Ceiling fans come in a nearly endless array of sizes, blade counts and finishes, so choosing the ri…
Ceiling fans come in a nearly endless array of sizes, blade counts and finishes, so choosing the right ceiling fan comes down to proportions, cooling efficiency and design elements. We’ve compiled some expert advice to simplify the process of choosing a ceiling fan.
This guide covers the many considerations of shopping for modern ceiling fans like ceiling height and mounting options for sloped ceilings, how to measure for a ceiling fan and the optimal size of fan needed for every room, airflow and CFM requirements, the difference in length and number of blades, ceiling fan finishes and materials, and more.
The first thing to consider when deciding on a ceiling fan size is the size of the room in which it will be installed. The square footage of the room dictates how big the ceiling fan needs to be because a fan that is too small or big for a space will not circulate air properly.
Ceiling fans are measured by the full size of their blade span (also called blade sweep), which is the diameter of the circle seen when the fan blades are in motion. Fan blade span reaches from the tip of one fan blade to the tip of the blade directly across.
With the dimensions of the room in hand, the size guide below estimates the optimally sized ceiling fan for each space:
In larger spaces, depending on the shape of the room, another option is to install two smaller fans.
When determining the correct size of a ceiling fan for its space, a minimum of 18 inches to 24 inches of clearance on all sides of the fan is recommended.
To meet building codes, the bottom of the fan should be at least 7 feet off the floor; 8 to 9 feet allows for optimal circulation. For higher ceilings, use fans with downrods to achieve the right height. The more space between the ceiling and the blades, the better for airflow and circulation. Ideally, aim for at least 12 inches.
Fans typically come with one or two downrods, in different standard lengths. However, if more length is needed to achieve the ideal hanging height, additional downrods in other sizes can be purchased. For a room with a 9-foot ceiling, select a fan with a 6-inch downrod. For ceilings that are higher than 9 feet, add 6 inches to the downrod for every foot of height: 10-foot ceiling, 12-inch downrod; 11-foot ceiling, 18-inch downrod; and so on.
Aside from hugger fans, most fan canopies (the part that attaches to the ceiling and covers the junction box) can accommodate some degree of slope—usually up to 30 degrees. An additional longer downrod may be needed to ensure enough blade clearance. For steeper slopes—or in cases where sloped ceiling installation is explicitly not allowed—some manufacturers offer sloped-ceiling adapters, sometimes called angle mounts.
Yes. Ceiling fans must be mounted to junction boxes marked “For Use With Ceiling Fans;” because fans can weigh up to 50 pounds and are in motion, these specific J-boxes provide proper support. The boxes should be anchored to a ceiling joist, and installation by a licensed electrician is advised.
Start by determining how much light is already available in the room: Factors to consider are whether it’s a relatively open space with lots of windows or sliding glass doors that let in natural sunlight, how many lamps are already in place and whether they provide adequate lighting. These considerations will dictate whether the fan should have a light kit.
For the ultimate control over the amount of light in a room, a ceiling fan with a light or a light kit may be the best option. Ceiling fan light kits provide ample, even light that can be beneficial to all types of spaces. And many light kits are compatible with a wall dimmer or remote, so adjusting the light intensity is as easy as pressing a button.
Consider pairing ENERGY STAR fans with ENERGY STAR light kits, too. They’re proven to be 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units, saving more than $170 in energy costs over the fan’s lifetime.
Yes, as long as the outdoor ceiling fan is certified to be damp- or wet-location approved. Damp-rated ceiling fans can handle the moisture that comes with outdoor air but shouldn’t have direct contact with water, rain, snow or other liquids that a life outdoors could bring. Damp-rated fans also use materials that prevent rust and corrosion from outdoor elements. Wet-location-listed fans can be used in locations more susceptible to water contact. These feature water- and weather-resistant motor housings and blades, and some are equipped with waterproof light kits to provide additional lighting outdoors.
Rising utility costs and an ever-increasing challenge to eliminate waste means we must get technologically creative. Investing in a ceiling fan with an ENERGY STAR label is a practical option that helps minimize waste while maximizing financial benefit.
The EPA came up with the ENERGY STAR label for two reasons: (1) to recognize units that have passed a rigorous testing process to prove they’re highly efficient, and (2) to make it easier for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient, bill-saving products that won’t sacrifice performance or comfort.
