Ceiling fan is an energy-saving electrical appliance for cooling or warming the rooms compared to air conditioner (AC). In fact, there are many best ceiling fans available on the market and so many factors to consider before buying. For instance, when you find the bedroom ceiling fan, it should be quiet so that the running fan won’t affect the quality of sleep. For large rooms, the ceiling fan should be powerful enough to provide sufficient ventilation. In addition to the style, ceiling height, CFM and blade pitch, we may also look at the common problems of ceiling fans in advance, so we can get prepared before encountering these issues. After checking out the top products and ceiling fan brands, please don’t miss our informative buyer’s guide and Q&A that will help you make the wise purchase decision.

Best Ceiling Fan of 2024

1. Harbor Breeze Mazon 44″ – Best Ceiling Fan for Bedroom

This is a beautiful, stylish and elegant brushed nickel ceiling fan. It can decorate the bedroom and create a cozy environment during sleep. Thanks to its compact design, it is suitable for small and medium-sized bedrooms (approx. 100 sq. feet). The best thing is that it has a powerful motor that generate airflow up to 4545 CFM. Although it is not the highest in the ceiling fan industry, it does create sufficient ventilation in bedroom.

Can we use ceiling fans in bedroom?

There is no law stipulating whether we can or cannot use bedroom ceiling fans. However, when we compared ceiling fan with AC, ceiling fan is a better choice because it can ventilate the bedroom and maintain fresh airflow during sleep. Besides, ceiling fan is more energy-saving than AC, so we can save a lot on electricity bill if we replace the AC with bedroom ceiling fan. We can save around 10x energy by using ceiling fan.

Other advantages of bedroom ceiling fan include –

• Ceiling fan won’t occupy much floor space, which is particularly essential for small sleeping room that can’t accommodate the bulky pedestal fan or tower fan.
• Evenly distributed airflow. We can mount the ceiling fan at the center of bedroom ceiling to have the most effective ventilation. It is hardly achievable by using the floor fan or AC
• Ceiling fan comes with different style and color that suits your bedroom interior design. We can hardly find the AC or floor fan having the extravagant design. Nonetheless, there are so many choices of elegant ceiling fan. Takes this ceiling fan as an example, it has the stylish brushed nickel finish that embellishes the bedchamber.
• Quiet ceiling fan that won’t disturb sleep. Some ceiling fans may produce annoying noise because of improper installation or imbalance of ceiling fan blades.
• Reverse the direction of ceiling fan blade in different weathers. Nowadays, many sleeping room ceiling fan, like this one, has a reversible motor, so we can set the blades to rotate in clockwise (in winter) or counter-clockwise direction (in summer).

Why can ceiling fan improve sleep quality?

If you always suffer from insomnia, getting a ceiling fan might help because it helps create a better environment for sleep.

Improve air circulation in bedroom

Human needs fresh air. By making use of the bedroom ceiling fan and keeping the windows open, we can ensure that there is oxygenated, fresh air in the room. Aside from improving the sleep quality, the constant ventilation can also reduce the formation of mold because we can maintain the humidity in a lower range.

Temperature control while sleep

During Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, our brain is literally taking a rest. The temperature-regulating cell will be temporary switched off during REM; thus, the body temperature is mainly affected by the bedroom ambient temperature. A good bedroom ceiling fan can help regulate our body temperature, so we won’t sweat a lot.

Ceiling fan creates white noise

According to the sleepologist, white noise can improve the sleep quality. White noise is basically the random or background noise in environment. The noise generated from ceiling fan blades can cover the neighboring TV or conversation noise. Most quiet ceiling fan available on the market can serve this purpose.

The airflow helps remove odor

After the pajama party, strong food odor may remain in the bedroom. The irritating smell greatly affects our sleep quality. Ceiling fan increases the air exchange air in & out of the bedroom, so as to minimize the bad smell.

Bedroom ceiling fan with dimmable LED lights

The contemporary ceiling fan nowadays usually has the built-in lights. Thus, we can enjoy the comfortable breeze and illumination by using the same electrical appliance. Since the light source is underneath the blades, we don’t need to worry about the flickering shadow created by the lights above the rotating ceiling fan blades.

This ceiling fan has the 18W LED light. It should provide us with sufficient illumination for reading story books or newspaper before sleep. Since the light is dimmable, we can adjust the brightness to different levels to create cozy feeling.

Versatile ceiling fan remote

When we are falling asleep, sometimes we are too lazy to reach the wall control to turn on/off the ceiling fan. Fortunately, this ceiling fan package comes with the multi-functional remote. We can switch the fan speed, reverse the fan direction and turn on/off the LED lights in the remote.

Pros

• Stylish appearance
• Quiet ceiling fan that improves sleep quality
• Easy to install as it doesn’t involve the complex wiring
• Comes with the remote so we can easily adjust the fan speed and toggle on/off the lights
• Using LED lights which is more energy-efficient and bright
• The lights on the ceiling fan is dimmable
• The user manual is easy to follow

Cons

• The egg-shaped remote control looks old-fashion that doesn’t match the style of this ceiling fan
• The LED lights of this bedroom ceiling fan is not replaceable
• The ceiling fan light is not bright enough for high-ceiling or large bedroom. Supplementary floor lamp may be required to perform the task

2. Honeywell 54″ Rio – Best Ceiling Fan for Living Room

Honeywell is a popular brand in ceiling fan industry. It attracts countless customers because of their high-quality and stylish products. This time we are reviewing the 54″ 3-blade ceiling fan. The eye-catching part is its brushed nickel finish which adds style to living room.

Why do we need a ceiling fan in the living room?

Ceiling fan is a great decor in family room as it adds style & elegance to the room. If we want to light up and cool the living room at the same time, ceiling fan with light would be the best option as we don’t need to install the lighting fixture separately. Now, the light bulb is just under the ceiling fan blade holder.

How many ceiling fans do I need in the family room?

The number of ceiling fan required depends on the size of the living room. If the size of living room is not very large, says 250 to 400 sq. feet, we may have one ceiling fan only. The general idea is that each fan can cool approx. 300 sq. feet. If you have the 600 sq. feet rectangular family room + dining room, we can have 2 ceiling fans.

Living room ceiling fan with lights

This ceiling fan comes with the integrated lights, which provides cozy illumination for family members to read the books or magazine in the living room. The good thing is that the lights are enclosed by a white frosted glass bowl that reduces the glare and improves lighting uniformity.

