Our ceiling fan buyer’s guide will answer all your questions about ceiling fan size, installation, lights, and more. Our ceiling fan buyer’s guide will answer all your questions about ceiling fan size, installation, lights, and more.
Every space requires a different type of ceiling fan, so we’ll guide you through the jargon of blade pitch, hugger, and downrods to help you understand which fan best suits your needs.
Step into the expansive world of ceiling fans, and you’ll discover which fan to buy and how best to use it.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
A ceiling fan’s primary purpose is to keep us cool. It doesn’t cool the air temperature — we feel cooler because the fan moves the air around us, a process called evaporative cooling.
Evaporative cooling works like this: A cold day will feel even colder if there’s a breeze because of the wind chill factor. The same thing happens if we sweat on a hot day and we put the ceiling fan on — the moving air provides a breeze, which acts the same as wind chill, helping to cool us.
What Types of Ceiling Fans Are Available?
In other words, what type of ceiling fan do I need? When you open a ceiling fan specialist website, the first thing to notice is the sheer variety of ceiling fans. There is everything from the ubiquitous white ceiling fan all the way to chandelier ceiling fans and plenty in between. Before considering aesthetics, there are some initial, practical considerations:
Size:
You need a different size fan for small, medium, and large rooms (see below for more on room measurements).
Indoor/outdoor:
Where are you placing your fan? Indoor ceiling fans work in dry conditions. Fans with a UL rating show how well they run in damp or wet conditions (outdoors, on patios, or in bathrooms). They feature sealed and moisture-resistant housing, all-weather blades, and stainless steel hardware.
Lights:
Some fans have traditional lights or LED lights, and some are dimmable. Lights can be bowl-shaped, branched, globe-shaped, or integrated into the fan. Decide if you want a light option, and remember to include the light fitting when measuring the distance from the floor to the ceiling.
Finish and materials:
A subjective choice, options include modern, contemporary, industrial, and Scandanavian. Materials include brushed nickel, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and many more.
Low-profile:
These options are designed for rooms with ceilings lower than nine feet (2.74 m).
Start-up mechanism:
Ceiling fans can activate via wall switches, pull chains, or motion sensors.
You should also consider the energy efficiency, the living space for the fan — dining room, bathroom, patio, etc. — and whether you require a remote control.
Once you’ve looked at these practical elements, consider technical specifications to ensure your fan not only looks great but serves its purpose. Let’s look at mountings first.
What Types of Ceiling Fan Mountings Are There?
A ceiling fan must be at least seven feet (2.13 m) above the floor.
Low-profile fans
, also known as huggers or flush mounts, fit very close to the ceiling and are designed for rooms with ceilings lower than nine feet. These often include lights.
Stem-mounted
ceiling fans, or standard mounts, have a ceiling bracket from which a downrod — a metal pipe — extends down for 3-5 inches to the top of the fan.
Extended mounts
are the same as standard stem-mount fans but with a long downrod. These are for high ceiling heights. Downrods range from 6-120 inches (15-305 cm) in length, depending on ceiling height. Measure your ceiling height and consult with the manufacturer or sales staff to ensure you install the correct downrod size.
Sloped or angled mounts
attach to sloped ceilings while keeping the ceiling fan blades horizontal.
Choosing a suitable mount will mean successful ceiling attachment. The next step is to select the correct blade.
What Type of Blades Are There on Ceiling Fans?
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Blades are probably the most technical part of your ceiling fan purchase. You’ll need to think about how many blades, the blade pitch, and the motor.
Many ceiling fans have four or five blades. The general rule is the more blades on a ceiling fan, the quieter it is, the less air circulates, and the more a motor needs to work to spin it because of the extra blade’s increased drag. Most industrial fans, such as wind turbines, have just two or three blades so that they can move as fast as possible.
The blade pitch, or the angle of the blades, affects a fan’s airflow. Most modern ceiling fans have a blade pitch of 10-15 degrees. The lower the pitch number, the flatter the blade, which means less energy is needed to move the blades, but ceiling fans can wobble if you spin flatter blades at higher speeds.
As the blade pitch increases, so does the drag, and the motor needs to work harder to spin the fan. Flatter blades moving at high speeds move less air than steeper blades at a lower speed. If you turn a high blade pitch ceiling fan (with a 15 degree pitch) at full speed, papers and other objects start moving around.
