Ceiling fans are a basic necessity for billions of people around the globe. Ceiling fans are essential for relaxing the environment when the weather is hot or humid.
The rotating blades of fans generate cool air, which allows for the circulation of air and the evaporation of sweat, gradually cooling the body and surroundings. Simple yet quite impressive!
Operation Of Household Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are perfect for households as they help circulate the air uniformly throughout the room. This is achieved through rotating rotor blades which create a wind-chill effect, in turn accelerating the cooling of a room, where breezes generated by ceiling fans can make the space up to 8°F cooler.
Specialists estimate that a ceiling fan is so efficient in decreasing room temperature that you can actually reduce your thermostat setting by 4 degrees without observing a difference in comfort.
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According to research, a correctly installed ceiling fan could make people feel more comfortable – without air conditioning – in temperatures as high as 86°F.
Moreover, this wind-chill effect can be put to opposite use in cooler climates. Manufacturers have set up several types of ceiling fans with reverse operation modes, allowing the fan to spin clockwise, thereby gently pulling air upward and away from the space.
Classification Of Ceiling Fans
The wide variety of options and ceiling fan types available online can be overwhelming for buyers to navigate and make an informed choice. Terms and technical issues might be biased to steer customers towards a specific brand and could complicate the selection process.
To help guide customers through this process, below is a list of key features to consider before buying a ceiling fan.
Key Features To Consider
1. Motor type
Being the heart of the fan, motor type and rating should be closely studied. The motor should have a wide range of ball bearings and should be selected based on the operation intended for the fan and its ease of maintenance and lubrication.
2. Blades
Most residential fans have four plastic, metal, or wooden blades. Blades should be considered in terms of operation, finish to match the interior and location in the house. For example, metal blades may have sharper edges and with the loud operation.
3. Sound Level
Ceiling fans should also be studied in relation to the sound they produce when running, as loud operation might be irritating in certain spaces like bedrooms or living rooms.
4. Energy star label
Fans with the Energy Star-label typically are typically 20% more efficient than standard ceiling fans. It is always advisable to choose an energy-efficiency certification label, to save on energy costs and be more environmentally friendly.
5. Warranty
Depending on the manufacturer, the warranty period can vary between a few months to a few years. The period and terms of the warranty should be studied well prior to purchase.
6. RPM
RPM refers to rounds (or revolutions) per minute. It highlights the speed at which the fan operates and thus its capacity to cool the spaces. Most fans have at least three-speed settings, measured in RPMs.
7. Custom Settings
Households with elevated tilted ceilings could require further assessment of custom features, such as a sloped ceiling adapter, that make the fan suitable for operation in such spaces.
Importance Of Proper Installation
It’s best to install fans in the rooms where people spend the longest time in, such as living rooms or bedrooms. The house needs to be surveyed for hot spots and particular locations that get warmer than other areas, such as sunrooms or windowed kitchens.
In colder climates, fans can be installed in rooms with high roofs or over stairways to help to balance the air temperatures. Some experts also advise installing the fans close to wooden stoves or gas fireplaces as the rotating blades will force the warm air into the space, efficiently warming it.
More importantly, when installing fans in households, special attention must be given for ceiling heights and room dimensions.
The blades of the fan must be at least 7 feet above the ground, ideally between 8 and 10 feet to help promote the most suitable airflow in the space. Additionally, the blades should be no less than 18 inches from opposite walls or sloping ceilings for safe operation.
An additional feature for most ceiling fans allows for year-round use by operating on two settings:
Summer
Counterclockwise blade rotation allows the ceiling fan to pull cooler air up during the summer.
Winter
A clockwise rotation forces hot air down during winter, enabling it to flow freely and adjust the space temperature.
These features make ceiling fans a versatile solution for any room within the household. Accordingly, it is important to check the UL rating of the fan which specifies the type of environment where the fan operates and it’s suitability for wet or dry settings.
UL Approved for Dry Locations
For fans fitted with lighting, the “Dry Places Only” rating is by far the most prevalent of the UL listings.
A dry rating or more commonly “UL Listed” rating means the luminaire is suited to use in a place that is rarely, if ever, subject to dampness or humidity. As such, they are typically used indoors in non-damp rooms such as kitchens, dining rooms, hallways, offices, conference rooms, and reception areas.
