Installing a ceiling fan is one of the best investments you can make in your home.
For one thing, it is suitable for use all year round to help regulate the temperatures in your house, while saving money and energy. Also, manufacturers are getting more creative each year in designing more stylish and efficient models.
If you’re considering replacing one in your house, it’s important to balance your personal tastes with professional advice which we’ll share with you today.
To make an informed decision before replacing or installing a new ceiling fan, below you will learn all the secrets experts use to choose the best option for a room!
“A good laugh is sunshine in the house. – William Makepeace Thackeray
Consider the Room Size
You want your ceiling fan to be the right size for your space, so this is the first thing you should consider before deciding on a model. A big unit in a small room can feel like having a wind tunnel in your house, and one that’s too small simply won’t work as well as a bigger-sized model.
So, the common wisdom is to start by considering the size of the specific room that you want to install the fan in. Higher ceilings typically require more than one fan to enable proper air circulation but you can achieve the same thing with an extra-large fan too.
Measuring the Ceiling Fan
Wondering how a ceiling fan is measured? Using their blade span, which is also known as their “sweep. To determine a ceiling span, simply measure the fan’s diameter.
If you’re dealing with a ceiling fan that has an odd number of blades and you can’t really get the exact diameter, then you can start measuring its span from the middle of the fan and then multiply the resulting number by two.
According to the American Lighting Association, the following are the available fan sizes on the market and the room sizes they’re suitable for:
- Fans that measure 36 inches wide or smaller are suitable for rooms that measure up to 75 square feet.
- Fans that measure 36 to 42 inches wide are suitable for rooms that measure up to 144 square feet.
- Fans that measure 50 to 54 inches wide are suitable for rooms that measure 225 square feet.
- Multiple fans and oversize fans are suitable for rooms that are larger than 225 feet wide or really high ceiling rooms.
Remember:
These sizes are merely suggestions. You have to consider things like your unique personal preferences as a homeowner as well as the aesthetics of your home.
Check the Number of Blades
It’s important to note that there isn’t a standard number of ceiling fan blades that can be recommended. At the end of the day, it all depends on your aesthetic preference.
The most important parts to consider include the blade pitch, the motor and the airflow. According to the American Lighting Association, a fan whose blade pitch measures 12 to 15 degrees is great for moving the air optimally.
But, a steep pitch often translates to faster and more efficient rotation and air circulation. It almost works like a blender or mixer in how fast it works.
However, you have to consider blade quantity when you’re dealing with oversized fans which often come with up to 8 individual blades. These fans are designed to generate a cooling breeze by circulating the air in the room slowly and gently.
Figure Out the Right Height
You’re better off getting a fan that’s about 8 to 9 feet from the ground and 12 to 18 inches away from the wall to enable optimal air movement.
Ideally, you shouldn’t get lower than this but you can always get higher. Again, your personal preference will play a role in the height you end up choosing during the fan installation process.
Get a Quality Motor
If you want to ensure that it will stand the test of time, then you have to select a model that’s made up of quality materials.
Things like ceiling fan wiring matter and they’re incredibly important if you plan to use the fan often, due to the hot and humid temperature where you live.
You need a fan that comes with a quality motor that won’t wear out after a few seasons of consistent use.
Ideally, the fan should come with a limited lifetime warranty, and it shouldn’t wobble or make noises as it ages. It should work the same over the years as it did when you first bought it. That’s the sign of a good quality ceiling fan.
However, the quality of the fan will contribute to the ceiling fan installation cost so it’s important to keep that in mind too.
Need some help with your ceiling fan installation or replacement? Contact a pro and request a free quote!
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