Reversible fan blades for winter and summer

There are 3 speed settings on this ceiling fan, so we can have different wind speeds in the family room. The maximum airflow capacity is around 5736 CFM, which is able to create comfortable breeze in large living room. Most importantly, the ceiling fan blades are reversible! It means we can have clockwise or counter-clockwise fan direction in different seasons.

Ceiling fan for low ceiling family room

This ceiling fan has a short downrod, so we can install it in the low-ceiling family room, says around 10 to 12 ft. We can see this ceiling fan has a compact design – no bulky motor housing.

Pros

• Lightweight – easy to install and balance the ceiling fan
• Stylish appearance that embellishes the living room
• Affordable price for this large ceiling fan
• High CFM
• Suitable for low ceiling family room
• Remote control is included – we can select the fan speed
• Quiet ceiling fan that won’t disturb the family activities
• The bulb can be replaced. We can change the bulbs from CFL to LED to save energy
• Reversible motor

Cons

• The original CFL bulb may not be bright enough. To solve this issue, we can get the LED bulb separately. Under the same power consumption, we can expect LED emits brighter light
• It doesn’t support Alexa unless we buy the hub separately
• Some users are disappointed because of the plastic blades. They look less elegant when attached to the brushed nickel housing
• Strange odor may be observed after unboxing the ceiling fan
• We need to manually reverse the fan direction

3. Hunter Fan Company 36″ Aker – Best Kitchen Ceiling Fan

Hunter is another top-quality and experienced ceiling fan company in the world. Since this ceiling fan has the white housing and fan blade, it particularly suits the kitchen having the minimalist design. The selling point of this ceiling fan is its quiet motor that delivers powerful wind flow. So, it won’t affect your mood when you are preparing the meal. Besides, the fan has mid-century design that suits your Scandinavian kitchen.

Can we use a ceiling fan in the kitchen?

We can use ceiling fan in both open and closed kitchen. Having a powerful ceiling fan is particularly important if you use flame cooking. It can enhance the air circulation in the kitchen, so can increase the fresh air flow inside the smoky area.

Besides, kitchen is usually very hot because of the fire or other cooking appliances, says stoves and over. Most appliances generate heat, so having a ceiling fan in kitchen can help reduce the room temperature. Your mom or dad would be less sweaty when preparing the meal. Trust me, your life would be easier if you install the ceiling fan in kitchen.

However, it is noticed that we may need to frequently clean the kitchen ceiling fan because frying food would generate oily fume. The droplet may stick to the ceiling fan blade and motor that cause the weight imbalance.

Kitchen ceiling fan with reversible fan blade

An interesting point is that this ceiling fan is equipped with the reversible motor, so the fan blades can rotate in clockwise or counter-clockwise. When it comes to kitchen ceiling fan, we are not talking about winter or summer spin direction. Instead, we can use the reverse mode to pull up the water vapor. It should give you a better vision when you are steaming the fish or boiling the water. Surely, the ceiling fan can’t totally replace the exhaust fan.

13-degree blade pitch

Selecting the bets blade pitch is important. We can see not all ceiling companies mention this parameter in their product page. Fortunately, the Hunter Fan Company mention this specification clearly so as to allow customer to compare.

A 13 degrees blade pitch is good for medium to large kitchen because this blade angle can generate sufficient airflow while not overloading the motor a lot.

Downrod choices

The best part of this kitchen ceiling fan is that the package comes with 2″ & 4″ downrods, so we can select the right one depending on the ceiling height. For low-ceiling kitchen, says 10 to 12 ft, we can have the 2″ rod. For higher ceiling says over 14 ft, we may use 4″. So, we can maintain a proper distance between the ceiling fan blade and floor.

Kitchen ceiling fan with lights

Similar to the previous products, this ceiling fan has the built-in lights. The lamp can act as the supplementary light source in the work triangle. If you don’t need the super bright lighting in the kitchen, this fixture can already provide you with the ample lighting at home. Surely, if your kitchen has the very high ceiling, the light loss would be significant that we need to add more ceiling lights.

In addition, the proper lighting in the kitchen makes the food look more appetizing. This is because the meat or vegetables looks fresher and more colorful. That’s the reason why the retail store or supermarket always point the lights to the food.

Pros

• Compact size – this 36″ ceiling fan is the best for small or medium-sized kitchen
• Whisper quite to operate thanks to their top-quality motor and mechanical design
• Th package includes the lighting kit, so we don’t need to buy the bulbs separately
• Good-looking ceiling fan because of the Scandinavian & minimalist design. The white color is suitable for almost all types of kitchens
• Affordable price that won’t break your bank

Cons

• It might be difficult to install for ceiling fan beginners
• The product doesn’t include remote control. The ceiling fan speed & light on/off can be controlled by the pull chains. We can think in an optimistic way – we don’t have to worry about losing the remote controller. If you really need that, we can get the Hunter 99119 Ceiling Fan and Light Universal Remote Control
• Chances are that the pull chain may break if we forcibly pull it. To prevent this tragedy from happening, we should gentle pull the chains
• Noise would produce when pulling the ceiling fan chains. Nevertheless, it is not a serious problem in kitchen
• Noticeable noise will produce at high speed. Fortunately, this ceiling fan is still whisper quite at low or medium speeds

4. BV Ultra-Quiet Exhaust Fan – Best Ceiling Fan for Bathroom

Aside from the conventional 3-blade to 5-blade, we can consider having this type of exhaust ceiling fan in bathroom. A good fan can effectively discharge the moisture in the bathroom. It is essential to keep the bathroom dry because it can reduce the odor and formation of mildew. Also, ceiling fans can improve the circulation of fresh air; therefore, we will not be deprived of oxygen when staying in the bathtub for a long time.

Why use exhaust ceiling fans in the bathroom?

Some may think it is not necessary to install a ceiling fan in bathroom because we are not here for long. In fact, bathroom fan is a must-have appliance because it improves the quality of living. Let’s see why.

Reduce humidity

Bathroom is one of the most humid area in the house. We should have experienced that the bathroom become extremely misty after hot water bath, which is like stepping outside the hot spring. If we don’t deal with the water mist, the bathroom walls would be peeled easily. In the most serious case, adjacent rooms will also be affected, as the water will diffuse through the walls.