Special permits might be required for using UL dry-location listed fixtures in areas where temporary dampness may occur, such as building construction sites or above bathroom mirrors
UL Approved for Damp Conditions
Luminaires marked “Suitable for Damp Locations” are good options to install in places with high humidity and moisture.
These fixtures can endure very small levels of fluid on the surface, around or within their electronic systems, however, does not cover direct water contact. This rating also includes areas that are partially water-protected.
You can use indoor, damp location-listed lights in washing rooms, bathrooms, utility rooms, cellars, and similar areas. They can also be used outside in protected areas, such as encased patios or porches, since these areas are generally not exposed to direct snow or rain.
UL Listed for Wet Locations
Ceiling fans and lights can also be listed for wet locations, and allow usage in any space, as they permit liquids to be in direct contact with electronics. The liquid could be a slow drip, a strong flow, or any water type between. T
hey are commonly used outdoors for site lighting, wall packs, open-air decks, walkway lights, gazebos, signs, and holiday lights. Indoor applications range from enclosed showers to pool areas and freezers.
Wet location 3 sub-markings
➜ Covered Ceiling Mount Only
These luminaires are only for front-side water contact but not the backside. Proper care must be given during installation to ensure that the fan is not exposed to water exposure beneath the mounting location, such as vehicle washing areas.
➜ Suitable for installation within 1.2 M (4 Feet) of the ground
This sub-marking allows for intermittent splashing and exposure, such as from a lawn sprinkler, however, is not suitable for below ground use, where it may become completely submerged.
➜ Suitable for Recessed Ground-Mounted
Fixtures with this sub-marking can be completely mounted underground, with regular immersion safely.
DOE Types of ceiling fans
The US Department of Energy (DOE) defines a variety of ceiling fan types as part of the “Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Ceiling Fans.
Standard ceiling fan
Any ceiling fan with a diameter greater than 18 inches but less than 7 feet and where the lowest point of the fan’s blades is more than 10 inches below the ceiling.
Large-diameter ceiling fan
Any ceiling fan with a diameter greater than 7 feet falls into the category. Experts refer to them as High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans.
Note
Apart from these two main types of ceiling fans, the DOE describes many other frequently used fan types, many of which fall under the category of small-diameter ceiling fans.
Small-diameter ceiling fan
This category includes ceiling fans with a diameter greater than 18 inches but less than or equal to seven feet, an airflow of at least 1,840 CFM and a rotational speed of more than 90 RPM at its maximum speed.
Any small-diameter ceiling fan
This type of ceiling fan has a blade thickness of less than 3.2 mm at the edge.
Ceiling fan with a small diameter and low speed
Here’s a simple thing to think about—a ceiling fan with a small diameter and a blade thickness greater than or equal to 3.2 mm, where thicker blades lower the rotational speed.
Hugger ceiling fan
This fan is a low-speed small-diameter ceiling fan with the lowest point on the blades less than or equal to 10 inches from the ceiling.
Ceiling fan with a minimal diameter
The blades on this fan type have a span of 18 inches or less, an airflow of at least 1,840 CFM, and a rotational speed of more than 90 RPM at maximum speed.
Fans with light kits
In rooms such as living areas or bedrooms, ceiling fans can be both an air circulator and a light source. Fans with a light kit feature a drop-down base with a lamp securely fixed beneath the fan blades.
These fans could also be fitted with general uplighting for ambience and to provide sufficient distribution of light to meet a wide range of activities. The type, intensity and effect of the light kit depend on the space where the light is installed as well as the purpose and operation of this space.
Fans with Downrod Included
For most fan setups, the ideal position of the fan is around 8′ to 9′ above the floor to allow for maximum airflow. When installing a fan in a room with high ceilings, the download, a limited pole section should be used to decrease the fan’s altitude.
Downloads are available in 6-inch segments that connect to the outer sheath of the fan from one end and to the ceiling bracket from the other. They are strong enough to support the fan’s load against the engine’s force and the blade’s circular dynamism.
Dual motor ceiling fans
Ceiling fans with dual motors operate by connecting two engines with a sturdy horizontal bar. The motors can rotate the blades vertically, at an angle, or even parallel to the floor.
Industrial Versus Commercial Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are classified as either industrial or commercial, depending on the environment where people use them. Typically fans intended for industrial purposes are more durable and powerful, and their motors use gears to power the airfoils that circulate the air.
Agriculture fans
A specific type of fans targeting agricultural applications such as horse barns, dairy or hog farms or poultry houses. Ventilation in these facilities is a critical factor to maintain the health of the animals and the people caring for them.
