand and centrally located or controlled by handheld remotes, which can be easy to lose track of. Some fans can even be controlled by a remote that you purchase separately if you find yourself tired of yanking the chain below your fan to change the speeds.
Whisper Quiet fans
DC motors are whisper-quiet, which means that they're quieter than traditional motors. A low noise level can be an attractive feature in a new fan, especially if you want to install it in a bedroom when you sleep, for example.
Hugger ceiling fans or ones that are mounted close to the ceiling are quieter. If you don't have exceptionally high ceilings, they'll be the best option since fixtures hung with a downrod can wobble and create noise. If your ceiling fan needs a downrod, get the precise length necessary so that the fan doesn't wobble or make noise.
If your ceiling fan is noisy, refer to the installation tips below. Verify that the blades are correctly balanced, replace faulty dimmers and ensure that adequate voltage is directed to your fan. As long as everything is in good working order, you should barely be able to hear most modern fans as they operate.
Outdoor-ready
The right fan can add so much to an outside porch or patio. In addition to moving air to cool you down, higher-speed fans with high airflows can also keep annoying pests, like insects, away from backyard barbecues or evening rocking chair sessions. If insects aren’t a consideration, a decorative fan that provides less airflow with subtler movement can add some drama and an easy breeze to your outdoor décor.
Weatherproof
Wet-rated and damp-rated fans are perfect for outdoor spaces that may get wet. Though you shouldn't put damp-rated ceiling fans in direct rain, snow, or ice, they work well in areas where the fan may encounter moisture, like in the bathroom. To protect against moisture damage or warping, these fans most likely feature blades made out of metal or other sturdy materials.
While it may be acceptable to mount an outdoor fixture inside, the opposite doesn't work well. If you place an indoor fan outside, it may damage your home and ruin the fan.
Installation
Ceiling fans tend to be heavier than your average light fixture, so make sure to install them with care. The first step to installing a new fan is to consult with a licensed electrician who can safely and accurately mount the fixture in your space. The electrician will verify that the ceiling fan is wired correctly and that the installation location is strong enough to support the fan's weight.
Assembling a fan from the box's components should only take a few moments, but safety is paramount. Follow the included instructions to piece the fan together. Generally, this calls for you to attach blades to the motor before the fan is ready to move air.
Common Concerns: Balancing/Wobbling
A wobbling or unbalanced fan can be noisy and dangerous. Taking your time to properly install your new fan should help you avoid this noisy nuisance. However, it can still be easily corrected with some targeted troubleshooting.
Fans can fall out of balance if a shift has occurred since installation. To fix this, turn off the fan. When it has reached a complete stop, examine the ceiling fan for dust build-up or attachments that may have gotten loose or tangled. Then, begin to tighten any loose blades, brackets, or mounting hardware that may have come loose.
Restart the fan when you’re done to see if you’ve fixed the problem. If not, consult the fan balancing kit that’s included with your fan to rebalance it. To use the rebalancing kit, attach the balancing clip to the middle of one of the blades along its lowest edge. Turn the fan on again to see if it's back in balance. Repeat this process until your find the unbalanced blade.
When you’ve isolated the unbalanced blade, move the clip up and down along the blade, testing how the fan works after each adjustment until you find the position that best corrects the wobble. Center one of the weights included with the fan on top of the blade and remove the clip. Adjust other blades as necessary using the same technique.
Conclusion
There are undoubtedly many considerations when it comes to choosing the perfect ceiling fan for your space. Hopefully, this guide makes the difficult task of selecting the ideal unit a bit more accessible.
First, find out the size of the room that you'll be installing the fan in to see what size fan works best with your available square footage. Check that against any fans' diameter that you consider to find a fan that will provide enough airflow without overwhelming the space. Consider your ceiling's height and angle to determine whether a downrod is required to properly mount the fan.
Thanks to modern technology, there are many blade options and configurations that will do a great job of efficiently cooling or warming up a given space. Use indicators like the CFM or CFM/W listed on the box or as part of the description to make sure that your fan is strong enough to move the air in the room. Understanding those figures will also give you a better idea of just how much an energy-efficient ceiling fan will cost you to operate each year. With the appropriate size and number of blades, you can begin considering the aesthetic you'd like your fan to fit.
Classic cage fans or fun windmills can anchor a space as a focal point. Dramatically twisted blades or sleep propeller fans can simply elevate and enhance an edgy, modern look. Regardless of the style, metallic finishes or traditional wood touches now come in plenty of shapes to perfectly complement any space.
If you're tied to any particular features, like wet-or damp-rated fans for outdoor spaces, or wall-mounted or handheld controls, check the description before purchase. Be sure to note whether the ceiling fan comes with a lighting kit or if you’ll have to add one on. With all those hard decisions made, you can have your new fan professionally installed and ready for years of use and enjoyment.