When we go ceiling fan shopping we all first look at the design and how well it will go with the house décor but it is more than just the design we need to consider. The actual size of the fan contributes a great deal on how well it will perform and longevity of the fan. To make things more easy for you we set out a simple guide below that will allow you to rest assure you are getting the most out of your investment.
| Step 1 - Room Size | The length of each fan blade depends on the size of the room. First, you need to determine the actual square foot of the room by multiplying the length times width. If the room is larger than 400 square feet then it recommended to use two fans for maximum performance. |
| Step 2 - Blade Size | There are two different ways to measure a blade size depending on the number of blades on the fan. For even number blades, measure the complete distance from one blade tip to an opposing blade. For odd number of blades, measure from tip of the blade to the center of the fan. |
| Step 3 - Blade Span | Once you have the room square footage and the blade size you can determine the correct size of fan needed for your room. For rooms less than 75 square feet, the blade size should be from 29 to 36 inches. For rooms that are between 76 and 144 square feet, a fan blade length of 36 to 44 inches is correct, while 144 to 225 square foot rooms should employ a 44 to 54 inch blade. Fan blades that are 50 to 72 inches can be used for large rooms that are from between 225 and 400 square feet. |
| Step 4 - Ceiling Height | When selecting a new fan always remember the ceiling height. There should be around 8 feet distance from the fan to the floor. If the distance is more or less than the fan will not work efficiently, but most fans now a days come with an adjustable mounting option. |
Flush Option
For rooms with lower ceilings or do not have a lot of space to work with, flush mounts are the perfect option as they do not require a lot of space between the fan unit and the ceiling. These types of mounts are installed directly in contact with the ceiling and do not require an extra attachment to lower the height.
Downrod Option
Rooms that have very high ceilings should go for downrod fans. Downrod fans have rods that lower the fan to the desired height, which again is around 8 feet from the floor. If you decide to go for a downrod than make sure to check the package and see if it is included and it is the correct length for the room.
Installation Tips
Once everything has been determined and you have purchased your ceiling fan there are a few things to keep in mind during installation. If you do not have an outlet box you will need to call an electrician, if there is an outlet box available make sure the outlet box is metal as most fans will not work with a plastic outlet box.
Tips and Tricks
During the summer the fan blades should move in a counterclockwise direction to move cool air down and in the winter for the opposite effect.
If you have not installed a ceiling fan before than it can be a bit unmanageable the first time. If you think you are not able to install it properly than call in an expert.