Ceiling fans are the most effective of all circulating fans.
The air movement created by ceiling fans in a room is equivalent to a 4º-5ºF decreasing in indoor temperatures.
They produce intense circulation and draft, are particularly quiet, and only need the energy of a 100-watt light bulb to work – whereas an airconditioner can be somewhere between 3,000-6,500W each! Think of the savings in running costs!
Here are some tips for when choosing a ceiling fan:
Size
Larger ceiling fans can move more air than smaller fans, but the size of a fan should reflect the size of the room.
44” – 52″ fans are particularly common, but they are too big in small rooms. They are a good option in medium or medium-large sized rooms (120-200 sq. foot).
For very small rooms (up to 75m2) consider a small fan: a 29-36” fan… Very large rooms may benefit from larger fans: 56″ blade sweep fans or two smaller fans.
Note: the size of a ceiling fan is measured by the diameter of the blade sweep.
Blade fans Size
In rooms with objects that shouldn’t be disturbed by the fan’s breeze, choose a larger blade fan with a lower velocity option: a large blade fan provides, with a lower velocity, the same cooling of a smaller one.
Noise
Before buying the fan, check its noise, if possible. Wooden blades have been found to be quieter and therefore more suitable for bedrooms.
Ceiling Fan Motor
Most ceiling fans have 1) a direct-drive motor or 2) a friction-drive motor. Direct-drive models have fewer separated parts, last longer, and are quieter and more efficient. But they are also more expensive.
Ceiling Fans for bathrooms, patios or front porches
Fans can include features such as all-weather blades, moisture resistant motors or stainless steel and rust-resistant components.
If you want to place a ceiling fan in a humid location like bathrooms, purchase a damp rating fan. If you want to place a fan on a patio, a front porch or any other place where the fan may come into direct contact with water, also look for a wet rating fan.
Speed control and airflow direction
When shopping, prefer a fan with a speed control (the fan speed of modern fans are set with pull-chains, wall control switches, or remote control).
If purchasing controls separately, be sure to buy controls that match up with the number of speeds, maximum amps, etc.
Most ceiling fans also feature the ability to reverse the motor and airflow direction. Reversing airflow can help to push the warm air near the ceiling of high ceiling homes towards the floor, in winter, increasing the comfort.
Fans with lighting
Many ceiling fans come with a light kit, which may be integrated into the package or bought separately.
Modern light kit models involve diverse designs: armed stemmed designs (pointing toward the ceiling fan or toward the floor), bowl and shade lighting designs, and up-light designs (with the light kit sitting on top of the housing and pointing up toward the ceiling).
Price
Ceiling fans are rather inexpensive devices: prices between $200 – $300 for qualified ceiling fans are very common.
Be aware, anyway. A good ceiling fan should operate quietly and reliably, and a more expensive fan will probably offer more trouble-free operation.
Besides, more expensive ceiling fans may include crucial features as direct-drive and variable-speed motor, higher grade, and remote controls, which may be very important…
