Did you move to a new house? Or are you giving your home’s interior an update? When it comes to home appliances, a ceiling fan is one of those “must-haves.”
Not only does it help manage indoor temperature, but it can also improve your home’s energy consumption. However, choosing a ceiling fan may not be as simple as you initially thought. There are key factors to consider when searching for the right ceiling fan for your home.
Hence, the question: do you know how to choose a ceiling fan the right way? How can you guarantee you’re getting the best value for your money?
Continue reading below for a guide to buying ceiling fans.
How to Choose a Ceiling Fan: Start with the Height
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a ceiling fan is the height of your ceiling. Your goal is to match the fan to the room with their height of the ceiling as your main guide.
You want to hang the ceiling fan high. To enjoy optimal airflow, hanging the fan 8 to 9 feet is the ideal height you want.
What if your ceiling is higher than 9 feet? Then you may need to install an extension rod to achieve the ideal height for the fan. Extension rods often measure between 12 inches and 72 inches.
Also, some ceiling fans come with manufacturer-supplied hanging rods. This should be enough for homes with average height-ceilings.
What if the room has a low ceiling? Then you need to get a flush-mount ceiling fan. This type of model will ensure that the fan will provide ample head clearance.
Also, you need to make sure that the finish of the rods you’re buying matches your ceiling fan. This ensures that your ceiling fan doesn’t disrupt the flow and design of the room.
The Fan Size vs Room Size Conundrum
Learning how to choose a ceiling fan also means resolving the fan size and room size conundrum. Here, your room’s square footage will serve as your guide in choosing the right size of a ceiling fan. Having a fan that is too big or too small for the room will affect the air circulation.
Measuring the fan size concerning the room size can be tricky. Thankfully, there is a guide you can follow.
For rooms that are less than 50 square feet, you want a ceiling fan with blades that measure 29 inches or less. This measurement is perfect for spaces like walk-in closets, laundry rooms, and hallways.
For a large bathroom or a breakfast nook that measures up to 75 square feet, a 36-inch ceiling fan should do the trick. As for your office, kitchen, or bedroom that measures up to 100 square feet, a 42-inch fan is your best bet.
Meanwhile, spaces that measure up to 225 square feet need a ceiling fan with 52-inch blades. These areas are your dining room, master bedroom, and patio area.
Last but not least, your great room or large living room with up to 400 square feet needs a 56-inch ceiling fan. Also, consider installing two smaller fans to get better coverage for larger spaces.
Also, make sure there’s a minimum clearance of 18 to 24 inches on all sides of the fan.
Control Options Matter
Another key factor to consider is the fan’s control options. There are three common ways to operate a ceiling fan. The first is through a pull chain; the second is through wall control; and the third one through a handheld remote.
If you buy a ceiling fan with pull chain controls, you will find the pull chain mechanism hanging from the fan. This allows for easy adjustment of speed, as well as turning the fan on and off with a simple pull of the chain.
Meanwhile, a wall control fan uses a wall switch for operation. This is more convenient compared to the pull chain ceiling fan since you don’t need to go under the fan to pull the chain.
Instead, all you need is to flick the switch on the wall, the same way you would as your room lights. Also, you reduce the chances of leaving the fan open if you install the switch next to the doorway.
Lastly, the remote-controlled fan offers the most operation convenience among the three. With a remote controller, you can operate the fan regardless of where you are in the room.
There are ceiling fans that come with multiple operational features. Some have the traditional pull chain while offering a remote control.
Lighting Counts
Most ceiling fans today come with light kits. This means apart from the blades, the fans come with bulbs that add illumination to the space.
There are three different types of ceiling fan light kits. The first type integrates into the fan. The second one comes with the fan during purchase.
Meanwhile, you can purchase the third type individually and separately. The good thing about the third option is most of them are universal. This means they can fit in almost all fan models.
If ever you decide to go for a fan that doesn’t come with a light kit, make sure to buy a kit with Energy Star certification. The good thing about these lights is that they are 60% more efficient compared to conventional fan light units.
Also, make sure to use a separate circuit when installing your lighting. Using a different circuit means you can keep your lights open even if you turn off your ceiling fan. If not, you cannot use any if you turn off the switch.
Mind Your Budget
Of course, no ceiling fan buying guide is complete without discussing your budget. The good thing about ceiling fans is that you will always find something that will fit your budget.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can get a basic ceiling fan for $100. Expect this fan to come with all the basics. It includes a pull chain and also a lighting kit for some models.
This option is excellent if you’re moving to a starter home. The same thing if you plan to live in an apartment.
If you can bump your budget to $200, you can find a ceiling fan that looks more stylish. Fans that fall under this price range often sport a transitional design. This means you will have something between a contemporary and traditional-designed ceiling fan.
Also, it should already come with integrated lighting options. Not only are these ceiling fans perfect for homes and apartments, but you can also use them in your small office.
If you have a budget of $300, that will be enough to get you something with remarkable motor performance and improved functionality. Moreover, a ceiling fan in this price range will also come with fan controls and other accessories.
One of the features may include full-range light dimming. Also, the fan may feature a more energy-efficient DC motor.
Last but not least, fans that are over $300 belong to the top-of-the-line category. They come with more exquisite designs, LED lighting, and top-notch performance.
Energy Efficiency
Speaking of performance, you want a ceiling fan that performs efficiently. Though ceiling fans promote energy efficiency, some do perform better than the rest.
Certain factors affect a ceiling fan’s efficiency. Apart from the ENERGY STAR rating, you want a fan that runs on DC motors. Compared to standard fans with AC motors, DC motors generate greater torque.
Furthermore, they only use 70% less energy than AC-powered fans, making them more energy-efficient. Also, you can expect these fans to perform quietly. Also, these fans produce less heat compared to their AC motor-run counterparts.
If you want to place a fan in your porch, patio, or garage, consider investing in a high airflow ceiling fan. This type of fan will circulate more air compared to standard ceiling fans. Also, because they move air at a faster rate, you can use them to keep those mosquitoes and other pests at bay.
Choose the Right Style
Finally, you need to pick a ceiling fan that matches the style of your home. If you live in a vintage or traditional home, ceiling fans with antique designs are your best bet. They come with vintage-inspired looks and provide a warm kind of brightness.
If you have a western interior, rustic ceiling fans should work well. These fans feature soft and muted colors with dark wood finishes and straight lines.
For modern houses, contemporary ceiling fans are what you want. These fans feature clean lines and metallic finishes. Pair these with linen, cotton, wool, or stainless steel hardware.
Check out PalmFanStore.com for more ceiling fan options.
Invest in Other Home Fixtures
Now that you know how to choose a ceiling fan, you can plan your purchase carefully and pick one that best meets your requirements. However, finding the best ceiling fan for your home is only one of the many things you need to invest in.
Learn more about other home fixtures through our other articles. Check out our home improvement topics and take your abode to the next level.
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