Size matters – especially in the matter of ceiling fan blades. So, when it comes to ceiling fans, you have to finalize the appropriate blade span for your room or office.
Ceiling fan blade size does matter because the performance of the fan will be affected by it. The selection of blade span is dependent on the size of the room. For instance, a 29 to 36-inch (0.73-0.91 m) size is ideal for rooms 75 square feet. (6.96 sq. m) and below.
The blades measurements for the size of 400 square feet (37.16 sq. m) room is ideal. In this guide, you will know about the appropriate blade size for your room and why it is essential for the sake of your fan’s overall performance.
Why Ceiling Fan Blade Size Matters
The blade span or sweep stands for the width of the fan – from one tip to another.
As we expect, a longer blade allows the better airflow for bigger places whereas a shorter blade, is ideal for smaller rooms. It delivers direct airflow.
If you mount a fan with a smaller blade size in a large place, the fan has to work twice. Even if you keep the fan running throughout the day, the room will not be cool down efficiently. In the end, you will not get the experience of desired airflow. In addition, you will end up paying a heavy bill for that.
Recommended: How much CFM does a ceiling fan need for your space?
How To Measure Ceiling Fan Blade Size
You will not purchase a fan that has the blade size mentioned on the package. You already have one fan, and you are thinking if you can use the same in another room.
If the fan’s measurements fade away from your mind, do not worry. You can measure the blade size by yourself using a measuring tape and a step ladder. (Just switch off the fan before you do it).
If your unit contains an even number of blades, measure the tip of one unit to the other. If your fan has an odd number of blades, measure the tip to the center. To get the diameter of the fan, multiply (the radius) by two.
How To Choose the Right Blade Size for Your Room
In order to get the right blade span, the first thing is to compute the square footage of the room. To obtain the length and width of your room, you need to use tape, after that, multiply. For instance, if you have a room 10 feet (3.04 m) long and 15 feet (4.57 m) wide, then it means the square footage of the room is 150 (13.93 sq. m).
Just remember, if you have a L-shaped room or otherwise oddly structured, break it into pieces and measure it as if you are looking at multiple rectangular rooms. After that, put these measurements together in order to obtain the room’s total square footage.
After finding out the size of your room, all you have to do is have a look at this chart to pick the right blade size:
| Ceiling Fan Blade Span | Room Size |
| 29-36 inches (0.73-0.91 m) | Up to 75 square feet. (6.96 sq. m) |
| 36-42 inches (0.91-1.06 m) | 76-144 square feet. (7.06-13.37 sq. m) |
| 44 inches (1.11 m) | 144-225 square feet. (13.37-20.90 sq. m) |
| 50-54 inches (1.27-1.37 m) | 225-400 square feet. (20.90-37.16 sq. m) |
If your have a room which is bigger than 401 sq. ft. (37.25 sq. m), you have to get additional ceiling fans for the whole space.
For instance, a 700 sq. ft. (65.03 sq. m) room may need two ceiling fans of 52-inch (1.32 m).
Additional Features To Consider in Ceiling Fan Blades
While keeping in view the blade size, other features of blade are also matter:
Pitch
While the span is necessary and the pitch is also essential. The angular measurement between the horizontal plane and the tilt is called pitch.
The pitch of the blade manages the airflow that moves in the room. The unit is called cubic feet per minute or CFM, which I am going to dive in below.
To get optimum results, choose a fan that comes with a pitch of 12 to 15 degrees.
Just remember that higher pitch does not guarantee better performance. Some manufacturers take this action in order to compensate for their smaller motors.
CFM
As discussed, it stands for the airflow provided by the ceiling fan. To measure it, you have to move the fan on the highest speed and divide that number by the used watts.
Usually, the higher the CFM, the more air it generates. A higher CFM also indicates more efficiency.
The best ceiling fan CFM is more than 6,000 (10194.06 m³/h), a number that is available in bigger models. Having said that, a CFM of 4,000 (6796.04 m³/h), which can be found in 44-inch (1.11 m) blade fans, is still categorized as good.
Recommended: How much CFM does a ceiling fan need for your space?
Number of Blades
When dealing with blades, the more the merrier is not always the case.
Whether you pick a two, three, or five-bladed fan, the blades do not matter. The performance of the fan is based on three things: the blade span (as mentioned above) and the pitch.
Blade Type
Due to a lot of options, a lot of consumers want to know what is the best type to select? Most of them would work. Most blades are constructed from particleboard or medium density fiberboard. Some of them are designed with metal in order to save them from tarnishing and scratches.
If you can spend some money, you need to opt for hardwood natural blades. The whole thing depends on the style that is adaptable with your room.
Having said that, if you are looking for a fan for your porch or patio, you need to get wet or damp rated blades. It will help you to prevent them from peeling, warping or bubbling.
Recommended: Do you need an outdoor rated ceiling fan for a covered patio?
Other Main Features to Consider in a Ceiling Fan
Other than the ideal and right sized blades, type or pitch, some other features you need to consider too:
Motor
A good blade cannot function without a good motor. In ceiling fans, motors are different in terms of:
Type
- Sealed and oiled: This does not need almost no maintenance due to the lubrication, this type of motor works very well as compared to others. The life span is also longer.
- Oil bath motor: This requires servicing on frequently basis, including the oiling.
