Ceiling Height Considerations

When ceilings are over 8 feet, a longer stem/downrod can be installed. There should be a minimum clearance of 7-1/2 feet under the blades for residential fans. Industrial rated fan applications, may need to be higher than 10 feet. Placement above childrens beds, proximity to opening doors, recessed lights, and hanging fixtures should be taken into account.

Location

Where will the fan go; inside your home or outside? If it’s outside, will it be in a covered space or exposed to the elements? Spaces with direct exposure call for a ceiling fan that’s wet-rated. If the fan is going inside a sunroom or other area with walls, a damp-rated fan will do.

Tip: Fans rated for outdoor use can also be used inside. They’re ideal for high humidity areas, like a laundry or workout room.

Style

No matter the style you are after: modern, eclectic, farmhouse-inspired, highly detailed or clean and simple. Today’s ceiling fans offer styles to fit any taste:

• Modern Ceiling Fans add a clean, understated touch to open spaces.
• Traditional Ceiling Fans perfectly complement rooms with classic, elegant décor.
• Transitional Ceiling Fans are simple and sophisticated with minimal ornamentation.

Illumination

Most fans either come with or can have a light kit added to them.  A fan light kit adds additional functionality by adding ambient lighting for a space.

Control

While every fan is controlled by some means, you often have options to add or change it. Remotes, wall controls or even multiple controls can allow you to adjust lighting, speed and the direction of the blades with additional convenience.

Airflow

A variety of factors like motor size, blade pitch and blade materials contribute to the amount of air a ceiling fan moves. Today fans are rated by airflow and airflow efficiency. These standardized ratings allow you to compare one fan to another without being an expert on motors and materials. The higher the airflow (cubic feet per minute), the more air the fan moves, and the better the airflow efficiency, the more air is moved per watt.

Motor

AC motor fans are the most common, but a DC motor may be better for your situation. DC motors use up to 70 percent less electricity than AC versions and are whisper quiet. They’re worth looking at if electric costs are high where you live or you want to minimize electrical use as much as possible.