Summary Of Ceiling Fan Types
Larger diameter fans can typically circulate more air than smaller diameter ones. The rotational speed of the fan is limited by the diameter of the blades which increases to prevent excessive noise during operation, particularly near the blade tip.
Furthermore, where fans are mounted at blade heights less than 10 ft, as is the case with almost all standard fans, the rotational speed must be limited to meet safety criteria UL 507 regarding the maximum speed of the blade tips.
Ceiling Fans Blade
Fan blades are essential for the operation and performance of the fan.
Fans range from mini fans with a blade span of 18 inches to huge ceiling fans with blade spans of 68-inches and even up to 99-inches. Choosing the correct ceiling fan size will maximize the fan’s efficiency, make it more fitting within the space and serve its operation as intended.
Energy Efficiency is Key!
Ceiling fans assist in cooling a room by moving air, causing evaporative cooling.
Fans range from 36 to 56 inches and use 55 to 100 watts, with a typical 48-inch ceiling fan using 75 watts. Given their power consumption and periods of use, energy efficiency is essential to study to maintain proper performance, while minimizing energy use.
AC vs. DC Ceiling Fans
Direct current fans, also known as DC fans, are usually battery operated and use a constant flow or voltage that is the same as that of the battery. Voltage levels for DC fans are typically 5V, 12V, 24V and 48V.
On the other hand, alternating current fans, or AC fans operate by varying the voltage of equivalent positively and negatively charged charges.
The shifting voltage has a frequency response form. A typical range of sinusoidal waveforms may vary in size and frequency worldwide, such as: (100VAC, 120VAC, 200VAC, 220VAC, 230VAC, 240VAC, with 50Hz or 60Hz).
Conclusion
Choosing a ceiling fan for the household requires careful study and assessment of your space in relation to the features of the fan, to reach an informed decision on a fan.
The details and features highlighted in this article can greatly help in guiding customers through this decision process, to get the most suitable type for every application.
A ceiling fan with light is a versatile and practical addition to any home, providing both cooling and illumination in one convenient fixture. Discover the best ceiling fan with light and find the perfect style to complement your decor.
Best Ceiling Fans in Australia Summary
- The Bahama Smart DC Ceiling Fan
- Milano Slider Junior
- Noosa by Eglo Lighting
- The Razor by Martec ceilign fan with light
- The Vantage by Martec
- The Urban 2 Ceiling Fan By Fanco Australia
- 52” Aspire Ceiling Fan
- The Spitfire V2 Ceiling Fan With LED Light
- Three Sixty Trinity DC Ceiling Fan
- Ashton Ceiling Fan With Light
- Harmony II Ceiling Fan with Led Light
- Skyfan DC 60” with Dimmable ceiling fan with Light
Since their invention in the late 1800s, ceiling fans have evolved from basic palm leaves and cloth hand-held fans, and from water-powered to electrical operated, running on mechanical rotor energy, and having wooden, metal and polycarbonate blades.
Upon making their debut in homes around the 1920s, fans quickly became household essentials, drawing cool air into heated spaces. Although in the following years, air conditioning systems (ACs) became more prevalent with cooling powers, ceiling fans for homes are still widely prevalent.
Save Money-Save Time: Get rid of buying a ceiling fan and having to look for an electrician to install it. With a ceiling fan supply and installation package, we do the complete work for you so you can have a new ceiling fan up and running in no time. Read More
12 Best Ceiling Fans With Light To Buy In Australia
1. The Bahama Smart DC Ceiling Fan by Brilliant Lighting
This specially designed ceiling fan has ABS moulded blades, amazing finishes and offers the option to be fitted with a lighting feature, depending on your specific preference. Its most recent model has been improved to now include Bluetooth compatibility, which means you can easily download the easy-to-use smart app on your mobile phone and control the fan from anywhere in your home.
In short, it is a brilliant ceiling fan backed with a 3-year “in-home” warranty and a 6-year “motor” warranty, which is the reason this fan has been Australia’s best selling fan for over 3 years.
2. Milano Slider Junior
This handcrafted work of art was aerodynamically designed for super silence.
Its high-quality timber blades were created for maximum air displacement with an airflow speed of 15,000 mᶟ/hr. This model of Milano fans is complete with a “3-speed” wall control and light switch and is a perfect combination of style, class and pure genius.
