Compared to buying a car, shopping for a ceiling fan isn’t a major decision. But choosing and installing one can actually be a complicated process. When buying a ceiling fan, you have to consider many factors, such as your budget, the size of your room and what style suits you. The fan you choose should provide your room with good air flow, but also be pleasing to look at. In this article, we’ll explore some things you should keep in mind before you head out and shop for a ceiling fan.
Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan
Getting a ceiling fan with an attached light may be something you want to consider. Combination fans, which also have light, are becoming more popular because they are an efficient use of space. With these types of fans, you can choose both the style of fan and the type of lighting you prefer. This also gives you the bonus of getting two appliances in one.
Some models offer up lighting, which gives a room a pleasing, romantic quality. Of course, if you are already satisfied with the lighting in the room, and only want a ceiling fan for cooling purposes, then you can choose a simpler model that doesn’t come with lighting. Therefore, choosing a fan can be challenging these days unless you have done your homework well. Below are some key points to take into account when shopping for a ceiling fan.
Key Factors
The most important thing to consider is the motor because ceiling fans are an electrical appliance. The type of motor will dictate how powerful the fan is, its price, and how long it will last. While you can get a cheap model that looks similar to the more expensive ones, you will face some issues if you go with a lower quality ceiling fan.
Cheaper models with lower-quality motors tend to be noisier and interfere with conversations, movie watching, or even your sleep. Don’t buy a fan that is beyond your budget, but don’t buy the cheapest model on the market either because you will only end up having to replace it later, which means you didn’t save money in the long run.
Size of the Ceiling Fan
The most important consideration is the size of the ceiling fan. The fans’ sizes can range from 36 inches to 60 inches. Therefore, you are free to install a very small one if your room is minuscule or a very large one if the room is large. In general, for rooms having a dimension of 10×10 feet, fans of 36-38 inches blade are recommended.
If your room size is medium at around 15×15 feet, then go for fans whose blades are within the size range of 42″- 50″. For more spacious rooms with sizes ranging from 15 to 25 feet, Monte Carlo fans of the size range 52″- 60″ are advisable.
Style
There are different styles of fans in the market. You need to choose one after you carefully measure and analyze the room in which you plan on installing the fan. If you are purchasing them in bulk for the entire house, then it will be wise to select a different style for different rooms. You can also consult an expert or your supplier for quick advice.
You can get many years of comfort out of a good ceiling fan. People who have not tried ceiling fans often don’t realize how effective they can be at making a warm room more comfortable. They are almost always more effective, and certainly more attractive than fans that sit on the floor and get in your way. These tips will help you in your search for the right ceiling fan to help you stay cool in a more economical way.
Light Kits
Modern-day fans from big brands like Fanimation come with light kits installed in them. They provide an added convenience and also increase the décor and look. They will surely add to the cost, but if you need them and can afford them, then you should go for them.
Downrods and Accessories
Depending on the height of your ceiling, you may need a down rod of different lengths. If the ceiling is over 12 feet, then it would be advisable to get a down rod of around 36 inches or so, to make sure that the fan’s blades can reach down and spread the air effectively. For a ceiling height of 10 feet, a down rod of around 18 inches would suffice. In some modern day homes, the ceilings are very low. For such low-roofed houses, a hugger fan can be the right choice.
Performance and Noise
A good quality ceiling fan shouldn’t be too noisy if it has been properly installed. If you hear loud sounds or grinding, there is a problem either with the motor or the way it was installed. Some fans are naturally louder than others, even when in perfect working order. Ridged blades tend to make more noise, so to pick a quieter fan, look for one with smooth blades. Further, you should clean the ceiling fan and especially blades weekly because dust can be a factor of poor air circulation or noise. Some noise is to be expected because any appliance with a fan makes some noise, but it shouldn’t be obnoxiously loud.
How to Operate the Ceiling Fan?
Newer models come with more options than the standard pull chain to turn them on and off. The most convenient option available is a remote control operated ceiling fan. This means you can turn your fan on or off from your couch or bed. In most cases, even if the fan does not come with a remote control option, you can add this feature yourself by buying a remote device that matches the brand and model of your fan.
You may also want to read online reviews for the models of fans that you are considering before buying anything. Even if you aren’t going to buy your fan online, you can still check out reviews left by customers. You can often find out a great deal about a product this way, both good and bad things. For example, you may find out that your top choice can be noisy. Hopefully, you will find a model you like that also has lots of great reviews.
Conclusion
You will want to list all the features you want in your ceiling fan before you decide on a model to buy. This includes the size, style, price and cooling capacity. Ceiling fans are an old-fashioned appliance, especially in today’s computerized age, but they are still very effective at keeping you cool. The considerations we have looked at above should help you to narrow down your search for the perfect ceiling fan.