By using the exhaust ceiling fan, we can quickly remove the water vapor in the bathroom so as to keep the walls dry.

Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging up

When the hot water vapor reaches the cold mirror, the mist would condense and form the tiny droplets on the mirror. It is so called fogging up. If we don’t want to splash cold water or wipe the shampoo on the mirror, we can have the powerful ceiling fan that exhaust the water vapor before they touch the mirror.

Remove odor

Smell is airborne particle carrying the odorous compounds or chemicals. It is quite embarrassing to leave the unpleasant smell after release. Yes, we can use the bathroom spray or air freshener to eliminate the smell. However, they are made of artificial chemical that may be harmful to the body. The ceiling fan is a healthier way to achieve this purpose.

Air circulation for the bathroom without windows

The most important function of ceiling fan is to circulate air. Right, some bathrooms don’t have windows. So, it is important to have the ceiling exhaust fan to maintain the sufficient airflow.

How long should we run the bathroom exhaust fan?

Some ceiling fan experts suggested that we can run the bathroom exhaust fan for 20 to 30 minutes after bath. It should be long enough to clear and replace the humid air.

In fact, the general is that we should exchange the air in the entire bathroom for 3 to 5 times. So, the actually running time for the bathroom exhaust fan depends on the size of bathroom and the airflow capacity (CFM) of the fan.

Should we run the bathroom exhaust fan on all day? Although this can continuously reduce the humidity of bathroom, it is not necessary. The main function of ceiling fan is to discharge the water vapor. Once the water mist is removed, we don’t need to run the fan; otherwise, it is a wastage of electricity.

Durable exhaust fan

The best part of this product is its stainless-steel housing. Thus, it has anti-corrosive feature, which is particularly essential for bathroom appliances. Besides, the ceiling fan has the heavy-duty motor that effective exhaust the humid air or water mist inside the bathroom. The recommended bathroom size is 90 sq. feet.

Quiet motor

Most importantly, this bathroom ceiling fan has a quiet motor. It ensures that we will not be disturbed by the annoying noise when we enjoy the extremely hot water bath after work.

Pros

• Durable in humid bathroom
• Very affordable price
• Effective to reduce humidity and remove odor in bathroom
• Compact yet powerful motor

Cons

• Although the casing is made of stainless steel, most internal parts are plastic
• Noticeable noise would produce if the ceiling fan is not installed correctly
• Not very aesthetic because we can easily see through the internal components under the fan
• Recessed mounting requires basic DIY skills.

5. Fanimation Studio Collection LP8350BLAZ – Best Caged Enclosed Ceiling Fan

If you want to embellish the living room, dining room or bedroom, why not install this caged ceiling fan? The 3-blade ceiling fan is enclosed by the cylindrical cage. In addition to adding styles, it can also protect the ceiling fan, says preventing large objects from reaching the fan blades and motor. The aged bronze style is fairly appealing.

Double cage design

The best thing about this ceiling fan is its double-cage design. There are lighting fixtures between the two cages – the fan blades are encircled by the inner cage, while the bulbs are compassed by the outer cage. This design forms a double layer, increasing the luxury of the house. We can’t say if this will add value to your home, but this caged ceiling fan fairly appealing. It is like a beautiful ceiling art work.

About the airflow

The shortcoming of the enclosed ceiling fan is its relatively low CFM when compared with other products. It is a small ceiling fan because the fan blade is around 13″ only. It has the airflow capacity of approx. 1472 CFM. Thus, we can’t expect it has powerful cooling effect; instead, it is more decorative than functional.

Caged ceiling fan with lights

The merit is that the package includes the LED vintage bulbs. Since they are not very bright, we can’t use it as the main light source in the reading room. We can install this caged fan on bedroom ceiling to have cozy illumination.

Interestingly, astonishing lighting pattern is produced on the ceiling. It is caused by the reflection of the cage.

Why do we need a caged enclosed ceiling fan at home? The advantages

The characteristic of caged ceiling fan is that the blades are enclosed. There are many reasons and advantages to adopt this design.

Safer for child

If you have children in the house, caged enclosed ceiling fan is the best choice. We are not talking about the 3-year-old kid climbing the stairs to 12 ft high to reach the ceiling fan; instead, toddlers may throw the toys or other objects because of curiosity or motor skill development. It is quite risky because the toy, like the doll’s hair may be rolled into the fan blade motor. What is more, if the impact force is large, the ceiling fan may fall off. That’s why we need the enclosed ceiling fan to protect the blades, motor and other delicate components.

Prevent accidental touch a spinning ceiling fan

When we use the ceiling fan on low ceiling, chances are that we will unknowingly touch the fast-rotating blade. It does hurt when the blades hit the body parts. If the ceiling fan is enclosed, the chance of unintentional touch would be minimized. Although the wind flow is partially block by the cage, it is worthwhile to have this safety feature.

Pros

• Elegant, vintage design that decorates the house
• The ceiling fan blades and light bulbs are protected by the cylindrical cages
• The bulbs are replaceable. However, the power of the new bulb should not exceed the original to prevent overload.
• The LED lights are dimmable

Cons

• Dust may be trapped on the cage. It is advised to clean the cage and ceiling fan blades every 3 to 6 months
• Not very quiet at high speed
• Not enough air flow for large rooms
• The installation requires basic wiring skills

6. Prominence Home Auletta 52″ Outdoor Ceiling Fan Review

Can we use a ceiling fan for porches or outdoors?

Typically, you can’t bring a ceiling fan outside since moisture can end-up causing metal corrosion. This outdoor deck version is rated for damp weather and will be ideally suited for your porch or veranda. As long as there is a practical overhand that keeps water directly off this fan, you’re ready to get cool. Everything within this ceiling fan is protected for those days when humidity is high or even with scattered showers.

Advantages of using an outdoor ceiling fan

There is nothing like sitting outside under the patio shade with a nice breeze hitting you. Instead of being stuck inside on hot days, ceiling fans have always been a favorite to install under a porch. The perfect mixture of outside air and a nice gentle ventilator make it worthwhile. It’s more common sense than using air conditioning and a whole lot quieter. Just the amount of electricity used will end-up saving you money over AC by thousands of dollars.

Features of this outdoor ceiling fan

Works indoors and outdoors

You won’t need to leave this fan outside all year long since it works indoors too. For those winter months when it gets too cold outside, why not have a secondary spot for this ceiling fan? It doesn’t take much to install if you’ve already put it up before. Plus, you can have double the benefits of circulating warm air around inside your home. When the summer months come around again, it’s the perfect time to move it back outside.