With a noise level of 33db and a low speed of 50RPM, this fan was designed to offer optimum comfort in the bedroom or other spaces requiring stylish and quiet operation.
3. Noosa by Eglo Lighting
Despite its high price, this ceiling fan is by far one of the most popular ceiling fans with light in Australia, as it offers excellent value due to its great quality.
Saying this fan “hit the ground running” since its release is a bit of an understatement. The factories could not make this fan quick enough to keep up with the high demand.
The fan offers a real point of difference with the style and variety of sizes and finishes available suiting any application you have in mind.
4. The Razor by Martec ceilign fan with light
This is yet another ceiling fan that is fitted with lights – oyster lights to be precise.
It has a simple yet sophisticated plywood blade, and a 28W LED panel providing 2000 lumens, which can be adjusted to 3 different colour temperatures to suit your needs.
This fan has proven its high performance ever since it became available on the market a few years ago. Backed by a 3-year “In-Home” warranty, this fan is a must if you want a simple design with a strong light output for your home.
5. The Vantage by Martec
This extremely popular ceiling fan also has a light fitted within, and is perfect for the dining room, living area and bedrooms.
This ceiling fan is equipped with an energy-efficient colour-changing light that can be adjusted using a remote control.
Its slim profile and modern design allows the light to have a wide-angle output which is often favourable for bedroom use.
The vantage not only ticks all the right boxes with its slender blades and wonderful finishes, it oozes high end and great quality.
6. The Urban 2 Ceiling Fan By Fanco Australia
The Urban is a very popular ceiling fan for bedrooms and living rooms as it delivers a high output airflow on high speed and a gentle air movement at low speed.
The Urban 2 DC fan has a modern design and is superbly energy efficient. The DC motor ensures running costs are kept low, as the fan consumes only 2.3W on low speed and 30W at the highest speed.
The Urban can also be purchased with an LED light, which offers cutting edge ‘CCT’ technology, meaning you can change the colour temperature. The light is also dimmable with the brightest setting offering 1800 lumens. This combination of features makes the Urban a great choice.
7. 52” Aspire Ceiling Fan
This silent ceiling fan has polymer (ABS) blades, silicone steel AC motors, 18w LED light kit option and a Mi- smart remote control system for light dimming and timer functions for surplus convenience. It is aerodynamically designed to minimize sound caused by air turbulence during its operation.
Standard bedrooms in Australia are between 10-16 square meters, the 52” Aspire, which is (132cm) is a great match for the bedroom space.
8. The Spitfire V2 Ceiling Fan With LED Light
The Spitfire offers a clean aesthetic make-up for an unassuming cooling solution, with its high-quality steel motor and quality polymer blades, which are very durable, in spite of their light weight.
It is perfect for indoor installations as its LED light emits a 3000k warm white colour temperature and has a brightness of 1500 Lumens to help illuminate the space, all while consuming only 17W of energy.
The AC motors are coupled with the sleek contemporarily designed 60” (152) blade span, and offer a nice range of high to low speeds — both achieving high airflow and gentle rotations respectively. It is an elegant ceiling fan you will not regret purchasing.
9. Three Sixty Trinity DC Ceiling Fan with Light
The three-sixty trinity is a great looking fan with three lightweight Koa polymer (plastic) blades, elegantly curved with 8 selectable speeds, in addition to a ‘natural wind’ mode.
It is powered by an energy-efficient DC motor and integrated into its oil rubbed bronze body is a dimmable CCT LED light that offers a range of lighting options such as warm, cool and daylight.
Its shorter statured 48” blade span is capable of producing an airflow of 11,280 mᶟ/hr at an energy consumption rate of 34 Watts. Overall, this fan is an excellent choice for the bedroom and smaller spaces.
10. Ashton Ceiling Fan With Light and Wall Control
The Ashton is a top-notch ceiling fan produced by ventair.
It is a 52” (132cm) three-bladed fan with a robust ball bearing motor. It is equipped with 3 selectable speeds with remote control included and an 18 watt warm white 3000k LED Light.
Its moulded ABS plastic blades operate smoothly by an efficient 60w motor.This fan is perfectly suited for indoor spaces and is mostly used in the bedrooms or living areas.
11. Harmony II Ceiling Fan with Led Light and Wall Control
The Harmony is a premium fan produced by ventair and has four ABS plastic blades as well as an integrated LED light.
