Americans spend 47% of their electricity on cooling and heating. Sadly, we also waste 35% of it on so-called “vampire” devices.
A ceiling fan, unlike furnaces and air conditioners, is not a vampire home appliance. Ceiling fans also make the air temperature feel 3°-5°F cooler.
Before you start searching “ceiling fans near me” for a new ceiling fan, you’ll need to know how to buy the best ceiling fan for your home. Don’t only buy a ceiling fan replacement based on what you had before.
Keep reading to see how to buy the right fan for the right space.
Ceiling Fan Height and Mounting Type
The height of the ceiling fan is one of the most important parts of installing a fan. Flush-mounted models are flashy and attractive but intended for low ceilings. You want to measure your ceiling height to the correct length before moving on.
The ideal height for the ceiling fan is eight feet from floor to blades. If you have a light kit, you’ll need to increase the height by about 12 inches or one foot.
A fan can trap air and less will move if it’s too close to the ceiling. Downrod mounts are better than flush mounts to prevent that issue in taller ceilings.
For cathedral ceilings, vaulted ceilings, and other very high ceilings this could mean you need a longer rod. You’ll need to check compatible downrod sizes ahead of buying your fan if that’s the case. Also, not all fans can be mounted at an angle, which means you might need a special mounting kit for sloped ceilings.
Ceiling Fan Size
The main purpose of ceiling fans is to move air. Bigger, longer blades do that more efficiently, but a fan that’s oversized for your space will look silly and won’t work well.
Measure the longest wall in the room you’re considering installing your ceiling fan.
If it’s less than 12 feet, try blades that are 46 inches or shorter. If you have a wall between 12 to 18 feet, you can try fan blades 48 to 56 inches. If it’s longer than 18 feet, you’ll likely need more than 56 inches, or consider two fans.
You’ll want to keep the blades at least 18 inches from any wall all the way around.
Indoor or Outdoor: That Is the Question
Ceiling fans are rated for indoor-only use, outdoor use, or universal. Outdoor fans are ruggedized to handle moisture without causing a short or corroding.
Make sure to check the wet or damp ratings to see where its recommended installation location should be before you buy it.
Bathrooms also need the UL’s recommended wet/damp rating because it is a moist and humid environment. If it receives a “wet” rating it means that direct rain, snow, and moisture are okay, as in an open gazebo or porch.
Your Ceiling Fan Buyer’s Guide
Did you learn something about replacing your ceiling fan?
Preventing fires and shorts should be the greatest priority, by checking the wet/damp rating. Next, unless you don’t mind ducking, you’ll need to check the height of your room and buy a ceiling fan accordingly. Of course, you don’t want a fan that’s too small or too big.
Want more home improvement tips? Don’t forget to keep browsing our articles for all you need to know!