Comes with contemporary style

Not too flashy and no more modern than any country home. It feels like it belongs just about anywhere rustic with a classy touch. The best part about this design is being able to blend in without being a sore thumb. You can be sure that even white ceilings and walls won’t make this fan look out of place. Since it has very subtle angles, it gives any surface around it a pleasing centerpiece to look at.

It comes with frosted LED light

This ceiling fan comes with a built-in light at the base to help light up your patio or room. It’s also a comfortable LED light that gives off a warm incandescent light. To be specific this LED light is set to a glowing 2500K light spectrum. The dome is frosted to diffuse the light further keeping hard shadows to a minimum at night.

It has 3 variable speeds

How much do you like keeping cool under your veranda? This fan has three excellent speed settings. It’s based on CFM rating and meant for 12′ x 12′ up to 18′ x 18′ sized decks or rooms. It starts with 2500 for the low speed, 4058 for medium, and 5568 for high speeds. In a smaller room, you can count on low and medium speeds being perfect, while larger spaces still have plenty of airflow on medium to high settings.

It has a pull chain controller

Not just one but two pull chains to control the fan and light. It doesn’t have a remote control which isn’t a big deal. If you’re for outdoor use on a patio or deck why would you need one anyway? It brings back those memories of the old-fashioned pull chain desk lamps. The chains are long enough to reach but not in the way like other pull chains.

The downrod adjusts for angles

This downrod will adjust to fit angles up to 45 degrees and is perfect for any kind of vaulted ceiling or overhang. Even if your deck is slightly angled it will self-adjust to the correct level. The set screws will lock it into place so you won’t have your lamp wobbling around.

Pros & Cons

Dome cover problems

The frosted glass cover that fits into the base cap doesn’t have any kind of screws or pins to hold it in. It has been known to fall out if it was loose inside the base ring. You can easily prevent this by adding two or three wraps of Teflon tape to the outside edge. Wrap it snugly on that edge so it grips very well to the glass.

The Teflon tape will act as a gasket to keep this dome snugly fit inside the fan base. Screw it in opposite the direction of the tape wrapped so it fits in without buckling the tape.

Bulb changing

You might not like the lights they include with this model. You can choose similar watt lights you can swap them out for brighter whiter light LED bulbs. Whether you want to use it for indoor or outdoor use is up to you. It can also be rigged to work from a LED wall panel dimmer. You’ll need to follow the instructions for this or have it installed by a professional.

Blade installation problem

They don’t tell you that it’s harder to install the blades once you put the motor housing up onto the anchor mount. It would save you some time if you install the blades onto the fan flanges first. Then carefully attach the motor housing to your porch or veranda ceiling. One more nice addition is that the blades can be reversed. The only problem is the back sides of the blades do not have a decorative finish.

If you are handy with paints you can carefully dry-brush the backside to match the finish they use. These are also plastic blades so any kind of paint will stick well.

7. Honeywell 50503-01 Royal Palm – Best Ceiling Fan for Sunroom

What is a sun room?

Any room that’s attached to your existing home with large open windows letting in natural light qualifies as a sun room. It’s insulated just like the rest of your house with energy-efficient windows, heating, and lighting. Because these types of rooms are great for gathering sunlight, adding a ceiling fan helps keep them cooler. These rooms are popular for lounging and relaxing, but unlike an outdoor porch; it’s enclosed.

These rooms are specially designed for mild spells of weather when going outside isn’t an option. It’s also a great gathering place to watch the sunrise and simply enjoy a sunset. It’s also a multi-purpose room that can be set-up for all sorts of seasonal events anytime of the year.

Why do we need a ceiling fan in a sun room?

As the name implies, a sun room will gather sunlight from the number of windows that it’s built with. Some of these rooms even have a ceiling that allows more light through than others. As a result, this room can absorb more heat than other rooms in your home. The easiest way to cool down this indoor patio is with a ceiling fan. The cycles of ventilation can drive hot air around the room and out through open windows.

The beauty of this room design helps bring fresh air through the room without needing to go outside. Insects and other pests can be blocked with window screens making it ideal for celebrations, parties, and get-togethers.

Features of this ceiling fan

Hand carved wooden blades

This ceiling fan offers real carved wood fan blades that are made from sturdy lightweight basswood. The stain is a rich dark cherry and measures a total of 52″ across the entire blade diameter. There is a total of 5 blades that directly attach to the fan rotor. There’s no need to have separate brackets attached. The angle of these blades allows for reversible airflow so the air current comes with two separate settings. One is meant for summer and winter.

Tri-mount ceiling bracket

Honeywell thought ahead for this design and added a 3-in-1 package. You can add a down rod measuring 4 inches to add more style or especially for vaulted ceilings. If the issue of ceiling height is a concern, it can be installed as a hugger model instead. The down rod connection can allow up to 45-degree angles for vaulted ceilings. The down rod can additionally be locked into place to prevent swinging.

Great for medium to large rooms

The area coverage for this ceiling fan will easily cover any 12′ x 12′ up to 18′ x 18′ sized sun room. It’s meant for indoor use only so your solarium must never be damp or humid. It comes with a bronze finish that can be weathered to add age or visual appeal. It’s a perfect fit for any sun room since it can match virtually any indoor deck theme in the sunlight.

Built-in lights with pull chains

This model features 4 hanging bell-shaped covered bulb lamps. Each lamp is incandescent and is rated for 20 volts a piece. They are more suited for mood lighting than anything else. You can replace them with LED lights that are brighter and will last much longer. While this ceiling fan comes with two pull chains, it works excellently with remote control. Honeywell supplies a remote control (at an additional cost), that will allow you to turn it on hands-free. We need to buy the remote controller separately.

Pros and cons of this ceiling fan

Reversed fan switch

There is a switch that can set this fan for summer mode and one for winter mode. Many people have complained that there is not enough airflow. However, they were using the reversed switch for winter, they should have read the instructions. The airflow for summer is downward and has three speeds.

Replacing the little bulbs

There are better LED bulbs that can make a room brighter if you look around for smaller 20-volt replacement bulbs. You can find excellent value by searching for 20-volt candelabra LED bulbs that have higher lumens. Any hardware store or online seller will offer these also. The second-largest complaint about this ceiling fan is about the weak lights.