This high airflow fan is incredibly energy efficient, with an 18w energy consumption rate, 4000k natural LED light, and air movement reaching 10,560mᶟ/hr.
The pre-balanced 75 Watt motor provides you with quieter and smoother airflow.
It can be used during summer and wintertime due to its 48”(122cm) titanium-coloured, reversible blades, having quality bearings for a long-running life and three-speed wall control.
This fan is designed to provide superior performance and to last long.
12. Skyfan DC 60” with Dimmable ceiling fan with Light
This ceiling fan offers a modern and elegant design with intelligent, energy-saving DC technology of up to 70%.
It comes with an LCD remote control unit consisting of six-speed options for operating the three glass fibre-composite blades that add strength and durability to the fan.
Its blades are reversible, meaning it can be used during summer and winter weather for heating and cooling your space and can be fitted indoors as well as outdoors.
Its high airflow capacity makes it perfect for living rooms and its extreme silence coupled with its in-built anti-vibration system make it also a great choice for bedrooms. This is a fan built for all the home spaces and beyond.
Why Use Ceiling Fans With Light
➜ They Tend To Be Healthier
Air conditioners (AC) have stronger cooling powers than ceiling fans, and their everyday application predicted the phasing out of the household ceiling fan, as they are more suitable for space cooling, however, this wasn’t the case.
The power, capacity and operation of air conditioners meant they were more aggressive in their cooling capacities, with trapped air and atmospheric particulates in the space, becoming a reason for heightened allergies, sore throats, and increased cases of the common cold.
Ceiling fans, on the other hand, never resulted in such effects, and maintained a more comfortable operation of the space.
➜ Air Circulation
Ceiling fans do not create cold air but actually circulate the air in a room. Air conditioning chills the air whereas ceiling fans push it around, and for that reason, they can be used for both heating and cooling purposes.
➜ Saves Energy And Money
A ceiling fan with lights consumes far less energy than any air conditioner, and a ceiling fan running at high speeds consumes even less energy than a 100W light bulb. Moreover, due to their low energy consumption, ceiling fans are also economical and their operation contributes very little to the electricity bill.
Fans are also good for the environment as they consume less energy and create less greenhouse gas emissions on one hand, and their operation does not release any harmful gases, as does the operation of air conditioners. Using a ceiling fan with lights will definitely reduce your carbon footprint.
➜ Stylish
When selecting a ceiling fan, you can choose from a wide variety to have a stylish centerpiece in any room, and the fans are also available with lights – to give a multi-functional fixture that accentuates the aesthetics of the home or office space, and keeps it cool while saving money on the electricity bills.
➜ They Fit In Most Rooms
When choosing a new or a replacement ceiling fan, you should take into consideration the design and layout of the room, the ceiling height and the width of the room.
Fans are available in different variations and designs including modern, classic, chic unique, matte black, polished pewter, gloss, antique bronze, oil-rubbed bronze, satin and so many more, and they can be made to fit into any room design or size, while meeting a range of budgets.
Here are some recommended mounting options that will work best for your space.
- 75sq ft Rooms = 29-39 inches
- 76-144sq ft Rooms = 36-42 inches
- 144-225sq ft Rooms = 44-52 inches
- 225-400sq ft Rooms = 52-60 inches
Table highlighting some of the key differences between ceiling fans with lights and ceiling fans without lights:
Feature | Ceiling Fans with Lights | Ceiling Fans without Lights |
---|---|---|
Lighting | Includes integrated lighting fixture | Does not include integrated lighting fixture |
Aesthetics | Can enhance the appearance of a room and provide additional lighting | Tends to be more simple and straightforward in design |
Energy Consumption | Uses more energy due to lighting component | Uses less energy as it does not have lighting component |
Price | Generally more expensive due to added lighting feature | Generally less expensive due to lack of lighting feature |
Installation | Requires additional wiring and electrical work for lighting component | Easier to install as it does not require additional electrical work |
Versatility | May not be compatible with certain types of light bulbs or dimmer switches | More versatile as it can be used with a wide variety of light bulbs and dimmer switches |
Based on this brief description and details of ceiling fans, the next section will highlight the 12 top rated ceiling fans with lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to have ceiling fan with light?
Yes, it can be good to have a ceiling fan with a light, depending on your needs and preferences. However, it’s important to note that a ceiling fan with a light may not be the best choice for every situation.
