Summer is in full swing at the moment, and with the change of season comes the insane heat that can really ruin your day. Installing a new ceiling fan in your home is a great way to combat the heat, improve airflow/circulation, and ultimately help to cool down your home. Selecting one can present a challenge, but whether you need something small for your bedroom or are looking for a larger fan, there is undoubtedly a style to suit your needs. And did we mention there are indoor and outdoor models? Here are a few things to look out for and consider when installing a new ceiling fan in your home:
Blade Sweep And Room Size
Two factors that really matter when it comes to installing a new ceiling fan are understanding how the size of the room and the diameter of the fan blades’ sweep work together in both appearance and functionality. Room size correlates directly to the size of the ceiling fan. Smaller rooms (less than 75 square feet) will need smaller fans (usually 29″ – 36″ in diameter), while larger rooms require something much bigger. Always measure the room and consult a size chart to make sure you have the right fan for the right room.
Number Of Blades
When it comes to ceiling fans, the number of blades matters quite a bit. You can have anywhere from two to five blades. Do not think a five bladed fan will perform better than a two bladed fan just by virtue of how many blades of hats. In this case, the size and power of the motor is what drives how well the air circulates. For large spaces seeking energy-efficient air circulation, High Volume Low Speed Fans are an exceptional choice, offering a unique blend of large diameter blades and slower rotational speeds to efficiently move a significant volume of air while ensuring quiet and comfortable environments. Short blades increase airflow, large blades circulate more air in a larger space, and small blades can circulate air fast when powered by a decent motor. Fan blade construction matters as well. You may have fan blades that are constructed with particle board — which preforms well, but can have some issues — or more high-quality blades made with real hardwood. Designs are always optional and can add some personality to the overall look of the fan blades.
Ceiling Fan Style
While there are ceiling fan miles from which to choose, the most common are traditional, rustic, and modern ceiling fans. The difference between the three may not seem obvious at first. However, there is a difference. Rustics ceiling fans, for example, are more wooden in appearance and evokes a certain country-style aesthetic. The colors and designs are intended to complement hardwood floors or similar construction within the home’s interior. Traditional fans are the ones you normally find in the average house. These are the unremarkable, mostly functional ceiling fan stylists. Finally, there is the modern ceiling fan — a sleek, modern, minimalistic design intended to match just about any modern decor. The fan housings themselves can come in a variety of metal finishes including nickel and bronze. The blades can come in several different and unique wood finishes. Black, silver, in other neutral colors, help these ceiling fans match just about any room. The best modern ceiling fans also can be adapted to any room size. Everything from flush mount modern ceiling fans to high ceiling fans that featured down rants are available in this style.
Special Features
Special features are one of the coolest things you can add to a ceiling fan. When you are researching ceiling fans for a potential installation, you will need to decide on what kind of special features you want. Think about the room and space in which you’ll be installing the fan. Does it need more lighting? Are you going to be adjusting the speed often? Is it a higher ceiling that will require remote control or a down rod? Answering these questions can help determine what sort of special features to get for your ceiling fan. There is a ton of great stuff available there, too. Most special features fall into the categories of lighting or controlling the fan.
Here is a quick look:
Lights – lighting comes in a variety of flavors for most ceiling fans. There are lights that shine up towards the ceiling from more indirect light, light that shines down right on the room, and many other kinds of light that are available with various ceiling fan starts. You also have the option of standard lighting and LED lighting, the latter of which is one of the most energy-efficient ways to light a room. Alternatively, you can just skip the lighting — especially if your room is already fairly well lit by wall lights or other light fixtures — and have just the fan in your room.
Remote Control – comes to controlling your ceiling fan, nothing beats the power of the old standby infrared remote control. The remote control is not just convenient, it is almost necessary in today’s on-the-go world. Most ceiling fans that feature remote controls also come with a special holder for the remote, so you can Velcro it to a wall/desk/ special area where you will not forget it. And, the remote usually runs on just a couple of batteries, so it is easy to maintain. It beats the alternative of a wall switch for a pull chain in that you do not have to actually get up to change the airflow or turn on/off the lights. Not to say there is anything wrong with the wall switch; those are just as awesome as a remote control depending on your specific needs.
Smart/Wireless Control – for those of us who are beyond the need for remote controls or simply want to adapt to the latest technology there are other Smart Technology wireless control styles available for certain fans. Some companies have proprietary technology because users can control the fan’s settings and speed from a smartphone app. If you are interested in this feature, look for companies that have it built into their fans or you may be able to find a kit that allows you to install it yourself.
Energy Efficiency Rating
While ceiling fans do not actively cool a room — they actually generate a wind chill that displaces hot air giving the feeling of a cool the room — they are a great way to prevent using a tiny amount of energy/electricity during hot summer days. You may want to consider looking at a fans energy efficiency rating beginning and energy Star fan to improve and optimize your energy usage. Ceiling fan has to meet certain criteria to be certified by energy star. These include LED lighting that distributes efficiently and lasts longer, in addition to possessing components that allow for ease of use, full control, and accessibility. These fans tend to last longer and perform better over time.
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