Comments
How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan
Ask these questions before choosing a ceiling fan for your home.
Vinita Kunnath
12 April 2018
A Houzz India contributor, freelance writer, lover of the internet, travel, funny blogs and all things off-beat, with an eye for good taste and aesthetics. Home, not clothes, maketh a man.....or woman.
A Houzz India contributor, freelance writer, lover of the internet, travel, funny... More
Most of us don’t think twice before heading off to the shops and buying the first ceiling fan that pleases the eye. At least for me, buying a ceiling fan for the home is a minor detail as compared to say, picking the right lights or choosing the exact colour for the drapes. As it turns out, as if the myriad choices now available aren’t enough to confuse us (growing up, the standard three-blade white fan was a fixture in every home), there is actually a science behind choosing the right ceiling fan. Read these questions and answers, and the next time you need to buy a ceiling fan, you will get your money’s worth.
1. What size ceiling fan should I buy?
The size of the room would determine how big your ceiling fan should be. Fan size is measured by its diameter (blade span), which should be proportional to the space. A fan that’s too small for a room might not stir up enough air and one that’s too big could create a mini hurricane of sorts.
A general rule is that for a room with an area of up to 75 square feet, the fan size should be a maximum of 36 inches, 42 inches for rooms up to 100 square feet, 52 inches for rooms up to 225 square feet.
Tip: Keep in mind that if the room is very large, you might want to consider using two fans instead of one. Ensure a clearance of 18-24 inches of space on all sides.
Pro Tip: The smaller the fan, the more forceful the airflow you feel below; the bigger the fan, the more it will feel like a gentle breeze.
The size of the room would determine how big your ceiling fan should be. Fan size is measured by its diameter (blade span), which should be proportional to the space. A fan that’s too small for a room might not stir up enough air and one that’s too big could create a mini hurricane of sorts.
A general rule is that for a room with an area of up to 75 square feet, the fan size should be a maximum of 36 inches, 42 inches for rooms up to 100 square feet, 52 inches for rooms up to 225 square feet.
Tip: Keep in mind that if the room is very large, you might want to consider using two fans instead of one. Ensure a clearance of 18-24 inches of space on all sides.
Pro Tip: The smaller the fan, the more forceful the airflow you feel below; the bigger the fan, the more it will feel like a gentle breeze.
2. How high up should I hang my ceiling fan?
A fan needs to be suspended 8-9 feet off the ground for optimum air circulation. Do consider the size of the room before deciding on the type of fan – either a hugger fan or a fan with a downrod. Hugger fans, true to their name, hug the ceiling and are meant for low ceilings. Ideal for rooms with ceilings at least 8 feet high, they are mounted flush to the ceiling with no extra attachments. A space of 12 inches is the minimum required between ceiling and fan.
A fan needs to be suspended 8-9 feet off the ground for optimum air circulation. Do consider the size of the room before deciding on the type of fan – either a hugger fan or a fan with a downrod. Hugger fans, true to their name, hug the ceiling and are meant for low ceilings. Ideal for rooms with ceilings at least 8 feet high, they are mounted flush to the ceiling with no extra attachments. A space of 12 inches is the minimum required between ceiling and fan.
You will need fans with downrods (the part that suspends the fan from the canopy) for high-ceilinged rooms. Downrods range from 3-72 inches in length. The more the space between the blades and ceiling, the better the air circulation.
Tip: Choosing the right height is important. Remember, the job of a ceiling fan is not to cool but to create a pleasant breeze. So, if it’s positioned too high, you won’t feel the airflow.
Tip: Choosing the right height is important. Remember, the job of a ceiling fan is not to cool but to create a pleasant breeze. So, if it’s positioned too high, you won’t feel the airflow.
3. What’s with the different number of blades fans have?
More is not merrier in this case. The number of blades a fan has is more an element of design than functionality. There is little difference between the performance of a three-, four- or five-bladed fan, so choose one based on preference and style.
More is not merrier in this case. The number of blades a fan has is more an element of design than functionality. There is little difference between the performance of a three-, four- or five-bladed fan, so choose one based on preference and style.
Personally, I think the classic three-blade fans are still the best in terms of looks and utility. Nowadays, there are several different finishes to choose from, and you get reversible blades too.
Tip: Remember, the number of blades does not affect performance, but it does affect cost. The more the blades, the higher the cost.
Tip: Remember, the number of blades does not affect performance, but it does affect cost. The more the blades, the higher the cost.
4. Does blade material make a difference?
Blades can be metal (stainless steel or aluminium), wood (timber, plywood or MDF) or PVC or plastic. There’s no difference in performance, so feel free to choose one that complements your sense of style, but ensure it’s of good quality. A high-quality finish will resist corrosion, blistering and fading. A good metal finish will not need polishing for several years and good-quality plastic finishes will stay thick and durable for many years.
Blades can be metal (stainless steel or aluminium), wood (timber, plywood or MDF) or PVC or plastic. There’s no difference in performance, so feel free to choose one that complements your sense of style, but ensure it’s of good quality. A high-quality finish will resist corrosion, blistering and fading. A good metal finish will not need polishing for several years and good-quality plastic finishes will stay thick and durable for many years.
5. How important is the motor?
The motor is the key component and the one that propels the fan, so yes, it’s an important factor to consider. Low-quality motors might provide reduced air circulation over time, produce heat and operate noisily.
The newest addition to the ceiling fan industry, DC motors are powerful yet energy-saving. They are up to 70 per cent more efficient than the regular motors. In addition, they are virtually soundless and their small size results in lighter fans.
Tip: To identify the energy savers, go by the fan’s star ratings. Needless to say, the higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient it is.
