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Is the summer heat driving you crazy? If you're having a hard time keeping cool in your home, maybe it's time to update your ceiling fans. Our experts can help you pick the perfect one, but we want you to go into your selection process with all the right information. While it may seem like a simple device that pushes air, there are a lot of details, mechanics, and features included in picking the right fan for your home. We’re breaking down each of these elements so you can approach the fan-buying process like a pro.
Size
Like many design elements, there isn’t necessarily a set in stone guide for the proper sized fan. There is only the size that works in your specific design, and with your style. That being said, there are some guidelines you can start with as a foundation that work in a majority of spaces.
9'x9' or Smaller Room > 40'-48' Fan
10'x10' - 16'x16' Room > 50'-58' Fan
17'x17' - 20'x20' Room > 60'-72' Fan
It’s important to note that the length of the blade isn’t the only factor that determines how much air is pushed—we’ll cover more of that below. What you mainly want to look for with the size of your fan is what will fit in your room and with your style.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Lori Manning with Tundra Homes
Speed Control
Some fans come with a simple on and off switch, but most people prefer some speed options. The number of speeds your fan offers will depend on the motor. An AC motor typically has 1, 3, or 4 speeds, while a DC motor can have 6, or as many as 31 speeds. The difference is that AC motors use direct power to the fan, while DC motors convert and control the power being used. Either a pull chain, remote, or wall control typically changes the speed of the fan. If you have high ceilings, or a pull chain might be difficult to get to without climbing on the furniture, look for a fan with a remote control option for easier speed and light control.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Melissa Hummel, The Great Cover Up
Airflow
In a showroom, fans are often placed close together and you may not be able to turn it on and test it out. So how do you know how much air your fan pushes without feeling it? The answer lies in the CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute. Simply put, the higher this number, the more air your fan moves. This number can be determined by the power of the motor, the pitch of the blade, and other design features. In the past, the pitch of the blade, or the angle of the blade, was how people measured the airflow, but now with so many unique fan designs, pitch isn't always an accurate indication. The CFM will tell you exactly how powerful and breezy your fan is because it measures the air being moved, not just the design of the fan.
Shopping Tip: Ask your salesperson what speed setting the CFM represents. Current specs show the CFM at the highest speed on the fan, but people rarely turn their fan on full blast. Many companies are switching to show the CFM of the middle speed setting, so you have a more accurate idea of the air movement for the most common speed.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Melissa Hummel, The Great Cover Up
Efficiency
Whether you’re concerned about your carbon footprint or your electricity bill, the efficiency of your fan may be on your list of required features. Just like CFM, the higher the number, the better. The measurement used for efficiency is Cubic Feet Per Minute Per Watt, meaning how much air is moved per watt of electricity consumed. You could have a very powerful fan, but that doesn’t mean it’s efficient. Or, you could have a very efficient fan that isn’t so powerful. Try to find a balance between the airflow and the energy consumption for the best feel and cost of your fan.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Design Consultant Faith Ashley
Remote Options
As mentioned above, your fan can be controlled by pull chain, remote, or wall control. Each fan is different, so consult with your salesperson or check the spec sheets to see what your options are. Some newer fans may even come with an option to control from your phone through Bluetooth. By installing a simple app on your phone, you’ll always have your remote with you and can change speeds without even getting up.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Design Consultant Faith Ashley
Rod Length
The placement of your fan consists not only of where it is located on the ceiling, but also how far down it hangs. Based on the height of your ceiling, you’ll need to know what length of rod you need for your fan. If you’re working with one of our amazing sales reps, they’ll know the answer for you. But if you’re going at it on your own or simply like to know, the ideal placement is about 7-9 feet from the floor to the fan blades. Here's what that means for your downrod:
Less Than 8' Ceiling > Flush Mount
8' Ceiling > 3' Downrod
9' Ceiling > 6' Downrod
10' Ceiling > 12' Downrod
11' Ceiling > 18' Downrod
12' Ceiling > 24' Downrod
13' Ceiling > 36' Downrod
14' Ceiling > 48' Downrod
If you have a sloped or vaulted ceiling, your fan may also need additional features to ensure it hangs safely straight. Consult your lighting expert to ensure your fan is selected and installed properly.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Lori Manning Designs
Sound
Fans have motors and moving parts, meaning they have a tendency to make a bit of noise. We’re all familiar with the low buzz of a moving fan, which some find comforting and others don’t. Most fans have blades that are attached to the motor, and the whole thing spins. Other fans have blades that are attached to a rubber flywheel which spin with the center of the motor, rather than the whole thing. While most fans can be quiet, a rubber flywheel can make your fan silent. So if you like the buzz, or your fan is in a high traffic area where you won't notice the sound, a rubber flywheel isn’t necessary. But if you love your peace and quiet, it may be a feature you add to your “required” list.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Cliffside Industries with Design Consultant Faith Ashley
Staying Warm
Most people know you can turn on your fan to cool off, but don’t know it the opposite can be true as well. In the winter, we turn on our heat, but heat rises up to the ceiling, so we find ourselves cold despite turning the temperature up. If your fan has a reverse function, you can spin the blades in the opposite direction, allowing it to grab warm air from the ceiling and push it back down, keeping you warm. Not all fans have a reverse function, so always read through the features of your fan before purchasing. Additionally, some can reverse with the remote or wall control, while others have a switch on the body of the fan. If your fan hangs in a high place, that switch will be harder to get to, so ask how to reverse your fan to make sure it works best for your space and functional needs.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Willis Custom Homes with Janet Alholm
Light
Depending on your space, your fan may or may not need a light attached to it. We most often see this in bedroom settings, where there may not be as many lamps or recessed lighting as a space like a great room. Some fans will come with a light built in, while others have the option for a light kit or a cap. There may also be options for different glass and other style customizations. For added efficiency to your fan, use LED bulbs, which reduce energy consumption and have evolved to have the same look and feel as your traditional incandescents.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Lori Manning Designs with Tundra Homes
Style
Finally, with all the features you want or need in your fan, you also want something that looks great and fits with the style of your home. Fans come in all shapes, sizes, and colors now, with new styles still emerging. From farmhouse to industrial, contemporary to transitional, there’s no reason you can’t find the perfect fan (or fans) for your home.
Photo by Wilson Lighting - Jeff R Keil
We hope this blog helps you feel more confident during the fan selection process. There’s a lot to know about these seemingly simple pieces of equipment, but the features make all the difference in your home experience. When you're ready to buy your next fan, be sure to stop in to your local Wilson Lighting Showroom to see our enormous in-stock selection of ceiling fans.
