What Are the Different Types of Ceiling Fans?

Ceiling fans are famous for circulating air in your space and they are the most affordable and effective way to get a cooling experience. The fan serves you throughout the year, in summer they keep you cool and in winter they keep you warm by throwing the hot air to your ceiling. But the question may be in your mind that what are the types of ceiling fans, and what can you use them for?

There are 12 types of ceiling fans including standard, outdoor, low-profile, dual, remote-control, damp-rated, wet-rated, commercial, industrial, Energy Star certified, agricultural, and reversible motor ceiling fans. They are designed with unique specifications and can be installed for different purposes and that make them unique.

You need to read this guide to learn more about the types of ceiling fans and their applications. The article will also help you on how to pick your next ceiling fan for your home or patio.

Contents

12 Types of Ceiling Fans: Features & Benefits

#1. Standard Ceiling Fans

Let’s get started with our list with something common and well-known. A standard ceiling fan is the most common ceiling fan that you can go for.

The fan is not equipped with any unique features but it serves the people well at cheap. They are available in multiple finishes including wood, silver, bronze, bronze, and so on. And it can come with three or more than three blades and a lighting fixture.

This type can be turned on from a pull chain or a wall switch. If you prefer pull chains to get old-school vibes or it is convenient for you to use them instead of remote, a standard ceiling fan is for you.

For instance, the Honeywell Ocean Breeze Ceiling Fan is a ceiling fan that has no-frills with a beautiful espresso bronze finish. You can turn it on with the help of a pull chain and features two 4.5 W dimmable LED bulbs.

A standard ceiling fan is suitable for indoors only because they are not water-resistant. Also, they are designed with blades for an area that doesn’t get any airflow otherwise.

If you have a baby, it will be good news for you that a ceiling fan can reduce the chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) that is happening up to 70%. So, if you get a simple standard ceiling fan, it will be enough for you.

#2. Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Outdoor ceiling fans are almost same as the indoor ceiling fans, but there are a few important differences.

The main difference between an outdoor and indoor ceiling fan is the size and they are not available with a lighting fixture. Usually, outdoor fans are larger in size and they have to generate more airflow to show their appearance. Their blades are also more durable. You can mount an outdoor fan on the ceiling of your porch or patio. It is an ideal option for the times when you want to have a cup of iced coffee in the middle of a hot day in summer.

In addition, they also lack a light kit, but this is not always the same. Most people already contain a light bulb installed on their porch so it will not be essential. The light also attracts the insects including mosquitoes, so my recommendation is to get an outdoor ceiling fan without light kits. An outdoor ceiling fan also increases the overall beauty of your place.

Here is one ceiling fan known as Honeywell Palm Island Ceiling fan that can be used indoor as well as outdoor. It does not feature a lighting fixture but it is damp-rated and you can use a pull chain to switch it on.

If you already have an outdoor unit, you can also use it indoor as it can serve the indoor ceiling fan purpose without any problem.

#3. Low-Profile Ceiling Fans

If you have a low ceiling, low-profile ceiling fans are the ideal choice. They also have a great look. Also, they will be also ideal to generate warm air down to you because they are near the ceiling where the hot air is present.

Recommended: What is a hugger fan?

Low profile ceiling fans use special mounting brackets rather than a down-rod, you need to remember this point if you are changing your existing fan. Apart from the fact that they are closer to the ceiling, they are also very hard to install as compared to standard ceiling fans. They are designed specifically for indoor use which is why they require extra headroom for them.

If you are looking for a ceiling fan for low ceilings, I highly suggest this beautiful Hunter Fan Hunter Dempsey Ceiling Fan. The fan has 4 blades with an LED lighting fixture, a remote is also included and available in a few finishes to add style to your room.

#4. Dual Ceiling Fans

Are regular ceiling fans not good for you? How about a ceiling fan with two motors and a light kit?

They are breathtaking and recommended for indoor use. Dual ceiling fans offer twice airflow as compared to a regular ceiling fan, so you do not have to install two separate fans. Just go for a twin-motor fan instead of using two.

In this case, my recommendation is Reiga Dual Ceiling Fan because it features plywood blades that can be swapped to update the style. The design may be the old-school but the lights are modern containing LED and a handheld remote.

#5. Remote-Control Ceiling Fans

Remote control ceiling fans are similar to other fans, but there is an addition of comfort in them that is, you can adjust the speed from your bed. Many ceiling fans are coming with the remote control on the market and they add convenience, and you do not have to get up in order to switch on the fan. You can also dim the lights from the remote as well.

The only drawback of using this type of fan is that if you lose the remote or it breaks, you will not be able to turn on the fan. For this, you will have to purchase a new remote or get a whole new fan. in addition, remotes may contain additional built-in features including different profiles or timing switch etc. You will be able to fine-tune the speed which feature is not supported by the older ceiling fans.

#6. Damp-Rated Ceiling Fans

You can opt for damp-rated ceiling fans if your house is in a hot and humid environment. They can be recommended for outdoors where strong breeze can come with raindrops on the fan. The material of the blades does not absorb water and the motor is fantastically sealed to avoid water. If you are looking for a ceiling fan for your outdoor retreat, a wet or damp-rated ceiling fan is recommended for it. Damp rated fans are available at affordable price tag.

