choosing a ceiling fan

A good ceiling fan should operate quietly and reliably, and may include crucial features as direct-drive and variable-speed motor, and remote controls... Prefer high-grande ceiling fans.

size

Larger ceiling fans can move more air than smaller fans, but the size of a fan should reflect the size of the room.

44'' - 52" fans are particularly common, but they are too big in small rooms. They are a good option in medium or medium-large sized rooms (120-200 sq. foot).

For very small rooms (up to 75m2) consider a small fan: a 29-36” fan... Very large rooms may benefit from larger fans: 56" blade sweep fans or two smaller fans.

Note: the size of a ceiling fan is measured by the diameter of the blade sweep.

Blade fans Size

In rooms with objects that shouldn't be disturbed by the fan's breeze, choose a larger blade fan with a lower velocity option: a large blade fan provides, with a lower velocity, the same cooling of a smaller one.

Noise

Before buying the fan, check its noise, if possible. Also check the noise ratings through Energy Star or other official label.

Ceiling Fan Motor

Most ceiling fans have 1) a direct-drive motor or 2) a friction-drive motor. Direct-drive models have fewer separated parts, last longer, and are quieter and more efficient. But they are also more expensive.

Ceiling Fans for bathrooms, patios or front porches

Fans can include features such as all-weather blades, moisture resistant motors or stainless steel and rust-resistant components.

If you want to place a ceiling fan in a humid location like bathrooms, purchase a UL damp rating fan. If you want to place a fan on a patio, a front porch or any other place where the fan may come into direct contact with water, also look for a wet rating fan.

Speed control and airflow direction

When shopping, prefer a fan with a speed control (the fan speed of modern fans are set with pull-chains or wall control switches).

If purchasing controls separately, be sure to buy controls that match up with the number of speeds, maximum amps, etc.

Most ceiling fans also feature the ability to reverse the motor and airflow direction. Reversing airflow can help to push the warm air near the ceiling of high ceiling homes towards the floor, in winter, increasing the comfort.

Fan Grades

Pay attention to the grade of the ceiling fan. Typically, there are three grades: high, medium and low.

High-performance grade fans have larger and more performing motors, and are specially designed for continuous use. This models tend to run more quietly, but are also the most expensive.

Low-moderate grade fans are designed to work some few hours per day in small rooms with low ceilings. They are the most inexpensive ceiling fans.

Medium grade fans ceiling fans are an intermediate level of fans, suitable for operating up to 12 hours per day.

Blades, motor house and other features

There are details and features that count deeply and may ensure a larger lifespan and a quieter operation: the quality of blades, the fans housing, chock-absorbent internal components...

The quality of blades is very important: their weight and balance is crucial, and they should be sealed from moisture through special coatings or other finishing (to avoid warping, bubbling, peeling…).

Ceiling fans housing (for the fan motor) is another feature you should consider: those made of heavier materials tend to vibrate less and to work quietly…

Fans with lighting

Many ceiling fans come with a light kit, which may be integrated into the package or bought separately.

Modern light kit models involve diverse designs: armed stemmed designs (pointing toward the ceiling fan or toward the floor), bowl and shade lighting designs, and up-light designs (with the light kit sitting on top of the housing and pointing up toward the ceiling).

Most ceiling fans are light kit adaptable, but that compatibility is often restricted to light kits and ceiling fans under the same brand. For that reason, it may me preferable to choose an universal model: a light kit that can be used on a number of different fan models.

Price

Ceiling fans are rather inexpensive devices: prices between $200 - $300 for qualified ceiling fans are very common.

Be aware, anyway. A good ceiling fan should operate quietly and reliably, and a more expensive fan will probably offer more trouble-free operation.

Besides, more expensive ceiling fans may include crucial features as direct-drive and variable-speed motor, higher grade, and remote controls, which may be very important...

Energy Star

Prefer an Energy Star model, in North America. Fans with the Energy Star label are qualified and allow higher savings.