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Blade size varies, too. With a longer blade, more air will circulate, and the fan will need a more powerful motor to spin the blades.
Motors have varying rotations per minute or RPM. Ideally, select a fan with six separate RPM settings to give maximum speed options, although three speeds should be sufficient. It’s usually better to have a fan constantly working at a slower speed than working in bursts at a faster speed.
A reversible motor allows you to spin the blades clockwise or counterclockwise. In summer, turn your ceiling fan counterclockwise to assist with cooling. If you’re using the heating in the winter, rotate the ceiling fan clockwise to help keep the room warmer.
What Size Ceiling Fan Do I Need?
Most ceiling fan blades measure between 29-54 inches (74-137 cm). Energy Star recommends the following blade size based on room size:
Up to 75 ft² (7 sq m) = 29-36 inch blades (74-91 cm)
76-144 ft² (7-13 sq m) = 36-42 inch blades (91-107 cm)
144-225 ft² (13-21 sq m) = 44 inch blades (112 cm)
225-400 ft² (21-37 sq m) = 50-54 inch blades (127-137 cm)
Remember to measure the distance between the room’s floor and ceiling so you can work out the length of any required downrod.
Huggers — low-profile ceiling fans or flush mounts — can be attached next to the ceiling in rooms with ceilings lower than 9 feet (2.75 m). Use a downrod if you have a higher ceiling; you want your fan’s lowest point to be at least 7 feet from the floor.
Why Does a Ceiling Fan Make Noise?
A correctly-functioning ceiling makes noise because some of the blades’ kinetic (moving) energy turns into sound energy.
It may be time to perform maintenance if your ceiling fan starts to make more unusual or louder noises. Common problems include warped or damaged blades, incorrect hanging, and motor problems. You need to keep your ceiling fan and its blades clean, too. Dust and dirt can affect a fan’s balance, causing it to shake and make noise.
What Does a Fan’s Efficacy Tell You?
New ceiling fans in the United States come with an efficacy or efficiency rating. A fan’s efficacy represents how much airflow you get — measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm) — for the electricity used to power the fan, measured in watts.
The higher the cfm, the more efficient the fan. Generally speaking, the longer the blades, the higher the cfm, and the lower the speed you run the fan, the higher its cfm, too. It’s better to install appropriate, large-bladed fans and run them at lower speeds to conserve energy and keep bills lower.
What Is the Most Effective Ceiling Fan?
The most effective ceiling fan is very subjective because each is designed for varying purposes. Energy-saving ceiling fans are energy-efficient if correctly installed in an appropriate room — you wouldn’t install an outdoor ceiling fan in the living room, for example.
The Spruce has produced a Top 10 list of its best ceiling fans, covering various brands. Energy Star has created a list of the most energy-efficient ceiling fans, too.
How Much Electricity Does a Ceiling Fan Use?
Ceiling fan labels show the watts it uses. The wattage can vary because it depends on what speed you use on the ceiling fan.
If we look at the Monte Carlo Vision 84 fan, its watt consumption varies from 6.9W (low speed) to 30W (high speed), but many ceiling fans need around 50-80W to function. We can work out how much electricity that uses, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Watts × time (hours) / 1,000 = kWh.
The Monte Carlo Vision on a low setting (6.9W) uses 0.0069 kWh while an 80W fan uses 0.08 kWh.
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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Ceiling Fan?
A ceiling fan’s running cost depends on its wattage, speed, and price of electricity.
Let’s use our Monte Carlo Vision 84 fan, running on a low setting (6.9W) 24/7 for a whole week (168 hours).
Using the calculation (Watts × time (hours) / 1,000 = kWh) we have used 1.16 kWh.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States’ average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in December 2020 was 12.80 cents per kWh. So 1.16 kWh x 12.80 cents = 14.85 cents to run the Monte Carlo non-stop on a low setting for a week. An 80W ceiling fan would cost $1.72 in the same situation. The overall cost depends on your energy supplier’s electricity prices.
Is a Ceiling Fan Cheaper to Run Than Air Conditioning?
Heating and cooling homes account for 47% of their energy use. Air conditioning units account for around 6% of all electricity used in the United States.