For example, if you already have sufficient lighting in a room, you may not need a ceiling fan with a light. Additionally, some people may prefer to have separate fan and light fixtures to have more control over the individual functions. Ultimately, the decision of whether a ceiling fan with a light is right for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Are 3 or 4 blade ceiling fans better?
The number of blades on a ceiling fan is primarily an aesthetic choice, and does not necessarily affect the fan’s performance. Three and four blade ceiling fans are both popular options, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Do ceiling fans with light waste a lot of electricity?
The amount of electricity a ceiling fan with light uses depends on several factors, including the fan’s size, motor, and lighting features. However, modern ceiling fans with light fixtures are designed to be energy-efficient and can use less electricity than running separate ceiling fans and light fixtures.
What is the most efficient fan shape?
The efficiency of a fan is determined by several factors, including the blade shape, size, and pitch, as well as the motor and other design features. There is no one “most efficient” fan shape, as the optimal design depends on the specific application and the airflow requirements.
Which ceiling fan is best in Australia?
12 best ceiling fans in Australia are:
➜The Bahama Smart DC Ceiling Fan
➜Milano Slider Junior
➜Noosa by Eglo Lighting
➜The Razor by Martec ceilign fan with light
➜The Vantage by Martec
➜The Urban 2 Ceiling Fan By Fanco Australia
➜52” Aspire Ceiling Fan
➜The Spitfire V2 Ceiling Fan With LED Light
➜Three Sixty Trinity DC Ceiling Fan
➜Ashton Ceiling Fan With Light
➜Harmony II Ceiling Fan with Led Light
➜Skyfan DC 60” with Dimmable ceiling fan with Light
CEILING FAN SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION
Get rid of buying a ceiling fan and having to look for an electrician to install it. We do the complete work for you so you can have a new ceiling fan up and running in no time.
Fighting the summer heat is everyone’s top priority, driving people to invest in excellent cooling systems to keep the temperatures balanced on a hot afternoon. But before you make your purchase, you need to consider a few things that will influence your decision.
This article lists the 7 features you should look out for when looking for ceiling fans.
Things To Know About Ceiling Fan
1. Your budget influences the quality of fans you buy
The market is packed with manufacturers supplying a wide variety of ceiling fans. Both established and new companies fight for consumer attention and market share. Consequently, you can find a vast array of these ceiling fans available online as well as in physical stores.
For most consumers, the allocated budget is a key factor in their decision of the fan to buy. Some of the features that influence the price of a ceiling fan include the size, automated features, built-in bulb holders, design, and adaptability to withstand harsh conditions.
It is worthy to note that established brands may charge even more for their products because they conceptualize high-quality and long-lasting fans. If you only have a limited budget, you should prepare to sacrifice some of the features and to keep your selection simple.
If your focus, on the other hand, is on automated features and a multitude of specifications and design styles, then you have to raise your budget to accommodate accordingly.
The budget allocated can also vary if you’re buying a ceiling fan for one room, or for the entire house, and whether you want to maintain the same standards and specs all throughout the house or not.
2. They are available in different styles and colours to match home décor
As with other home additions, fans are available in a variety of styles and shades. Styles can satisfy the desires of minimalists who prefer plain, simple items, all the way to fashion-focused experts who like décor pieces to grab the attention of onlookers.
Manufacturers use a variety of colours, designs and materials to construct the fans and meet the different consumer tastes. Wood, aluminium, stainless steel, glass, plastic, nylon, and nylon-filled glass blades are some of the available materials used.
Some people prefer energy-saving fans, so they go for shorter fans with minimal blades.
Others are more focused on functionality and operation, so they choose fans with long blades. If you like to satisfy your cooling and lighting requirements in one item, you can get a fan with built-in light fixtures.
These items relieve consumers from coordinating their ceilings and attempting to relocate the ceiling lights to install a fan. These options are available in a variety of styles to suit your taste and blend with your home décor.
3. You can get them in varying sizes to suit your preferences
Different individuals have different requirements and reasons to choose between a wide range of fans.
If, for instance, the house is not well ventilated, it will require additional units to help circulate cool air, and ultimately you have to select a fan that can do multiple functions.
In this case, the fan blades have to be large enough to circulate cold air, which is essential in the cooling process when it is hot. Additionally, the fan should be capable of flushing out the air in the space, to replace it with fresh air from outside. This is also a requirement that only large blades can handle.
The size of the room is also a key factor in determining the length of the blades and the size of the fan.
