Everything You Need to Know About Ceiling Fans

Image by 관성 정 from Pixabay

Are you looking to upgrade your home’s level of comfort and style? And perhaps change your old light fixtures with something that provides ventilation and lighting at the same time? If you are aiming for both, then you may want to consider the benefits of ceiling fans. Here’s everything you need to know about them.

1. Size matters!

In terms of measurements, you have two major considerations when purchasing a ceiling fan. First is the size of the room that needs ventilation, and second is the size of the fan itself. Fans with longer and larger blades can move more air and has more power, making them suitable for larger rooms.

For example, small rooms around 70 square feet require a blade span of 36” or less. These are applicable for laundry rooms and breakfast nooks. Fans with 36” to 42” blades work well for medium rooms up to 100 square feet, and so on. The shape of the room matters too, since large elongated ones may require more than one ceiling fan.

2. Ceiling fans have reversible spins.

Ceiling fans are useful for both the cold and hot seasons. During summer, ceiling fans are set to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. This pushes the air down and makes the people feel cooler.

But did you know that reversing the spin reverses the effect as well? During winter, setting the rotation to clockwise creates a gentle updraft. This will then recirculate the heat down, making it more comfortable during chilly days.

3. Observe measurement allowances for safety and efficiency.

Fans should ideally be installed on ceilings that are 7-10 feet above the floor. They should also have about a 10 to 12-inch allowance from the ceiling. This allows the fan to function more efficiently, as it needs some space above the blades to suck air. The edges of the blades should then be at least 18 inches away from the nearest wall.

4. Learn about the product warranty first.

“You get what you pay for” applies for this one, so carefully study the warranty plan for your ceiling fan before purchasing it. It can be a bit pricier, but there are manufacturers that offer a lifetime warranty for service and parts of your fan. You can have peace of mind knowing that the seller offers home-service in case your fan malfunctions.

5. Choose a lighting style if needed.

Fans can double as ceiling lights depending on the model. Since it serves as an “overwatching centerpiece” of the room, it can be efficient to choose a model that has built-in lamps. Choose a lighting option that goes well with the style and color of the room.

6. Some fans require professional installation.

Ultimately, you want your ceiling fan to be installed correctly and safely. You don’t want your fan to swing or create unnecessary vibrations as this may reduce the appliance’s lifespan. And the last thing you’ll want is for your fan to fall down and cause damages or injury. Some of them can weigh as much as 50 pounds!

It is recommended to ask for professional installation from the manufacturers. They can guarantee proper balance and alignment, and ensure the usage of correct mounting brackets and a UL-listed electrical box.

Final thoughts – Learn more about the manufacturer before buying.

A ceiling fan, with lights or without, is an essential addition to any home or building. Besides contributing to the style and beauty of the room, fans make spaces more comfortable by making it cooler or warmer as needed.

An important factor is knowing more about the manufacturer of your desired ceiling fan. There are cases when customers end up dissatisfied because of the lack of good advice. It is ideal to transact with a manufacturer with knowledgeable customer service, which can walk you through the ceiling fan’s features, proper installation, and warranty.