Picture this: you’ve just arrived at your family beach house and are taking a moment to sit back and relax. You sink into the cushy couch and watch as the glowing, pink sun dips below the beachy horizon as a gentle breeze tousles your hair. But the breeze isn’t coming from outside—no, it’s coming from the ceiling fan above you. In the hot months of summer, a good ceiling fan can make all the difference. If you need some help deciding which one to get, these tips for choosing the right ceiling fan for your home are for you.
Know the Location
When installing a ceiling fan, the first thing you’ll need to decide is where your fan will go. Will it be indoors or outdoors? If indoors, in which specific room will you put it? If you want to place a fan outdoors or in a very humid room, look for fans with good wet or dampness ratings. You’ll also want to consider the construction of the room and whether your fan will need to be made of special material or have any special features.
Choose the Right Size
Next, choose the size of your fan. You’ll need to choose a size according to the size of the room your fan will be in. For rooms up to 75 square feet, a fan should be 36 inches or less. Otherwise, rooms 75 to 144 square feet, fans should be 36 to 42 inches. And then rooms 144 to 225 square feet, the fan should measure 44 to 50 inches. Not to mention, for rooms larger than this, a fan may measure 50 inches or more.
Mount-It Properly
When mounting a fan, you’ll need to consider the floor-to-ceiling height of the room. Ideally, your fan should hang around eight feet from the floor—no more, no less. For ceilings eight feet or less high, this will mean mounting your fan flush to the ceiling. For higher ceilings, you may want to consider getting a fan with an extended downrod so that it can be in the optimal position.
What Style?
Don’t forget to consider the style of your fan! One of the benefits of ceiling fans is that they can add a touch of style to your home. Do you like the modern look that metallic fans have to offer? Or would you prefer a coastal-inspired fan made of a material like bamboo? In addition to the material of the fan, consider its blades—a fan with five square blades will likely look more traditional than a fan with three curved or stylized blades.
Control Method Matters
Finally, choose the right control method for your ceiling fan. If your fan is on a very low ceiling, a pull chain is an easy way to control it. But if your fan is on a ceiling that’s 20 feet off the ground, you’ll likely need a remote control to operate it, or a switch built into your wall.
These tips for choosing the right ceiling fan for your home will help you choose a fan that both looks nice in your home and does its job effectively. Enjoy the cooling benefits that your fan has to offer!