A small window unit starts at about 500 watts, with central air conditioning units reaching 3,500 watts in terms of power. If we run a 3,000W air conditioning unit non-stop for a week, like we did with the ceiling fan, we use 504 kWh, costing $64.52 at 12.80 cents per kWh.
Ceiling fans use a lot less energy than air conditioning and are a lot cheaper to run. You may be able to save more money by comparing electricity rates, too.
Which Way Should I Rotate My Ceiling Fan?
Most ceiling fans have a reversible motor, so that you can turn the blades clockwise and counterclockwise.
During the summer, rotate your ceiling fan counterclockwise, making the airflow push downwards, creating a cool breeze. In winter, spin the blades clockwise for a gentle updraft to recirculate heat (which rises) back down into the room.
Do Ceiling Fans Run More Efficiently at Lower Speeds?
According to Energy Star figures, ceiling fans run more efficiently at lower speeds. Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm) compared to the amount of electricity used to power the fan. The higher the cfm, the more efficiently the fan is running.
Energy Star shows that lower speeds increase a ceiling fan’s cfm measurement.
Are Bladeless Ceiling Fans Good?
As the name suggests, a bladeless fan is a fan that provides airflow without visible blades and emits air from within a ring-like hollow. This glam new invention, from James Dyson, has added a unique aesthetic to home decor.
Bladeless ceiling fans have very high cfm ratings, making them very efficient. They generally run with low noise levels and little maintenance required. They are, however, generally more expensive than traditional ceiling fans with blades.
Do Ceiling Fans Save You Any Money If You Have Air Conditioning?
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Ceiling fans can work very well in conjunction with cooling air conditioning and heating.
Many people turn the air conditioning to a low setting in warm summers to achieve an optimal temperature indoors. You can set air conditioning to a slightly higher setting, then use ceiling fans to create a cool breeze and make the room feel fresher.
Because ceiling fans use a lot less electricity than air conditioning, this will save you money on your electricity bill. Be sure to rotate the ceiling fan counterclockwise in summer and always turn a ceiling fan off when you leave the room.
If you use heating in the winter, your ceiling fan can again help save money on bills. Spin the ceiling fan clockwise, and it will recirculate warm air that has risen to the ceiling and push it back down into the room.
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Information About Buying a Ceiling Fan
There are still several considerations to keep in mind before making a ceiling fan purchase and choosing between that matte black or brushed silver finish.
You need to be 100% certain of your room size, measurements, and blade requirements if you decide to buy online. Going to a shop will give you a better chance to gauge the size of fans and their final look, and you’ll be able to get the sales staff’s expert opinion.
Installing your ceiling fan is of utmost importance, too. Ceiling fans need to be wired into your junction box — if you’re unsure about it, ask an expert. Some ceiling fans operate by remote control, others by fittings in your light fixtures or on walls. Some smart ceiling fans use WiFi to work in conjunction with your cell phone or operate with an Amazon Alexa or Google Home setup.
If you buy a ceiling fan with a light, you need to consider how many other light bulbs illuminate the room to ensure comfortable lighting.
Best Place to Buy Ceiling Fans?
There are many shops, both physical and online, offering ceiling fans for sale. Some are fan specialists, and others provide a variety of products at low prices.
If you are unsure about what to buy, visit a specialist for professional advice. Buy direct if you’re 100% confident you have the correct and appropriate fan for the room.
There are also many famous brands, from Hunter to Minka Aire and Fanimation, all creating chic and glam options. But, before you choose a brand, consider replacement costs. Some brands’ fittings mean you must buy their light kits with their ceiling fans, whereas other brands’ ceiling fans work with universal light kits.
Four Fun Facts About Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans:
Rotate slower than desk fans.
Do not lower room temperatures — the motor adds a little heat to rooms. We feel cooler because of the breeze they produce.
Were invented in 1882 by German
Philip Diehl
, who adapted the Singer sewing machine motor to create a ceiling-mounted fan.
Are present in
80 million U.S. homes
.
Our Guide To the Best Ceiling Fan
Buying the right ceiling fan for your home is an important and considered choice. It’s not just aesthetics or buying the fan with the longest blades or most potent motor. You also need to install the fan properly and know how to use it correctly to make the most of your purchase. It also provides a useful “take stock” moment to analyze your electricity bill and possibly consider a new energy plan.