Grade
- Performance: Fans that are large and costly often contain bigger motors that you can use continuously.
- Medium: This will work fine for you if you want to run your unit for at least 12 hours.
- Moderate or Economy: There is no doubt this type is the cheapest, this type of motor is ideal for you if your fan rotates for less than eight hours a day.
Can you replace a ceiling fan motor?
Housing
The housing is the house of the motor.
When it comes to housing, prefer the material. Although if you choose a heavy housing, it will reduce the vibration of your fan. Plus, your fan will remain stabler too.
Other features that play important role in longevity of the fan and its operating:
- Heavy-duty windings
- Precision-engineered bearings
- Shock-absorbent parts
Ceiling Height
Ceiling fan heights are also different like blades. That is why it is another important feature to pay attention while choosing a fan.
In general, ceiling fans should be installed in the middle of the room. There is a minimum of an 8-inch (0.20 m) clearance between the ceiling fan and the blades. if it is not taken care of, the area will not get the required airflow.
You need to use the step ladder once again to know the ceiling height. You can take help of anyone to get the measurement. Hold one side and let your helper note the number on your tape measure.
You need to keep in mind the height of your ceiling and select one of these:
Downrod Ceiling Fan
If the height of your ceiling fan is 9 or more than it, my recommendation is to get a downrod fan.
It is because of the downrods which is a metal stick that joins the mounting hardware to the motor housing.
The downrods not only keep the fan stable but you also get the desired height for airflow that is, 8-9 feet (2.43-2.74 m).
Most times, ceiling fans with downrods have larger blades span. That is why they are ideal for areas like kitchens, family rooms and outdoor patios.
When you need to select the right downrod length, you need to keep in mind these suggestions:
| Ceiling Height in Feet | Downrod Length |
| 10 ft (3.04 m) | 12 inches (0.30 m) |
| 11 ft (3.35 m) | 18 inches (0.45 m) |
| 12 ft (3.65 m) | 24 inches (0.60 m) |
| 13 ft (3.96 m) | 36 inches (0.91 m) |
| 14 ft (4.26 m) | 48 inches (1.21 m) |
| 15 ft (4.57 m) | 60 inches (1.52 m) |
| 16 ft (4.87 m) | 72 inches (1.82 m) |
Low-Profile Ceiling Fans
The installation distance needs to be at least 7’ from the ground. If you use lower, a person with a tall height will hit it.
To avoid these circumstances, the ideal way is to select the appropriate type fan for your low ceilings.
- Flush Mount Ceiling Fan: They are also called ceiling hugger fan, its base is anchored flush to the ceiling. This type is ideal for rooms that has a ceiling height of approximately 7 feet.
- Low Profile Ceiling Fan: This type sits closer to the ceiling. It can be used for rooms that contains a height less than eight feet (2.43 m).
As these types of fans are closer to the ceiling, as a result, they will not provide as much airflow as traditional fans do. Having said that, they are ideal choices for smaller rooms including guest bedrooms and offices.
Recommended: What are hugger ceiling fans?
Angle Mount Ceiling Fan
It is ideal for angled or vaulted ceilings and they are also called sloped mount fan. the best location to mount them in a room with a ceiling angle of 34-56 degrees.
Note: You may install a normal fan for ceilings that has 28 degree angle or less than that.
Ceiling Fan Lights
When it comes to install a ceiling fan with lights, the whole fan needs to be measured. Before you mount the fan, you need to consider the measurements of the lights.
The problem is same as the low ceiling, a tall person can bump into the lights that are hanging too low.
Guide on Installing a Ceiling Fan
After choosing the appropriate size blade, you have to follow these helpful tips for the sake of installation.
Get Rid of Obstacles
You will prefer that your fan move easily, so you will remove anything that might get in the way of the blade to prevent it from moving. it includes getting rid of lights, wires and other fixtures that can impede the blade from running. if you will not do that it will result in damaged blades or lead to electric failure too.
Choose a Strong Spot
The weight of the ceiling fan can be up to 50 pounds (22.67 kg). keeping in view its heavy weight, you need to pick the ideal spot to install it. The ideal location to install it is the ceiling joist.
A 1.5 inch pancake box will be helpful if you use it will support your fan prominently. If the installation cannot be done on a joist, the ideal step is to follow the Energy Star recommendations. Place a hollow two-by-four block on the ceiling is the one. in order to support the ceiling fan in a better way, it holds the metal box.
Recommended: How to find out if an electrical box can support a ceiling fan?
Use the Right Electrical Box
You may have to change your old box if you want to replace the ceiling fixtures. It can be found at the top of the ceiling.
If you need to make a replacement, use a UL box marked as ‘for use with ceiling fans.’
Keep it Balanced
Usually, you will see a ceiling fan balanced, it might start shaking while running. to avoid it, it is ideal to ensure that the connections are secured and aligned. The alignment can be checked by placing a yardstick along the vertical edge. If one of the blade is imbalanced, put it back into place in a gentle way.
If the blades seem to be balanced, the next step is to use the manufacturer’s balancing clips or blade weights. They will give you the exact cause behind the swaying.
Recommended: Can a ceiling fan fall?
Last Words
In short, ceiling fan blade size does matter. The right size will fulfill your needs of airflow in your space. Other than size, it is also important to choose the right blade pitch, type, number and CFM.