A damp-rated example is Prominence Home Auletta Outdoor ceiling fan which is a great fan and also affordable. It contains 4 blades with a frosted LED light kit and features pull chains to control it and offer a contemporary style.

#7. Wet-Rated Ceiling Fans

If your ceiling fan is exposed, I highly suggest you choose a wet-rated rather than a damp-rated fan. Wet-rated fans are different in terms of testing, they have to go through more testing to obtain the certificate.

If the blades get rain on them, the ceiling fan will still function without any issues. The motor of the fan is also resistant to rain, but you should not put them under water when you want to wash the fan. humidity is not an issue for a wet-rated ceiling fan. This type of fan can work in a rainforest as well.

The Emerson Kathy Ireland Outdoor Ceiling Fan is my recommendation and it is one of the most affordable wet-rated ceiling fans available in the market. It is compatible with a light kit and you can add it if you want and it is a great addition for a pergola.

#8. Commercial Ceiling Fans

Commercial ceiling fans can be found in stores, shopping malls, offices, and pretty much everywhere. These units are much larger as compared to an average indoor fan due to the spread of its airflow in a large area. Commercial ceiling fans can save a lot of cost of energy during the hot summer months because they make the A/C more efficient.

And during the cold days, they circulate the hot air that gathers on the ceiling fan to provide cozy experience. For this purpose, you need to get a commercial ceiling fan from a good manufacturer, and the price tag almost cross thousands. Even if the price is in thousands, it is worth it as it cuts down on cooling and heating.

#9. Industrial Ceiling Fans

Industrial ceiling fans are not designed for the average homeowners similar to their commercial procedure. They are even more costly as compared to commercial fans.

The cost addition is due to its production at industry standards and can fight the extreme conditions.

But they cannot replace the thousands of factory workers that transport boxes with a forklift and assemble cars throughout the day. They generate refreshing and gentle air.

If the facility has toxic fumes or unpleasant gases, a few industrial ceiling fan can deal with it by ventilating it.

#10. Energy Star Certified Ceiling Fans

Energy Star is related to energy efficiency. Ceiling fans that have the Energy Star Certification are ideal as they reduce the power usage.

Here are a few advantages that make Energy Star certified fans unique:

They are more efficient over 60% more efficient than non-certified fans
Contemporary and the design of blades and motors are efficient
Made to fulfill the US Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria of quality, performance, and efficiency

So, there are very low chances to choose a fan that isn’t Energy Star certified. And you will be confident that you’re getting a high-quality product when you see the certification.

If you want to get a high-end ceiling fan to decorate your living room, here is my recommendation of Monte Carlo Maverick II Ceiling Fan. the cost is justified due to its beauty and one of the most efficient ceiling fans in the market to purchase.

#11. Agricultural Ceiling Fans

If you want to come up with one thing that is common among the living things that is the love for comfort. Agricultural ceiling fans serve both animals as well as the plants immensely.

A happy cow produces more milk, so the farmer tries his best to maintain happiness at a high level. The scorching days of summer can be dealt with by the fans. in addition, the fans can also remove the foul stench from manure and decrease the humidity levels.

Here is a study about the use of agricultural ceiling fans in poultry houses that shows when you place the fan correctly, can impact the stress levels of the animals massively.

There is no doubt in saying that fans consume less energy for heating and cooling. The temperature and humidity control also help the farmers to grow crop yields.

Agricultural ceiling fans are same as the industrial fans due to their functionality in humid areas along with good breeze. The higher quality is also based on the price too, but the price is worth it in the end.

#12. Reversible Motor Ceiling Fans

A reversible ceiling fan has a spinnable motor that can spin on both directions. It is a simple feature but most fans do not have this feature.

When the fan begins the rotation in the other direction, it will be an updraft mode. The air gets pulled toward the fan, that is the summer position because it gets rid of the hot air.

But in the winter season, you want the opposite. Here a ceiling fan with a reversible motor comes in handy.

I highly recommend that you should go for a reversible function ceiling fan if you can afford it. The reason is it is so energy-efficient and in the long run, you will save a lot of cost.

If you want to get a sleek and modern reversible ceiling fan, my recommendation is the Reiga Bright White Ceiling Fan for you. This unit contains a durable, high-quality DC motor, a handheld remote control along with a built-in timer, an modern LED lights also feature warm white light, full white and cool white.

Conclusion

The whole market is replete with different ceiling fans. Some of them can provide multiple features in one package.

You can find a low-profile, Energy Star-certified, remote-control, reversible motor ceiling fan, but it will cost you more than a fair price.

If you are looking for a ceiling fan for your home, the first thing is to determine whether it is an outdoor or indoor fan. after that, you need to decide if you need a remote or a reversible motor. If you want to buy an outdoor fan, I highly recommend using a wet-rated or damp rated unit. Whatever your selection is, it will be refreshing.