Traditional ceiling fans used to have a standard shape and design, making selection relatively simple. In today’s competitive home improvement market, fans are an important component to household cooling and comfort. Over time, they actually save you money on energy costs. When you are in the market for a new ceiling fan, you should consider several factors to make your purchase perfect for your unique space.
Blade Design
Contemporary ceiling fans offer different blade styles, from tropical fans to basic wood blades. You can select a design that reflects the room’s decor. For example, a casual lounge area could use a wide, fan blade for lazy reading days. A more formal area, in contrast, may need a metal blade configuration for reserved spaces.
From three to five blades, a fan’s pitch or angle in the blades makes a big difference in performance. A pitch of 16 degrees pushes more air around the room than a model with 11 degree blade pitches, for instance. The blades’ surface area is more pronounced against the air mass, pushing breezes throughout the room. For areas with hot summers, you may want to consider a steep pitch for maximum comfort.
Electrical Concerns
If you are simply replacing a ceiling fan, your electrical wiring is already in place. You may need to alter it, however, depending on the new model’s power needs. For brand new ceiling fan installations, it is best to hire a professional. Hard wiring must be routed between a wall outlet, the fan and main electrical panel. If you opt for a pull chain mechanism, the system is slightly easier to install. However, the fan still needs to be hooked into the home’s main electrical supply, making this installation advanced.
If you select a fan with indoor lighting, two different circuits need to supply the fan. For example, you want the fan on while you sleep, but with the light off. The separate circuits give you versatility.
Room Considerations
Measure your room’s width and length before you purchase a ceiling fan. Each model comes with a different blade span. For large rooms, you may want a span of 54 inches. Small bedrooms, however, require 36 inches or less. Your choice of attachment rods needs consideration as well. For the safest operation, the fan should not drop lower than 7 feet above the floor. This space allows for proper head room. Flush-mount and extension rods give you fan versatility for each room and ceiling height.
If you are installing the fan on a sloped ceiling, the blades still need to hang horizontally. Using the slope’s degree of pitch, you can purchase an adapter that keeps the fan hanging correctly from any vaulted ceiling slope.
Quiet Time
When you look at fan displays, turn them on to their highest speed. Listen to the motor. For cheaper brands, the motor is low-quality. You hear loud sounds during operation. However, slightly more expensive brands offer whisper-quiet motors that are perfect for bedrooms. Consider the fan’s location in your home. If the fan is for a noisy living room or recreation room, select a noisier motor for budgeting reasons. Bedrooms need the quieter models for solid rest.
Look for fans with a motor sleeper mode, or deceleration. You can start the system out with a fast speed, but it lowers over a set time. If your area has dropping temperatures at night, this setting is particularly helpful. You won’t wake up cold from a speeding fan.
Selecting the right ceiling fan isn’t all about style and appearance. Look over the specifications for speed, control and electrical requirements. You want an appliance that lasts for many years with reliable convenience.
Spencer Frandsen is a DIY enthusiast with Farrey’s Lighting and Bath.