Now that you know everything about ceiling fans, you can shop with confidence. Start saving energy while keeping cooler or warmer, using your new ceiling fan
Brought to you by amigoenergy
All images licensed from Adobe Stock.
Featured image:
Linda Gilkerson, PhD
Professor
Erikson Institute
Kerry Cassidy Norton, MPH
Home Visiting Workforce Development Coordinator
Oregon Health Authority
Within the past decade, home visiting programs for infants, young children, and families have greatly expanded. In 2018 alone, 286,108 families and 312,635 children received support through home visiting programs in the United States.1 This level of growth requires a skilled and supported workforce ready to address the complex challenges that families who are served experience. Home visiting is a relationship-based service where professionals work with families to support their health and well-being, and assist them in achieving family goals. Often, home visitors help families experiencing intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. Home visitors may also have a history of adverse child experiences (ACEs). For example, 81 percent of home visitors in Region X reported at least one ACE, and 33 percent reported having experienced four or more.2 Those with this history are at risk of secondary trauma and burnout, which requires systems to have additional capacity building as well as support for home visitors.
There are strategies that home visitors can use to build strong relationships with families and sustain their own well-being while doing the work. To address this need, the Oregon Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program participated in the Region X Innovation Grant, which was funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, along with MIECHV programs in Alaska, Idaho and Washington. This workforce development grant delivered a new home visiting approach to Oregon. This practice, called FAN (Facilitating Attuned Interactions), is a conceptual model and practical tool for relationship building and reflective practice, which can be used regardless of the model of home visiting used and has been demonstrated to reduce burnout and increase reflective capacity in home visitors.3 The theory of change underlying the FAN approach is attunement, defined as engaging with a person so they feel connected and understood which opens the space for change. FAN teaches providers to be as adept at reading adult cues as they are at reading baby cues. Providers learn to observe parents, match interactions to what the parents are most able to use in the moment and respond flexibly to meet them where they are.
To do this, the FAN identifies five processes for attuned communication: Calming, Feeling, Thinking, Doing, and Reflecting, as demonstrated in the graphic below. The model itself can be used in a range of settings across many disciplines, as will be discussed later in this article.
The first process of FAN is “Calming or Mindful Self-Regulation is unique in that it focuses on the provider’s self-awareness. Providers learn to notice, track and regulate their own reactions to stay present for the family. Providers accomplish this by learning to use Mindful Self-Regulation strategies, such as breathing, grounding, or self-talk so they can see more clearly what is needed in the interaction. The four remaining processes include:
Through training and mentoring on the FAN, home visitors learn to identify matches, mismatches, and make repairs in their interactions with parents. A match occurs when the parent and provider are in the same place on the FAN; in other words, the parent is expressing feelings and the provider offers emotional support. The most common mismatch occurs when the parent is in the Feeling process, and the provider has moved too quickly to the Doing process, giving information or advice that the parent cannot take in or use. A repair might look like this: “I think I jumped too fast with my ideas. I’d really like to hear what you feel is happening.”
The FAN ARC of Engagement provides a predictable structure for the provider and parent encounter. The structure has a clearly defined beginning, middle check-in, and end intentionally designed to promote collaboration with the parent throughout the contact. In addition, the ARC includes a pre-visit and post-visit reflection for the provider.
When Region X conducted an evaluation, it became clear that “the FAN’s focus on shifting the role of the home visitor from one of ‘fixer’ to one of empathetic listener was highlighted as the most fundamentally important component of the FAN approach. Home visitors saw this as ‘game-changing’ in their practice.”4 Across disciplines including medicine, FAN trained professionals report being more empathic, more collaborative, and more satisfied in their roles.5,6 Oregon found the FAN to be a tangible way for home visitors to be trauma-informed in family visits. The FAN is implemented in 20 out of Oregon’s 36 counties, including Title V communities focusing on ACEs, trauma, and resiliency, in both community-based and public health department settings. Additional trainings are planned for 2020 to continue to bring these efforts to scale and better meet the needs of all Oregon families.
Although the FAN was originally developed in Chicago Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network in 2010, more than 20 states use this model in a range of settings, including home visiting, primary care, early intervention, mental health and child welfare FAN is also being integrated into two national evidence-based home visiting models, Healthy Families America and Nurse-Family Partnership. It is designated as a promising practice in AMCHP’s Innovation Station. To learn more about FAN training, please contact Tori Graham.