When temperatures heat up, one of the best ways to cool things down is with a ceiling fan. Statistics show that 75% of all homes in the United States have ceiling fans. Research also shows that one of the best ways to add value to your home is to have at least one room with a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans add style and comfort to any room. The best ceiling fan circulates air while also complementing the room’s décor. More than an interior design addition, when added strategically throughout the home, ceiling fans can help you reduce energy usage and lower electric bills. So whether you are updating a room, replacing a worn out fan, or completely building a new home, keep reading to discover options for any room in your home. There are plenty of possibilities for every room space and budget.
Location Makes All the Difference
If you know the benefits of a ceiling fan but have not thought about where you want to hang it, now is the time to do so. That can significantly impact the type of fan you purchase. For example, will the fan be in the center of the living room or to the side, allowing it to extend the breeze to an attaching room, too. Is the space large or small? Is the best ceiling fan needed inside or outside? Will it be on a patio? While it may seem like there are a lot of questions involved, they are important ones.
Some ceiling fans have ratings that determine whether the fan is best used for outdoor or indoor purposes. Your Fairmarket contractor can help you determine the best ceiling fan for your home – indoor or outdoor. If one of the places you want to hang the fan is in a damp area such as a patio or bathroom, consult your contractor.
You will have to purchase a fan that meets the wet/damp ratings. This means the ceiling fan will tolerate and withstand excessive moisture from rain, snow, storms, and other inclement weather. In addition, fans that meet this rating will have features like stainless steel hardware, all-weather blades, and housing that resists rust. Remember, although any outdoor fan can be used for indoor purpose, the reverse is not true. Not all indoor ceiling fans are able to safely work outdoors.
Room Size Determines the Best Ceiling Fan
Consider the room size, particularly if you have a larger room. A good rule of thumb for rooms larger than 300 sq. ft. is to purchase a ceiling fan that is 52-inch or larger. You may even need two fans if the room is extremely large. One fan might not be enough to move the air around the room. Discuss this with your Fairmarket contractor.
Guest Rooms and Bathrooms
Small ceiling fans work well in bathrooms and offices on the small side. Master bathrooms and larger guest rooms can benefit from large ceiling fans. The following can help you choose a fan based on the length of any room’s longest wall.
Wall Length vs. Ceiling Fan Size
1. When the length of the longest wall is under 12 feet, the best ceiling fan for the job should be 36 inches or less.
2. If the length of the longest wall is slightly larger, around 15 feet, go with a fan width of 40 to 48 inches.
3. For walls longer than 15 feet, the fan width should be at least 52 inches (preferably larger).
Options for Mounting Types
You will often hear the word “downrod” or “down rod” and “flush” when choosing the best ceiling fan. It’s important to pay close attention to the height of your ceiling so you can better determine the proper mount for it. Ideally, from floor to blade, the height of the ceiling fan should be approximately 8 feet. Unfortunately, people don’t always realize this and they mount fans too close to the ceiling. This often happens when homeowners attempt installation themselves. But when the fan is much too close to the ceiling it traps air and moves it around less.
Flush Mount
This is a very typical mount. It is by far the most common. The flush mount is ideal for regular to lower ceilings. Bathrooms, bedrooms, guest rooms, basements most often have flush mounts. A good tip to note is, when possible, hang the ceiling fan in the middle of the room. If that is not possible, allow at least a foot and a half between the blades of the fan and the walls.
Down Rod Display
The best ceiling fans for living rooms or rooms with ceilings higher than 8 feet typically include a downrod. As mentioned, higher ceilings require a longer downrod. Your Fairmarket contractor will ensure that the correct size downrod is used prior to purchasing the ceiling fan. For those homes with a sloped or vaulted ceiling, the downrod will need to be between 8 to 9 feet from the floor.
Tips When Buying
It is important to remember that if your ceiling slopes to any degree, you may have to compensate. Purchasing a sloped-ceiling mounting kit or extra down rod will help even things out. Your Fairmarket contractor will advise you on the right method and solutions.
As the main purpose of a ceiling fan is to regulate room temperature by circulating air, selecting the right size is extremely important. Your Fairmarket contractor will start by measuring the size of the room. They will determine the space where the fan will be most effective. A floor to ceiling measurement will be taken to determine if the fan needs a down rod, standard, or flush mount.
Best Ceiling Fan Styles
Not all ceiling fans are created equal – even the best ones. Blades come in a plethora of finishes. Oak, natural, white, and black are just a few examples. A few blade options even come with reversible finishes. Lighter shades are often glass and come frosted or unfrosted. The goal should be to match the ceiling fan to the interior design of the room in which it will be placed. This means matching everything including paint, furniture, and flooring. Even if your doorknobs or cabinets have an oil-rubbed bronze, you may want a corresponding finish.
Tips for Matching the Fan with Any Room Décor
If you have a modern home, then a contemporary ceiling fan with metallic finishes and clean lines are an ideal choice. These types of fans usually have a chrome finish, matte black or brushed nickel finish. The sleek blade design is great for a modern-style home.
For those going for a more rustic look, natural woods are best. These are inspired by the outdoors and often mixed with bronze or nickel hardware. Alternatively, a classic wood is typically made of dark wood like walnut or oak. It is paired with polished pewter or antique bronze for a more timeless and traditional look.
Ceiling Fans with Lighting
The good news is the best ceiling fans do double duty as a light, too. The majority of fans come with an additional kit for lighting. If you do not want a ceiling fan with light, that’s fine, too. There are plenty of options for ceiling fans without lights. If you do decide to go for a ceiling fan with lights, you will want to consider the types. The following will help you decide between the varieties of fixtures for lighting output. Remember, you’ll want to choose lighting fixtures and/or bulbs that match your home décor.
Halogen: Out of all the bulbs available, halogen uses the most energy. The average life span is approximately 1200-1500 hours.
Fluorescent: Most homeowners prefer not to go with fluorescent lighting. It often feels unnatural, however they use less energy than incandescent bulbs. The average life span of a fluorescent light bulb is approximately 1000 to 12000 hours.
LED: Usually more expensive, LED lights are the most economical. For homeowners who are conscious of their energy use, LED is the way to go. The average lifespan of an LED bulb is nearly 50,000 hours.
Controlling the Power of Your Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans come with a variety of control options. A standard option is the pull chain. This is a traditional option allowing users to adjust the fan and lighting. This is the idea option for lower ceilings. For higher fans that may not be easy to reach, opt for a remote control. This is an extremely convenient option that typically has a control range between 30 to 40 feet. This is perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. Another option, less popular, is a wall control. This is great for kitchens and living rooms. A standard wall control allows homeowners to control the fan and lighting at the push of a button.
Caring for Your Ceiling Fan
Regular maintenance is important to keep your fan running well. Dirty fans are less effective as dirty blades move air far less efficiently than clean ones. Caring for your ceiling fan also means ensuring you use it as intended during the appropriate season. For example, in the summer months keep your fan running counterclockwise. This will offer a nice cool breeze. During the winter months, you will want to run your fan clockwise, so it pushes warm hair down. It will circulate warm air throughout the room.
Consult Your Fairmarket Contractor
If you’re ready to cool things down this summer, give your Fairmarket contractor a call. They are ready to expertly get the job done affordably and professionally. Contact them today!