8. Prominence Home 50852 Benton – Best Ceiling Fan with Lights

Lighting seems to be a perfect match for ceiling fan. This is such a clever design that combines two essential appliances. The best part of this ceiling fan is that it comes with a LED bulb, which emits 3000K soft white light. The yellowish lighting creates relaxing atmosphere at home. Since the ceiling fan uses LED as the light source, the lamp has a long service life. We don’t have to worry about the bulb going off as quickly as an incandescent or fluorescent bulb.

Why do we need lights on a ceiling fan?

Lighting is one of the most important things in our daily lives. Literally, we can’t do anything without light. Some may wonder why not having the ceiling light and ceiling fan separately? Why do we need to incorporate the lights to it?

Indeed, ceiling fan with light is suitable for people who are pursuing minimalist interior design, as it just occupies a single space. If we install recessed lights and fan on the same ceiling, it looks clumsy. What is more, the lights above the running fan blades would create annoying flickering shadow. That’s why it is better to have the lighting fixtures under the ceiling fan.

Can we use the ceiling fan light as the primary light source?

Not really, just because they are usually not bright enough. If you happen to look at the review section of the LED ceiling fans, we will see the buyers often complain that the bulbs are not so bright. So, it is necessary to add the floor lamp as the primary light source.

How do we know if the ceiling fan light is bright enough? We can look at the lumen output of the light source. Lumen is a lighting parameter that indicates the brightness of the bulbs. For instance, many lighted ceiling fans have the output of 800 lumens (lm). However, its brightness is insufficient to illuminate the large or high-ceiling rooms. If you intend to use the lights on the ceiling fan as the primary light source, we may need to replace the bulb with a higher lumen output. The safety precaution is that we need to ensure that the new bulbs don’t overload the ceiling fan. LED is the best choice because of its high energy efficiency.

Low-glare lighting of ceiling fan

In addition, the bulb is covered by a frosted globe, which dramatically reduce the glare. However, the lumen output would be affected as the frosted material would absorb and reflect some of the light beams.

Hugger ceiling fan

Since this ceiling fan has the flush mount design, we can use it in the low-ceiling living room, bedroom, kitchen and so on. Yet, the distance between the fan blade and ceiling will decrease. This might affect the wind flow.

Suitable for large rooms

As the ceiling fan diameter is around 52″, we can use it in the medium-sized rooms, something like 350 to 450 sq. feet. It would give you the ample cooling effect by installing it at the center of the room. Depending on the room temperature, we can have 3 different fan speeds, namely low, medium and high.

Reversible ceiling fan

As the ceiling fan is reversible, we can change the blade direction in different seasons. For example, it is recommended to run the ceiling fan in a counter-clockwise direction when it is hot, or run in clockwise direction when it is cold.

Pros

• Quiet ceiling light that best suits for bedroom or living room
• 3000K lighting that creates cozy atmosphere
• Easy to assemble. The use manual is easy to follow
• Each side of the ceiling fan blade has different colors and patterns (white grey or oak finish). Such clever design allows user to decide which color is best for the current interior design
• Inexpensive. It is believed that this ceiling fan is affordable for many families. However, the low price doesn’t mean it is shoddy. Instead, it has a very high quality and cooling performance. Remember, we are talking about a 52″ ceiling fan with lights
• Nice airflow. The most important function of a ceiling fan is to cool and ventilate the rooms. This Prominence Home product has a very satisfactory wind flow. It moves a good amount of air
• The ceiling fan doesn’t wobble even at high speed

Cons

• The LED bulb included in the package is dim, so it can’t be used as the main light source in the house. The insufficient light output is due to the opaqueness of the lampshade on the ceiling fan
• Each ceiling fan can only hold one bulb

9. Minka-Aire Sleek 60″ – Best Smart Ceiling Fan with Lights

This smart ceiling fan would probably be the best choice if you want to control the ceiling fan on smartphone or other home assistant devices. The ceiling fan can connect to the WiFi network. After downloading the Smart by Bond app on your iOS or Android devices, we can switch on/off the fan and lights. By doing so, we don’t need to worry about the loss of the small remote controller.

Ceiling fan that supports Alexa and Google Home

In addition, we can connect the ceiling fan with Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant to achieve voice control. We can toggle on or off the appliance by just saying the relevant phrase or sentences. The intelligent devices should be able to analyze what you speak and then command the ceiling fan properly.

Remote control included

If you don’t want these smart features for some reasons, we can use the traditional remote control. We can still control the ceiling fan in case your smartphone runs out of battery.

Smart ceiling fan with lighting

The good thing is that the ceiling fan comes with LED light. The 16W LED light emits sufficient brightness for medium or large-sized rooms.

60″ Ceiling fan for large room

This fan is designed for large living room or bedroom because of its gigantic blades. The diameter of the ceiling fan is 60″, so it is best suits for spacious rooms.

The airflow capacity is very high as well. If the fan runs at high speed, it generates around 5655 CFM. The power consumption is just about 31W in this fan speed, so we can see this ceiling fan is quite energy-saving despite its smart features.

Pros

• Smart control. It is more convenient to control the ceiling fan via smartphone, as most people have their devices at hand
• Support voice control after connecting the ceiling fan with smart home devices (need to purchase separately)
• Easy to assemble because the user manual is easy to follow
• Bright LED lighting that illuminate the large rooms
• Modern look. The design of this ceiling fan is so contemporary and stylish that embellish the rooms
• Move lots of air. Thanks to its 60″ ceiling fan diameter, it is able to ventilate the living room with high ceiling

Cons

• WiFi coverage issue. We need to ensure that the ceiling fan receives a good wireless signal. To improve the WiFi signal, we can add a router near the ceiling fan
• More expensive. Smart ceiling fan is usually pricier because it involves the high-technology. If you can’t afford it, we shall get ordinary ceiling fans

10. Harbor Breeze Sail Stream 52″ Ceiling Fan with Remote

The best thing of this ceiling fan is that it has both remote control and lighting. We can adjust the fan speed, as well as turning on/off the lights in a same remote. It is so convenient that we don’t need to come to the wall switches.

This 52″ ceiling fan has the maximum airflow capacity of 2050 CFM, which is ample to ventilate the medium-sized rooms. With its elegant brushed nickel finish, this ceiling fan can not only cool your room, it also embellishes the living room or bedroom. As this remote-controlled ceiling fan with also comes with the light kit, it can provide cozy illumination in your house.

