In some areas you'll really need air conditioning, which helps remove humidity from the air and keeps the whole room or home cool. But when you just need to keep one room cooler, a ceiling fan just might be the answer. Keep in mind that a ceiling fan just moves the air around, but lots of times, that's all you need to really make a space more comfortable.
You can go into any home improvement center, hardware store, or even discount store and see a variety of styles and sizes in a wide range of prices. There are some things to consider before you actually buy a ceiling fan, though. Read on to learn some basic information about buying the right ceiling fan for your home and room.
As you shop, look at different brands and compare features such as the size of the motor, the pitch of the blades, and the quality of the finishes on each surface. Speak with a knowlegeable salesperson and choose the one that meets your needs.
You'll find more tips and information about ceiling fans in the links from manufacturers and other sources.
Power Requirements
No special electrical power is required beyond what is in most homes. If your home is not wired properly, you might need an electrician to install a circuit box in the ceiling where you want the fan to hang. It is possible to plug a fan power cord into a wall outlet and hang the fan with chain from a U-hook in the ceiling. But a stable installation directly in the ceiling is preferred.
- Ceiling fan power outlets can be installed in new homes during construction. It's a good idea to add ceiling bracing during the construction to bear the weight of a new fan. If you're not planning to have a fan installed right away, the power will be there, ready to go when you're ready.
Installation Considerations
Some ceilings need to be braced to support the additional weight of a ceiling fan.
- If you're installing the fan outside on a covered porch or patio, be sure all the components are weatherproof.
Power Controls for Your Fan
There are different ways to control a fan's operation. A wall switch will be the master control, with a pull chain, wall control, or remote control to adjust the speed of the fan.
- Remote controls a wonderful convenience, especially for a fan that is hung high. You'll have no hanging chains and you can control the fan from a distance. Some fans include the remote with the purchase. If yours does not, you can select a separate add-on kit at a reasonable price.
What Size to Buy
You should buy a fan that is the proper size for your room. The larger the room, the larger the fan. For a room up to 50 square feet, choose a 29" fan. Choose a 36" fan for a room up to 75 square feet, 42" for a room 10' x 10' or 100 square feet, and a 50" to 52" fan for up to 400 square feet.
Where Will You Hang the Fan?
Is your new fan just for cooling or will it be a focal point of your room? There are so many fans on the market that you'll have to decide if it will stand out as a decorating element or blend with the ceiling.
Usually a fan is hung in the middle of a room for best air circulation. But for safety reasons, you should not hang a fan directly over a bed.
A fan should generally be hung so that the blades of the fan are fron 7' to 9' above the floor.
- If you'll be installing the fan outdoors on a porch or patio, be sure that you choose one that will withstand any weather it might encounter. Ask about specific models made for the outdoors.
Should You Add Lights?
If your fan will hang in a dark room, a light kit will help to light the room. Look at different light options and select glass globes or bulbs that will give the desired illumination and blend with your room's decor. If you have a low ceiling, you may not be able to add lights.
Decorator Choices
To enhnace your room's decor or enrich your decorating scheme, select a motor housing finished in white, polished or antiqued brass, brushed steel, bronze, copper, wood grain, verde gris, or bronze.
- Choose contrasting blades covered with metal finish, faux wood looks, woven bamboo, fabrics, or plain paint. Some fan blades are reversible, allowing for two looks on the same fan. You might want to change the look with the seasons. You can purchase replacement blades if they become dingy looking.
Special Touches
Before installing the fan, think about adding some custom touches to your fan. Paint a design or stencil a pattern to enhance your room's decorating scheme. But keep it simple.