Choosing a ceiling fan isn't just about choosing colors and designs. There are several key factors that you should consider in order to get the most efficiency and satisfaction from your purchase.
Steps
Step 1. Decide where you want to install the fan
Usually, they are installed in the middle of the room so that the air flow is evenly distributed throughout the room. To ensure optimal airflow in a large room, it is likely that two fans will be needed. Do not install the fan above the bed to avoid additional risks.
Step 2. Consider the following factors
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Room size
- 76.2 cm (30 ") fan suitable for rooms up to 2.5m x 3m (8ft x 10ft) (small bedrooms, walk-in closets, small kitchens)
- 106.68 cm (42 ") fan suitable for rooms up to 3.6m x 3.6m (12ft x 12ft) (medium sized bedrooms, kitchens, small seating areas)
- 132.08 cm (52 ") fan suitable for rooms up to 5.5m x 6m (18ft x 20ft) (large bedrooms, family rooms, large rooms, dining rooms)
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Ceiling height
- Low ceiling: fixing without an extension bar.
- Standard ceiling 2.4 m (8 ft): Standard pole mount.
- Ceilings 2.75 m (9 ft) and higher or sloped ceiling: extended boom
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You will need to check the distance from the floor to the fan blades. Make sure to take into account the distance from the ceiling to the fan.
- For safety, the minimum recommended distance to the blades from the floor should be 2, 1 - 2, 75 m (7 - 9 ft). If your fan is hanging lower then look for low ceiling mounts. This may also be required by building codes in your area.
- For optimal air circulation, it is best to keep your fan blades to the floor 2.43 to 2.75 m (8 to 9 ft). If you have a higher ceiling, see the chart for recommended boom lengths.
Step 3. Think about electricity
Fans usually consume the same amount of energy as lights, so your electrical network should not be overloaded.
- If your fan comes with a recessed light, make sure the wiring can handle the load from the fan and the lights together. If not, then you will need to run new cables from your main shield to the fan.
- If there was no lamp or some kind of ceiling fixture at the installation site before, then you will have to make a mount for the fan. In case the wiring in your home is not properly laid, some fans have a wire to plug them into an outlet, but wire routing to the ceiling mount is preferable.
- The easiest way to install a ceiling mount and run wires is when building your home, even if you plan to install a fan later.
- An electrician is always the best solution.
Step 4. Choose a quality fan
With a cheap one, there are more problems. Besides the fact that it will wobble, a low-quality fan will blow less than a good one at the same speed.
- The speed helps to control the amount of air carried by the fan. But the blade angle and design also play a role. High-quality fans have powerful motors that make the blade tilt angle larger. While weak motors of cheap fans cannot cope with the air resistance that occurs at large angles of inclination of the blades, manufacturers are forced to reduce the angle so that the motor does not burn out.
- Plus, cheap fans make a buzzing noise. Remember, a quality fan is not always unreasonably expensive. And for a relatively affordable price, you can buy a decent fan.
Advice
- Install a fan without a boom only if the ceiling height does not allow for a boom and the blades are at least 2.1m (7ft) above the floor. Without a boom, the fan blades will be very close to the ceiling and, when mounted in this way, the fan will move less air than a boom at any speed.
- Check with an electrician to be sure the ceiling can support the additional weight.
- Decide if you want the fan to stand out or not stand out from the ceiling.
- Consider wireless control or wall-mount fan control if you are installing to a high ceiling.
- Look for the Energy Star logo, which indicates that this model moves air 20% more efficiently than others.
- Fans should rotate clockwise in winter (to move warm air away from the ceiling) and counterclockwise in summer (to create a cool breeze).
- Choose a fan that is designed for humid or damp conditions if you intend to install it in a bathroom, kitchen, or open space.
- Buy a fan with a light if you want to add light to the room. Try to find bulbs for fans, because standard bulbs can, due to vibration, burn out more often than usual.
- A ceiling fan will not remove moisture from the air.
- Try to install the fan so that its blades are not between the light source and the room.
- When installing the fan outdoors, make sure all parts are waterproof and rated for outdoor use.