Why do we need a ceiling fan with a remote?

For high-ceiling

Sometimes it is impractical to reach the pull chain on the ceiling fan installed on a very high ceiling. Chances are that not all family members can pull the chain which will cause inconvenience. That’s why it is better to get the ceiling fan with remote.

Pull chain is easy to break

Besides, chances are that the ceiling fan pull chain may break if we forcibly drag it. It is fairly difficult to replace the chain. Nevertheless, we can eliminate this issue by using the remote control.

Know what we are controlling

Another advantage of using the remote control is that we can know what we have commanded. If you adjust the fan speed through the pull chain, it would be very confusing because we don’t know the fan speed after dragging the chain. Instead, we will know what we are pressing on the remote.

In bedroom

If we are falling asleep in bed, we don’t want to stand up again and change the speed of the ceiling fan. By using the remote control, we can comfortably turn on/off the fan or lights without having to fully waking up.

Is ceiling fan remote universal?

As we may install more than one ceiling fans in the same room, a universal remote control is vitally important because we don’t need to carry two remote controllers. In fact, most manufacturers offer the universal remote for a same ceiling fan model, it is much more convenient and practical.

However, if the ceiling fan remote is not universal, we can still get the universal remote kit. We have to wire the receiver into the ceiling fan before using it. It requires basic wiring skills. If you are not proficient in electrical works, we should avoid buying the ceiling fan without universal remote, says the old models.

Pros

• Quiet ceiling fan motor. The ceiling fan doesn’t generate much noise, so it is best suited for bedroom or other silent areas
• Contemporary appearance. The elegant, brushed nickel ceiling fan can instantly upgrade the rooms. It is an important part of interior design
• Versatile remote control. We can easily adjust the fan speed, turn on/off the lighting kit on the ceiling fan
• Affordable price that won’t break the bank
• Comfortable illumination

Cons

• The ceiling fan may not be powerful enough to move air in the high-ceiling or large rooms
• May need 2 people to install because the fan is bulky
• The bulb may burn out quickly

11. Hunter Fan Company 53310 – Best Cheap Ceiling Fan

When it comes to purchasing ceiling fans, you want one that not only gets the job done but it cheap and cost effective without looking like it at all.

In essence, you want a ceiling fan that is both quality and classy for a good price. As much as this is so great and inviting, there is also a dilemma of which out of the various kinds, styles and brands to buy. That problem is solved right now as you read this, introducing the Hunter Fan Company 53310 Ceiling Fan, now; all your ceiling fan needs are met, from comfort to style to affordability. Here are more insights into this ceiling fan.

Features

So, if you have a knack for casual-classy designs in your home’s interior that’s cheap and affordable, then this ceiling fan is perfect for you, it has amazing lights that will illuminate your interiors and give a homely feeling while being economical.

The design is also accentuated by the lining of the iron blades and the body of the fan. Both works together to create a design that’s simple, yet classy. It is also perfect for even a large sized room. Now, some fans may have default lighting on them or ones that have a limit to the control you have, but this ceiling fan has fully adjustable LED-light bulbs that grants full access and control of the lighting, so whether you want it dim or bright, you have full control.

As for the cooling of the fan, its 13-degree blade pitch ensures that you have optimum cooling and amazing performance no matter the size of the room you want it in.

The best part however is the fact that the blades are reversible which means it can blow hot or cool air depending on the time and season, a great deal for an inexpensive price.

The selling points include –

• State of the art LED light: the fan comes with LED lights that are covered and in place by frosted glass. The lights are also adjustable.
• Reversible Fan Motor: this fan has reversible fan motors which makes it perfect for both summer and winter. No matter the temperature, this affordable fan has got you.
• Bulb Power: the LED lights do not consume much power and will suit the ambience of the room effortlessly.
• Pull Chain Control: the chain on the ceiling fan allows you pull to turn it off and on and also adjust the speed in a fast and timely fashion.
• Different Mounting Height: the height of the fan is adjustable from the ceiling with different rods that measure closer or farther away from the ceiling. It is not only cheap and economical; it is also fit for every room in the house especially sitting room, and lounges.

Indeed, ceiling fans conserve more energy compared to air conditioners and as such, advertisers make this fact known. But here’s what you may now have known: ceiling fans can be better managed and you could save more money despite how cheap and inexpensive it already is.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

Know when to turn it off

During summer time for instance make sure to turn off the fan when no one is in the room because fans cool the skin, not the room, so when you leave it on in an empty room, you will just be wasting power and considerable resources if done too often overtime.

Make sure to invest in energy saver fans

Do not be taken away by the fact that it consumes energy so its efficient, fans like the Hunter conserves energy and get the job done just as well, and it is also very inexpensive so you are getting a god deal.

Run it clockwise on low in the winter

During winter, do not increase the speed of your fan while It runs clockwise, let it be slow and steady, it’ll do the job and save you money in electricity bills.

Pros

• Very affordable, inexpensive and cost effective
• Blades can go clockwise and counter-clockwise
• Easy to install
• User friendly
• Beautiful design
• Silent fan and white neutral color
• Easy to control and adjust
• Beautiful and adjustable LED lights

Cons

• Can be loud sometimes
• Mostly in white color

Getting a good ceiling fan for a good price is as simple as ever now. Also, ceiling fans like this one help save dollars in electricity bills only if you practice the saving strategy with your fan. For more information on that, contact an expert and sit back and relax. Saving money with quality ceiling fans is a breeze.

12. Minka-Aire F868L-ORB 60″ – Best Quiet Ceiling Fan

Tips for selecting a quiet ceiling fan

There’re always more than a few good tips to find a ceiling fan that runs quietly. The selection usually starts with finding out where the noise issue is coming from. Is it the fan blades or the fan speed itself? To be honest, it can be a combination, so if you’re looking for a fan with low noise read further. Here are the top tips that you can look for when choosing a silent running ceiling fan.

No more than 3 blades

The sound of the motor, for the most part, is pretty silent. The real sound is coming from the fan blades cutting through the air. This is why the faster the blades spin, the more audible the sound they will make. You can’t avoid that completely. The best solution is to reduce the number of blades you want to have. Fancy models with 6 blades will be double the noise of 3 bladed ceiling fan models. Keep the air tension down with using only 3 blades in total.