Plus, ENERGY STAR ceiling fan models must come with a minimum 30-year motor warranty, a one-year component(s) warranty and a two-year lighting kit warranty. When shopping fans at Lumens, look for the ENERGY STAR icon on a fan’s product page to determine if it is ENERGY STAR-qualified.
In its most basic sense, a ceiling fan works by rotating pitched blades. The pitched blades create airflow that produces better air circulation, offering a perception of cooling due to the movement of the fan pushing air to evaporate moisture off the skin. While a fan may enhance the effectiveness of an air-conditioning or heating system by circulating that cooled or heated air, a ceiling fan on its own does not affect the temperature of a space.
The angle of the blade makes a difference in how much air a fan can circulate throughout a room. The optimal blade pitch for a ceiling fan is 12 to 15 degrees.
This degree of blade pitch allows the ceiling fan to move a “just right” amount of air; a steeper pitch creates a wind tunnel while a flatter blade won’t offer much breeze.
There are three typical ways to operate a fan: a pull chain, a wall control or a handheld remote.
In some instances, a fan can be installed with both a remote control and wall switch for the most flexibility.
Some smart ceiling fans and add-on accessories are equipped with technology to work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa and mobile devices, allowing you to be free of remotes and other controls.
Unfortunately, adding a remote to an already-installed fan is not usually as simple as putting batteries in the remote control. The receivers for handheld remotes and some wall-mounted controls often must be installed inside the fan. This may involve dismantling part of the fan to add the receiver and getting it put back together properly, which may require the help of a professional. Most receivers sit inside the ceiling fan’s canopy and can be wired into the existing electrical. From there, the remote is synced to its receiver.
Our selection of ceiling fan parts includes separate remotes, wall controls and light kits compatible with some fans sold at Lumens. The product details on each fan page will indicate when the fan includes a remote control.
Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves. 75 CFM/W is the minimum to be considered efficient, according to ENERGY STAR requirements.
The Environmental Protection Agency requires that all ceiling fan manufacturers put the following information on all packaging and promotional materials so that consumers get an exact understanding of the power behind the fan:
This information offers a gauge of the ceiling fan’s airflow and efficiency at a glance, making it easy to compare two or more fans of similar sizes. But what CFM is best?
On high speed:
DC motors are a newer addition to household ceiling fans that generate additional torque while consuming less than 70% of the power of a typical ceiling fan. They do this by transforming electric energy into mechanical energy as they rotate.
DC motor fans have a slightly higher upfront cost than regular ceiling fans since they need a more expensive electronic speed controller. However, their benefits more than outweigh the costs with the following features:
In cases where lighting is included, DC fans typically use LEDs, which only add to the fan’s energy efficiency.
The number of ceiling blades is often an important point in deciding what type of ceiling fan to purchase, but this is becoming less of a question of function and more of personal choice with advancements in technology.
It used to be the case that a five- or six-blade ceiling fan would translate into more efficiency as opposed to a three-blade or four-blade fan, but that’s no longer the case. Since the CFM is the measure of a fan’s airflow efficiency, the number of blades is more related to style than function. For example, a four- or five-blade ceiling fan can provide a more conventional look, whereas a fan with two or three blades can offer a more modern style.
Choosing the right finish for ceiling fan blades is largely dependent on the room the fan will be installed in and budget. There are four main blade materials, each with its own distinction:
If we haven’t answered all of your ceiling fan questions here, our team of ALA-certified design and product experts is ready to assist you via live chat or at (877) 445-4486.
When choosing a new ceiling fan, it's important to think about where you plan to hang it. Will the ceiling fan installation take place in a living room or are you searching for the best outdoor ceiling fan to cool off things on your patio?
Wet/damp ratings indicate whether a ceiling fan is recommended for indoor or outdoor purposes. If you plan to hang a ceiling fan inside a damp area, such as the bathroom or outdoors, you will need to find one that meets UL's wet/damp rating. A damp rating means the fan can be used in areas with excessive moisture, but covered, such as on a covered patio or in a bathroom. A wet rating means the fan can withstand direct rain, snow or excessive moisture as in an open gazebo.
Tip: While an outdoor fan can be used indoors, an indoor ceiling fan should only be hung inside your home.
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