Rooms with multiple users and frequent activity such as living rooms, kitchens and patios typically require fans with larger blades, as they need to cover large surface areas and also to operate at a higher capacity to compensate for multiple users.
Generally, fans with blades in the range of 10”-14” would work perfectly in such places. On the other hand, private rooms, toilets, bedrooms and study rooms have reduced requirements as the room sizes are smaller and these spaces are often used by one or a maximum of two people.
Therefore, you could choose a fan with a smaller size, a shorter blade range and more importantly that operates on minimal noise.
4. The bigger the fan, the more energy it consumes
The size of the fan, its shape and the length of the blades all affect the energy consumption of the item. Long, heavy ceiling fans are bound to use a lot of energy, specifically if they’re equipped with metallic, glass, and nylon-filled glass blades.
Blades that are longer than 10 inches also drive the energy consumption a little higher. For example, if you install a metallic ceiling fan, most of the fan parts will be made out of metal, which is quite a heavy material.
For the fan to operate at a specific speed, it requires a strong motor that can spin the heavy fan load and sustain prolonged, high speed operation. Such motors ultimately consume high amounts of electricity. Some fans use only one centralized motor, whereas other types can use up to three motors for one fan.
Each additional motor can increase your electricity consumption by three times. Your weather and living conditions will also affect your energy consumption.
If you live in an arid to semi-arid area, you will have to keep the fans all throughout the day during seasons of extreme heat.
As such, before purchasing a fan, you have to consider the type, operation time and size. Make sure your fan is properly sized to your space, and carefully assess the expected operation and energy consumption, to avoid surprises on your bills.
5. Some fans are fitted with ceiling lights.
A major deciding factor in the purchase and installation of ceiling fans is the coordination and interference with ceiling lights. If the lights are installed in the top and central area of the ceiling, you will need to shift their locations before fixing the ceiling fan.
This shift will require significant work, especially if the lights are recessed in the ceiling, and would need a professional electrician to move the lights and handle the wiring.
If you haven’t allocated a budget for such a renovation, or simply do not want to change your existing ceiling layout, you can always choose a ceiling fan with built-in lighting fixtures.
The good part is that you do not have to look for different bulb holders. You can easily find on the market fans that can accommodate any bulb, whether it’s a bayonet, Edison screw, or the push and pin cap.
It is recommended to hire a specialized installer to match the existing scenario with the fan details and to choose correctly. Professional input can help you plan and manage your finances better, to be able to equally allocate your spending budget to the requirements of your space and ceiling.
6. They are built to withstand different weather conditions
Summer is a hot season that is characterized by extreme dry spells, as humidity levels in the environment drop significantly at the onset of the season. When selecting a ceiling fan, it is important to determine the weather patterns and where the fan will be installed.
The fan requirements for a unit installed on the patio is very different from the requirements for indoor installation. This is because the humidity level outside is not the same as that inside the house.
You should also note that due to rising temperatures, you might need the fan for your outdoor spaces not only during summer but also during periods of spring and fall. This will necessitate a longer operating time for the fans and more prolonged exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
Fans manufactured for the outdoors should be manufactured from stainless steel or other durable material that will not deteriorate due to constant exposure to wind and humidity. As such, wooden fans would not be a suitable outdoor option as they would wear out quickly and collect mould during the humid seasons.
7. You can get remote-controlled fans.
With improved technology, you can find remote-controlled fans on the market that eliminate the inconvenience of walking back and forth to the switch to turn the fan on and off, or to adjust the speed settings.
Nowadays, you can find multiple fans with built-in automation systems, with a variety of control features to meet your requirements.
Ceiling fans are items that generally do not get outdated. While newer and more efficient home cooling systems are taking over, some people may not be able to afford them, while others enjoy the old-school style that ceiling fans create.
Ensure that you consider the following key features when looking for fans:
- The energy consumption. You do not want to pay a very high electricity bill from your fan operation. Fewer motors and shorter blades guarantee low energy consumption and low electricity bills.
- Built-in features. Are you going to get those with bulb holders, or do you have an entire budget for new lighting fixtures? Check with your dealer or installer for specific details before you sign the contract.
- Fan warranty. The warranty guarantees the product if the fan malfunctions within the first year or first three years after purchase. You should be doubtful of fans with no warranties, as they may stop working after a few months, and might have poor parts that could malfunction and even cause electric shocks or fire hazards.