Check to see if any fan blades are warped

No matter what material that’s used for the blades, there is always the chance they can get warped. Steel is great but getting one kink can cause more resistance to cutting through the air. It can happen to plastic and even hardwood fan blades. Plastic is troublesome since hot weather and high heat will make them droop. Wood will warp due to too much humidity or cracking. These will contribute to ceiling fan blade noise with variations to each material.

Don’t use a dimmer switch

If you’ve installed a dimmer switch to control the fan speed you might also hear noise due to a speed that isn’t just from the fan blades. It’s the motor that wasn’t designed for being controlled. It can hum or buzz because it might be meant for selected speeds only. Only buy a fan that comes with speed control, adding one will just cause more noise problems. If your ceiling fan was designed to be used with a dimmer switch, then noise won’t be a problem.

Use a lower fan speed

The slower the speed, the less noise there will be overall. Turn it up to high and you’ll hear the sound difference. If you like more air movement, choose a fan that has a higher CFM to get better airflow. Selecting a fan blade that’s more angled can also boost the airflow however it too may generate noise. No matter what you do, the slower speeds will be the quietest when the fan is running.

Ways to reduce the running noise of a ceiling fan

You can always try to troubleshoot the sound issue with some simple tricks. These are more defined as maintenance than anything else. But if you want to keep a fan from making noise over time, these tips are a must. When you own a ceiling fan these are routine tasks that need to be observed every time. This way, no matter what season it happens to be; weird noises and sounds can be kept to a minimum.

Do you have dirty blades?

It’s hard to imagine that dust can be a source of ceiling fan sounds. Humid rooms will turn every surface into a breeding ground for the dust to collect. Especially on moving parts. The same goes for any smoke and cooking oil. It starts-off as vapor and sticks to everything. Even the e-cigarette vapor will find its way to your fan blade surface. Dust particles build-up faster on moving fan blades in a couple of weeks! They need to be cleaned every two weeks for this reason.

Are your fan blades balanced?

Some fan blades will need to be balanced. They have kits for this and it doesn’t take much to keep your fan from vibrating. But did you know that unbalanced blades add to extra noise too? The slight angle that a blade is off-center will cause air friction. This will be obvious when you hear it and sound like an offbeat swooshing. Having all the fan blades balanced removes the chances of unnecessary noise.

Check the motor housing box

What if it’s not coming from the fan blades at all? Normal ceiling fan spinning can cause motor housing to vibrate. Not rattle but vibrate if it wasn’t secured firmly. There are little screws that hold it in place and they can come loose. The housing will respond to the motor spinning and can make noise too. Make sure that all the housing screws are tightened-down so this doesn’t happen.

Loose fan blade screws

Did you miss this obvious blunder as well? Many fans have blades that attach to rotor mounts. These can be loose and cause a fan blade to wag when it’s turned on. It’s also a big danger since a loose screw can see blades flying off. Do a general check by inspecting each blade before turning it on. If a screw becomes loose, then use a screwdriver to tighten it down. Check for this every two weeks as well.

Features of this ceiling fan

This 60″ ceiling fan from Minka-Aire is elegant and smart in one. It has 6-speed settings and has a built-in LED light. It can be installed quickly and has a very good variety of downrod lengths available (purchase separately). This fan is equally quiet even at the highest speed since it has just three blades. While it comes with a remote to control fan speeds and light brightness it also has a free control app.

Smart by Bond

It works with your smartphone, tablet, and various smart devices. The mobile app allows you to control speed and the brightness of the light manually. Smart devices such as Alexa and Google Home can be voice-controlled. It’s also great for connecting through any WiFi controller too.

CFM

The 6 speeds can give you a whole range of cubic feet per minute (CFM). This is starting at 1380 CFM up to 5655 CFM. The slow speed with virtually is silent while the high speed can faintly be heard. The fastest speed also delivers impressive airflow with only 3 fan blades.

Pros

• Works great with Alexa and other smart devices that control your home by voice command
• It can be installed in under 2 hours on average
• It’s also easy to use the mobile app through the WiFi control

Cons

• The fan blades feel like plastic painted to look like wood
• Does not have a wall switch, it comes with a remote control that needs batteries

13. Hunter 51059 Transitional 42″ – Best Ceiling Fan for Low Ceiling

Can we use a ceiling fan on a low ceiling?

The big million-dollar question is always the hardest to answer, isn’t it? It isn’t when it comes to safety and ceiling fans. Most ceilings in an average home or flat are well above 8-9 feet tall. Some homes have higher ceilings if they’ve gutted the attic and created vaulted ceilings. Some stately homes are simply built to impress with 15-20 feet ceilings. But what is the limit for the lowest ceiling allowed?

The lowest that is allowed is 7′ 6″ for any room that is occupied by any living person. This means that for safety a ceiling fan must allow for 7 feet clearance. If you have a low ceiling it needs at least 8 feet to accommodate a hugger ceiling fan.

Why is this ceiling fan suitable for a low ceiling?

This model from the Hunter Fan Company measures a total of 8.80 inches from the base to the tip. The fan blade measurement to the base is exactly 7.53 inches. You might barely have just enough room to clear this legally if your room is 7′ 6″ in height. Luckily most rooms are comfortable 8 feet tall. Since it has no down rod, this model attaches directly to a low ceiling with no worry at all. You’ll still have plenty of headroom thanks to this hugger fan.

The good part about this ceiling fan design is that it was specially created for smaller sized rooms. Even washrooms that have lower ceilings will still make room for this model. When space is limited this hugger fan comes through sure enough.

Features of this ceiling fan

This low ceiling fan features 5 motor-driven fan blades. The entire fan is painted white and is a classic modern design. The fan blades look more like swim flippers or canoe oars rather than propeller blades. They are aerodynamically sound with a 13-degree angled pitch to direct air where it needs to go. This fan also allows a reversible setting to suit the seasons. It comes with a pull chain to set the speed and turn it on or off.

This 42-inch diameter low ceiling fan delivers an impressive 2902 CFMs on high speed and works wonders in small to medium-sized rooms.

Pros

• 1-year limited warranty on all parts with a lifetime warranty for the motor
• It can be paired with Hunter remote controls sold separately from Hunter Fans
• This hugger low ceiling fan installs in under two hours
• This fan runs very quietly with minimal fan blade noise

Cons

• You might have to test-fit the ceiling flange since wires may prevent it from sitting flush to the ceiling
• This model can be a little bit trickier than other Hunter Fan models

14. 72″ Casa Domain Rustic Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Best for High Ceiling

Can we use this fan on a high ceiling?

