Ceiling fans are widely used around the world for bringing comfort to our homes by producing a chilling effect and evenly circulating air around the room. It makes the summer more enjoyable by enabling us to beat the summer heat. Also, ceiling fans are now being used to enhance heating in winter. This can be done by simply putting the fan in reverse mode. Ceiling fans come in various sizes, styles, and materials. It can be quite daunting to pick the right size ceiling fan as the choices are overwhelming. We will be discussing the factors and variables that need to be considered when it comes to understanding ceiling fan sizes.
Importance Of Buying The Right Size Ceiling Fan
In this fast-changing world, the climate is becoming more and more uncertain. Summer brings scorching heat and winter temperature is dropping at an accelerating rate. There has never been a better time than now to own a ceiling fan. In order for the ceiling fan to serve us the purpose it was intended for, we need to use the right size ceiling fan for any room. The points below will describe in detail why it is so important to buy the right size ceiling fan for any room.
Efficiency
Ceiling fans are meant to make our lives more comfortable in extreme weather. But when we use the wrong size fan, we will experience the opposite effect. For instance, a small ceiling fan in a large room will not bring much comfort as it is not able to move enough air efficiently and effectively. And using a large fan for a small room will create an uncomfortable amount of airflow. So, in order to maximize its performance, it is vital to use the right size ceiling fan to enjoy to the fullest.
Durability
To own a quality ceiling fan with great features can be quite an investment and you would want it to run as long as possible. Failing to buy the right size ceiling fan for a room will result in cutting short the longevity of the ceiling fan. A small fan in a large room will have to work twice as hard which will result in burning out the motor quickly. Whereas, using the right size ceiling fan will boost its durability.
Energy Savings
Nothing comes for free, everything costs money and so does running a ceiling fan. Use the right size ceiling fan to cut the monthly bill. Installing a large ceiling fan in a small room will not only bring discomfort but consume more energy unnecessarily.
Outlook
Ceiling fans have a multifunction. They can promote both heating and cooling. In addition, ceiling fans are widely used as home accessories too. With the right size ceiling fan, you can enhance the decor of a room. Whereas, installing a mismatched ceiling fan size will create an awkward feel if not ugly. And the last thing we want to do to our home is to give an unpleasing look and destroy the decor you have set for your lovely home.
Now that we are more aware of the importance of buying the right size ceiling fan, let’s turn our attention to the types of ceiling fans commonly available on the market. It will help you narrow down your choices.
8 Types of Ceiling Fans – Which One Is the Best For You?
Standard ceiling fans:
These are the most common types of ceiling fans. They are intended for rooms with a ceiling height of 8 feet and above. For better air circulation and efficiency, standard ceiling fans usually use a downrod- a metal pipe that connects the motor housing to the mounting brackets. They come in a variety of styles, colors, materials, and sizes but typically features four or five blades. Some standard fans come with a light fixture built in it.
Low profile ceiling fans:
These types of ceiling fans are popularly known as the “hugger fans” or “flush-mount” ceiling fans. Such ceiling fans should be used if the height of the ceiling is less than 8 feet. Unlike the standard fan, instead of using a downrod, the low profile fan is installed directly onto the mounting bracket. This way, it complies with the recommended floor clearance which is 7-feet. Here the space between the fan’s blade and the ceiling might be too limited for effective airflow. Nevertheless, powerful enough to circulate air conditioned and heated air.
Outdoor fans:
Outdoor ceiling fans come with a moisture-resistant motor housing and all-weather blades that resist warping. There are two types of outdoor ceiling fans, UL-rated damp ceiling fans, and UL-rated wet ceiling fans. A damp model is ideal not only for outdoor use but it can be used indoors for rooms with high humidity and moisture but no direct exposure to perspiration, for example, bathroom and kitchen. Wet-rated ceiling fans are made from waterproof materials and can hold up to rain, snow, and oceans. They are most often seen at patios and porches.
Energy star fans:
Energy Star-rated ceiling fans are environmentally friendly ceiling fans and consume 20 to 30% less energy and 20% more efficient than any standard ceiling fans. It immensely helps you in saving energy bills. For these reasons, energy Star-rated ceiling fans are becoming the most popular option.
Dual motor ceiling fans:
As the name suggests, dual-motor fans have 2 motors. Each of the two fans can be individually adjusted and produces more airflow by moving air in multiple directions. It is ideal for a spacious room or a public building as the dual fans can cover a wider area. The unique outlook of dual motor ceiling fans can give your home a stylish look.
Remote-controlled fans:
With the advancement of technology, ceiling fans are now available with remote control. This greatly adds convenience as you are able to activate and adjust the fan according to your liking at the comfort of your sofa without having to get up each time. Remote controls can be easily misplaced and so for such times, it is always good to have a wall switch as back up. This type of fan is ideal for homes with high ceilings, large public places or restaurants. You can find it in any model but the features may vary.
Desk fans:
These types of fans are commonly referred to as tabletop fans. This is the perfect choice for cooling small spaces like an office cubicle. Desk fans typically have a rotary switch to adjust the airflow and a button allowing the fan to turn from side to side.
Commercial ceiling fans:
Equipped with a heavy-duty motor, such type of fans are meant to reduce room temperature as well as avoid condensation on the ceiling. They are mostly used at warehouses, auditoriums, and gymnasiums.
How To Size Ceiling Fan For Any Room
At this point, we are well versed in the types of ceiling fans you can choose from. Let’s turn our attention to how we size a ceiling fan for any room.
