Circling continuously above your head at a speed determined by your remote, ceiling fans are fantastic home appliances that keep your home cool and make all inhabitants comfortable, especially during summer.
Ceiling fans are cost-effective, as they are cheaper to purchase and consume less energy. They can also reduce your reliance on air conditioners.
Different models of ceiling fans come in a variety of styles and finishes. This article will highlight how to choose the perfect ceiling fan when shopping at any store with some of the best ceiling fans in the market today.
Understanding how ceiling fans work
A ceiling fan does not actually cool the temperature in a room but it creates a cooling sensation by circulating air and helping to evaporate sweat. It pulls air from the ground and pushes down air from the ceiling.
When a ceiling fan is turned on, the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy which causes the blades to rotate in a circular motion. The blades are fashioned in a way that they push air downwards from the ceiling as they spin.
As air flows from the ceiling, warmer air also rises. As the air circulates, it comes into contact with your skin and helps evaporate sweat. This is why you feel cooler when a ceiling fan is turned on, even though the fan is not actually changing the temperature of the room.
Tips for buying a ceiling fan
It is important to consider several factors when choosing a ceiling fan for your room in order to ensure both functionality and aesthetics.
1. Consider the type and style
Since Philip Diehl invented the first ceiling fan in 1882, since then, ceiling fans have undergone different design and style changes. Today, they are designed not only to cool your room but also to be aesthetically pleasing.
There are also fans designed for outdoor use. The two major types of ceiling fans are;
Hanging propeller
This is the most common type of ceiling fan used indoors. The design is similar to vintage airplane propellers. They are designed to optimize airflow and are used in a variety of spaces, including living rooms, offices, bedrooms, and covered outdoor areas.
Propeller ceiling fans come in a wide range of styles, from classic and industrial to modern and contemporary, making it easy to find one that complements your existing decor.
Directional
The directional ceiling fans are designed to move impressive amounts of air in a specific direction. Unlike hanging propeller fans that distribute air evenly throughout the room, directional fans focus on airflow where it is needed most.
When choosing between the types of ceiling fans, consider the purpose of use and for style, pick designs that complement your existing room décor. If you want to make the ceiling fan less obvious, buy a model with a color that blends in with the ceiling.
2. Check the energy efficiency rating
Ceiling fans consume less energy compared to AC, however, fans with an Energy Star rating consume even less energy than brands with no Energy Star rating even when they are of the same size and offer similar functionality.
Therefore, when investing in a ceiling fan, choose a model with a higher BEE star, which indicates higher energy efficiency. A ceiling fan with a high BEE star rating consumes almost 60 percent less energy than a typical fan.
3. Check the installation requirements
For efficiency and safety, there are various fan sizes suitable for different room sizes. Experts recommend that the fan blade tips should be no closer than 24 inches to a wall or drapes.
A fan of 36 inches is suitable for small rooms measuring up to 75 square feet. Consider fans with blade spans between 36 to 48 inches for medium rooms up to 145 square feet and 50 inches or more for large rooms above 145 square feet.
For best performance, the ceiling height should be between 2.1 and 2.4 meters. Get an extension rod if your ceiling is higher than 2.7 meters to lower the fan to an optimal level.
Check the manufacturer’s directions for specifics to ensure the electrical box in the ceiling can support the weight of the fan.
4. Consider your budget and preferred technology
Ceiling fans now have technological features such as voice control and integrated LED lighting with color temperature options. Some smart-home compatible fans can also be controlled using both remote and apps. They also have the ability to automatically adjust fan speed based on room temperature sensors.
A ceiling fan equipped with an advanced DC motor is significantly more energy efficient than a ceiling fan equipped with a traditional AC motor. Some fans also allow you to change the fan’s direction, a feature suitable for optimizing energy efficiency and comfort―clockwise for cooling in summer and counter-clockwise for distributing warm air in winter.
Based on your budget, choose a ceiling fan that saves energy and offers optimal comfort.