The motor is the key component and the one that propels the fan, so yes, it’s an important factor to consider. Low-quality motors might provide reduced air circulation over time, produce heat and operate noisily.
The newest addition to the ceiling fan industry, DC motors are powerful yet energy-saving. They are up to 70 per cent more efficient than the regular motors. In addition, they are virtually soundless and their small size results in lighter fans.
Tip: To identify the energy savers, go by the fan’s star ratings. Needless to say, the higher the star rating, the more energy-efficient it is.
6. Can I install a ceiling fan on a sloped ceiling?
Yes, you absolutely can. Apart from hugger fans, most fan canopies (the part that attaches to the ceiling) can be fixed on a slope of up to 30 degrees. If the slope is more than 30 degrees, an angled mounting kit will be required. In either case, use an additional downrod if required, to ensure enough blade clearance from the ceiling.
Yes, you absolutely can. Apart from hugger fans, most fan canopies (the part that attaches to the ceiling) can be fixed on a slope of up to 30 degrees. If the slope is more than 30 degrees, an angled mounting kit will be required. In either case, use an additional downrod if required, to ensure enough blade clearance from the ceiling.
7. Can fans also light the room?
Many modern styles of fans come with built-in lights or offer a compatible solution. Fans with lights are a great option for overhead ambient illumination, albeit ones that may need to be supplemented with other light fixtures.
Many modern styles of fans come with built-in lights or offer a compatible solution. Fans with lights are a great option for overhead ambient illumination, albeit ones that may need to be supplemented with other light fixtures.
Having a ceiling fan with a light gives you a reasonable amount of ambient light in a room. Many light kits come with dimmers, so adjusting the light intensity is convenient.
Tip: Use LED bulbs for maximum energy saving and long life, especially on fans installed on high ceilings – you won’t have to get up on a ladder to change your bulb for a long, long time.
Read the reasons to say yes to LED lights
Tip: Use LED bulbs for maximum energy saving and long life, especially on fans installed on high ceilings – you won’t have to get up on a ladder to change your bulb for a long, long time.
Read the reasons to say yes to LED lights
8. Can I put them outside?
In tropical climates such as ours, we need fans as much outside in patios and verandahs as inside. For the outdoors, choose fans that are damp- or wet-location approved. When installed outside, their use is two-fold: they serve as much to cool as to keep insects away. If they are positioned right above an outdoor dining setting, for example, they allow you to dig into the mango dessert with single-minded focus, that might otherwise be diverted to keeping pesky flies at bay.
Tip: Outdoor ceiling fans can be used inside but not vice-versa. They come with protective coverings to prevent corrosion from moisture, which the indoor ones do not possess.
In tropical climates such as ours, we need fans as much outside in patios and verandahs as inside. For the outdoors, choose fans that are damp- or wet-location approved. When installed outside, their use is two-fold: they serve as much to cool as to keep insects away. If they are positioned right above an outdoor dining setting, for example, they allow you to dig into the mango dessert with single-minded focus, that might otherwise be diverted to keeping pesky flies at bay.
Tip: Outdoor ceiling fans can be used inside but not vice-versa. They come with protective coverings to prevent corrosion from moisture, which the indoor ones do not possess.
9. What kind of fan do I need for the bathroom?
The same as the ones you use for the outdoors in the covered patio; that is, they should be listed for damp locations. Bathroom ceiling fans start at 29-inch blade spans, since smaller spaces require less air circulation.
Read more:
False Ceiling Designs for the Bedroom
9 Ways to Say NO to the AC and Reduce Electricity Costs
Tell us:
Do you have other tips to share with us? We would love to hear from you in the Comments section below.
The same as the ones you use for the outdoors in the covered patio; that is, they should be listed for damp locations. Bathroom ceiling fans start at 29-inch blade spans, since smaller spaces require less air circulation.
Read more:
False Ceiling Designs for the Bedroom
9 Ways to Say NO to the AC and Reduce Electricity Costs
Tell us:
Do you have other tips to share with us? We would love to hear from you in the Comments section below.
Related Stories
Decorating Ideas
35 Serene Puja Room Designs
Take a leaf out of these elegantly designed, beautiful prayer rooms on Houzz
Full Story
Decorating Guides
Turn One Room Into Two With These Genius Ideas
Carve out an extra room within your home with these fab room-splitting tips and tricks
Full Story
Small Spaces
7 Stylish Ways to Dry Your Laundry In a Small Apartment
Has your drying rack become a perpetual eyesore in your home? These dapper laundry drying solutions have you covered
Full Story
Decorating Guides
7 Types of Glass That Allow in Light & Privacy
These glass products and treatments will increase privacy without losing natural light
Full Story
Most Popular
Which False Ceiling Material is Better: Gypsum or POP?
Here is all you need to know about the difference between gypsum and POP before you commit to a ceiling
Full Story
More Room Guides
No Space for a Walk-In Wardrobe? Think Again
By Laura Wheat
Think again with these tips for maxing your clothing capacity and adding a dressing room feel
Full Story
Dining Rooms
12 Breakfast Nooks Cool Enough for a Dinner Party
By Susan Redman
Forget eating side-by-side at a breakfast bar or supping at a long dinner table – the cosy kitchen nook is a far more hip way to dine
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
Indoor Plants You Just Can't Kill
These greens can up your decor game and refresh the indoor air but do not demand much in return
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
10 Must-Have Elements in an Inspiring Home Gym
Make your workout zone a space that inspires you to get your sweat on
Full Story
Decorating Guides
False Ceiling: Yes or No?
If you are in two minds about installing a false ceiling, this should help you make up your mind
Full Story