Calculate the size of your room
In order to ascertain how large or small a ceiling fan your room needs, the first step is to measure the size of your room. This is done by multiplying the length of the room by the width of the room in feet and the total is the size of your room in square feet. It goes without saying that a larger room will need a larger fan and vice versa.
Measuring ceiling height
It is important to know the height from the ceiling to the floor not only for efficiency but also for safety reasons. The minimum recommended space clearance between the ceiling fan’s blades and the floor is 7-feet. If the room has low ceilings, you should opt for low-profile ceiling fans. Hanging a ceiling fan too high will not be very efficient as you will not be able the feel the airflow. It will also add an odd feel to the room by having a ceiling fan that looks too small or too large.
Measure the diameter of the fan blades
Now that we have the square footage and height of a room, you are ready to choose the right size ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are measured by the full size of their blade span. It is the circle that you see when the fan is in motion which is the diameter. Basically, there are two types of fan – one will have an odd number of blades and the other will have an even number of blades.
To determine the diameter for the odd number of blades, measure the distance from the center of the fan to the blade tip. Then multiply by 2. The amount you get from this calculation is the diameter of the fan. Now for the even number blades, measure the distance from one end of the blade to the opposite end and there you will get the diameter. You can refer to the approximate measurement given below.
- 36-inch ceiling fan is suitable for a room measuring up to 75 square feet
- 42-inch ceiling fan is suitable for a room measuring between 76 to 144 square feet
- 44-inch ceiling fan is suitable for a room measuring between 145 to 225 square feet
- 54-inch ceiling fan is suitable for a room measuring between 226 to 400 Square feet
Things To Consider While Buying The Right Size Ceiling Fan
We have ascertained the importance of buying the right size ceiling fan. But before making the final purchase there are few more factors to take into account. By doing so, not only will you be able to bring comfort to your home, but it will enable you to save money in the long run. So let’s discuss more in detail.
Room and location
As mentioned earlier, there are specifically outdoor ceiling fans and they represent a whole separate group of ceiling fans. To avoid ending up spending more money than necessary, ascertain which model is ideal for indoors and outdoors. If you are looking for your bathroom or kitchen, make sure they are made from materials that can resist moisture, such as UL-damp rated ceiling fans. Otherwise, you will end up replacing the ceiling fan more often than anticipated.
Budget
In order to narrow down your choices, it is good to set yourself a budget range to work with. Keep in mind that spending money on ceiling fans will not end when it is bought, but throughout its usage. That’s why it will be a good investment if you can compromise on the price by paying more in owning a quality fan such as Energy Star-rated fans. Such fans consume less energy allowing you to save money on the electricity bill in the long run.
Warranty
It is always wise to check the warranty while buying any appliance as there is room for malfunction. It will not be wrong to say that that the longer the warranty, the higher the durability. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty and in-home service.
Ceiling Height
Another important factor while buying a ceiling fan is the height of the ceiling to promote adequate airflow. If you have low ceilings, you can rule out on standard ceiling fans as it comes with downrod and will not be able to comply with the 7-feet space clearance.
Noise Level
Most large ceiling fans tend to make a sound too loud disturbing the ambiance you need to have a restful night or a relaxing day. Look out for fans equipped with WhisperQuite motor. They are barely audible and makes an excellent choice for bedrooms.
Tips On Sizing Ceiling Fan For A Bedroom
A bedroom is very dear to us. This is where we spent quality time with our loved ones. A place to sleep and rest in order to rejuvenate after a long day. Hence choosing the right size ceiling fan is vital as ceiling fans help cooling rooms in summer. Below are some tips to help you size a ceiling fan for your bedroom.
- To evenly and adequately circulate air, you must know the square feet of your bedroom. That way you will be able to ascertain how large or small a fan you need to choose from. Too small a fan will not be able to give you the chilling effect and too large a fan will create unpleasant airflow. The simplest calculation is smaller rooms require smaller fans and larger rooms require larger fans.
- Ceiling height is important as you will be able to select the right model depending on the height of your bedroom. Higher ceilings need a downrod for hanging the fan to feel the airflow. In order to have a minimum 7-feet space clearance, lower ceilings should go for low profile ceiling fans.
- Another factor is the shape of the room. It is recommended to put the fan in the middle of the room to maximize airflow and for better circulation. But this may not be true in every scenario. For example, if you have a rectangle-shaped large bedroom, it would be more appropriate to install 2 ceiling fans so as to reach all four corners of the room.
- Most fans come with a light fixture. The best ceiling fan for a bedroom would be the type of model that has uplight light, which means it illuminates upward that is the ceiling. This way, your room will not be completely dark nor too bright while you sleep.
Tips On How To Size A Bathroom Fan
We all love to take a long hot shower after a hectic day. But after the shower, have you ever noticed that the bathroom looks like a steam room due to the excess moisture and humidity? This reduces the quality of the air and so bathroom fans come in handy to keep the moisture and humidity at an appropriate level. The following tips will be helpful for measuring the right size bathroom fan.
- Bathroom fans are sized and rated by their ability to move air in cubic feet per minute – CFMs. The rule of thumb is that you need at least 1cfm per square feet of the room area. The best bathroom exhaust fans should be strong enough to restore fresh air at least 8 times an hour.
- Another important factor to take into account is whether the bathroom has a bathtub or a toilet. If so, you need to add their approximate measurement to the square footage of the room and then determine the CFM required.
- Height is another important factor. If the bathroom has high ceilings, a larger fan will be more effective.
Wrap up
In conclusion, we hope the researched information we have gathered is useful and practical. Let it give you the confidence to make an informed decision in choosing the right ceiling fan size that fits your home. Last but not least, we would be glad to receive your valuable feedback as we are always looking for improvement.