Ceiling fans can, literally, top off any room in your home and complement any décor. As home styles change and technology advances, so do the look and function of ceiling fans. From offering a cooling breeze in the summertime to keeping us enveloped in warm air during cooler months, ceiling fans have become a must-have element in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, dens, dining rooms – and even porches, covered patios, and sunrooms.
But not every ceiling fan is right for every room. You will want to consider the following factors when selecting a fan:
- Size of fan
- Light attachment
- Number of blades
- Installation requirements
- Ceiling height and angle
- Electric switch versus remote control
- Color, style, finish
- Size of fan: The square footage of the room where the fan will hang determines the proper size fan to install. An appropriately sized fan ensures the best use of the fan for the space. Experts recommend the following ceiling fan sizes based on room size:
Room Size in Square Feet:
Small: up to 75 with a ceiling fan diameter of 29–36 inches
Small/Medium: 76–144 with a ceiling fan diameter of 36–44 inches
Medium: 144–225 with a ceiling fan diameter of 44–54 inches
Large: 224–400 with a ceiling fan diameter of 50–72 inches
For proper air circulation and energy efficiency, rooms over 400 square feet should have more than one ceiling fan.
- Light attachment: Some ceiling fans come with lights; others do not. Those that do, can have a single dome light or multiple candelabra-type lights. If the room already has sufficient light sources, you may not want to install a fan with a light fixture included, as it will probably get very little use.
- Number of blades: Most interior ceiling fans come with 3 to 5 blades, but it is the angle of the blades – not the number – that determines how well air is moved when the fan is functioning. Blades usually reverse to give a different look by presenting a different color or finish, so keep this in mind when buying a fan or changing the décor in a particular room. The direction in which the blades move is also important. In the hot months, the blades should move in one direction to maximize airflow. In the cold months, the direction of the blades should be reversed so that they work to keep warm air down from the ceiling and in the actual living space.
- Installation requirements: Most fans today come preassembled from the manufacturer. Doit-yourselfers (and even electricians) will want to make sure to follow installation instructions to the letter, as these steps all but guarantee a proper, balanced, installation and safe use of the fan. It is never a good idea to cut corners, so having the right fan brace and electrical equipment will ultimately give you peace of mind – and keep clicking and humming sounds away.
- Ceiling height and angle: The height of the ceiling will tell you the size down rod needed for having the fan hang at the optimum height, which is typically 7 feet from the floor. If the ceiling in a room is angled (sloped) at greater than 29–32 degrees, you might need an angled ceiling adapter for proper installation. Most fans can be hung with the standard bracket that comes included with the fan.
- Electric switch versus remote control: Many fans can be installed so that they turn on from a wall switch, a remote control (if included), or both. An electrical contractor can install the controls to function however you like.
- Color, style, finish: Today’s ceiling fans come in countless styles and finishes and range from classic and traditional in style to sleek and contemporary. When selecting a finish, a good choice is always one that matches or complements the rest of the décor in the room. If you need a longer down rod than the one included with the fan, make sure the finish of the down rod is the same.
Ceiling fans deliver in more ways than one. Functionally, they help keep ambient room temperature comfortable year-round. From a form (design) perspective, ceiling fans can be just the finishing touch a room needs to complete the look.
DC Complete Building Company, Inc. is a full-service construction and remodeling company that can handle all of your ceiling fan needs. We are available to answer all your questions about ceiling fans and how to install them. Call today at 810-407-1771 to request your free initial consultation.