This ceiling fan from Casa Vieja is meant for high ceilings but there is something important to mention. This style fan will need a length of the downrod so the appropriate height limit can be around 10 feet above your head. The only question is how high your ceiling happens to be so downrod supports this high ceiling fan. Another issue is ceiling pitch since you can have a 14-degree pitch for the ceiling mount to work.

Despite this issue, longer lengths of the downrod are available from Casa Vieja upon request at an additional cost. This high ceiling fan would be ideal for ceilings that are 12-15 feet tall. It can also work in outdoor applications under a protected patio.

Why is this ceiling fan suitable for a high ceiling?

The secret to this high ceiling fan is that it’s a rustic fan design. Usually, you see rustic fans that have several fan blades. This fan features five blades that measure a total of 72 inches in diameter. It creates a dynamic airflow that cools large rooms effectively. Industrial fans need height requirements to move large volumes of air.

This is another reason why it can only be used around high ceilings. It’s not a small fan by typical standards however the blade diameter is pretty impressive. Each blade is angled at a 14-degree pitch to ensure air is seriously going to be moved around.

Features

Starting with the color of this impressive fan, you’ll see the bronze finish has a hand-painted look to it. This style gives the sheen of this matt finish, it shows-off all the details. Not quite antique but almost there in terms of looking slightly worn. There is a total of 6 speeds and has a reverse button on the remote control. The remote sets the speed and the on or off function too.

When this fan is properly installed with the exact height requirements from Casa Vieja, it will move volumes of air! They proclaim this high ceiling fan can push upwards of 7699 CFM. The only trick is having the right kind of ceiling height and distance it is hung over your head.

Pros

• It can be used outside for damp weather but only under a protected deck cover
• It can work with a remote control
• Longer downrod lengths are available from Casa Vieja directly

Cons

• Will not be good for humid or saltwater ocean locations
• Too many people have installed the fan incorrectly
• Many people did not know the fan was on the reverse setting

15. Craftmade 48″ 3-Blade Kids Ceiling Fan

Can we use a ceiling fan in the kid’s room?

It’s nice to have a ceiling fan in the kid’s room especially if it brings character and whimsy. Kids like decorations however when it can be a practical appliance, you’ve added value to the visuals too. Every room will be different but for kids, it should capture that youthful feeling. As long as they understand it’s not a toy there shouldn’t be a problem. By putting up a ceiling fan, you’ll also keep them cool on hotter days.

Be sure to mount this fan away from obvious dangers such as closet or bedroom doors. Depending on the size of the room this fan should be as close to the center of the room as possible. If this bedroom is for two children, make sure that the fan is enough far away from bunk bed reach. Young children may be curious and try to touch the fan while it’s in motion.

Safety precautions of a ceiling fan for newborns

You want to ensure that your newborn is protected from all sorts of things, a ceiling fan especially. One important addition is to add a J-Bolt which is a special attachment that keeps the fan from accidentally falling. Even though the base mounting should be enough the J-Bolt attaches to the fan base and onto a support beam. It’s double protection just in case the base plate happens to come loose.

Features of this ceiling fan

This particular fan comes with a classic fighter plane Tiger Shark’ drawing on the side. Looking like the front of a propeller and engine hood of a warplane. It’s a wonderful 48″ diameter fan with a built-in light in the nosecone. It has 3 speeds and comes with 2 pull chains to operate the light and fan speed. This is a flush mount hugger model that only works on flat ceilings.

Pros

• The highest fan speed produces 4138 CFM which moves enough air for a small room
• It comes with a 30-year limited motor warranty
• Can be installed in 1 or 2 hours

Cons

• Fan blades are made of plastic, not wood
• It works by pull chain only, there is no wall control

16. Progress Lighting P2501-09 – Best Vaulted Ceiling Fan

The Progress Lighting P2501-09 is a 52 inches fan that has five blades. It also comes with a three-speed motor that can be reversed for a more comfortable day at home. This is a brushed nickel fan that comes with Cherry or Natural Cherry blades which is reversible. You can easily install it even with a low ceiling by just skipping the downrod. Includes an 80-inch lead wire so it can accommodate installation on higher ceilings and using the downrod. It’s the best way to have your fan installed instead of getting a stand-fan that can eat up too much space around the room.

Can We Use Ceiling Fans on a Vaulted Ceiling?

You can use ceiling fans on a vaulted ceiling by the use of the downrod. Since most ceiling fan manufacturers include this, it becomes possible to have the ceiling fan to be installed in a vaulted ceiling. Keep in mind that to have it in a cathedral or vaulted ceiling, downrod must be at least 12 inches in length. Just make sure that the bigger the fan is, the longer the downrod should be. It’s for your safety so never ignore this fact to avoid any accidents from happening.

Safety Precautions When Installing the Ceiling Fan on a Sloped Ceiling

In case your home has a sloped or inclined ceiling, it’s important to have a longer downrod to ensure safety. It depends on the angle of your ceiling as well as your ceiling fan type. Aside from the downrod, you may also need to get an angled ceiling mount adapter to fix your fan to your sloped ceiling. You will also need to take some safety precautions when installing your ceiling fan so that you can set it up without any accidents if you choose to get it done on your own. If it seems to be a little complicated for you since you have a sloped ceiling, better ask someone who knows how it’s done or ask for professional help.

Safety Precautions

• Power of the circuit breaker box before starting the installation.
• Check for obstruction first on the installation area.
• Choose a UL Listed outlet box with the “Acceptable for Fan Support” mark.
• Read the instruction manual for additional safety, cautions, and warning information from the manufacturer.
• Verify if the electrical connections comply with all the necessary codes.

Here are the things you need to safely install your ceiling fan:

Get a Slope Ceiling Adapter

It will give the sloped ceiling an extra space between the fan. That way, you can still have a space for the remote control receiver.

Purchase a Separate Downrod for Extension

Depending on the angle of your ceiling, it is a must to have a downrod when installing a fan in a sloped ceiling. It should be at least 30 inches away from the wall and other objects around it. The fan blades must be 7 inches away from the floor.

Angled Ceiling Mount

This is needed for angled ceilings that have around 34 to 56 degrees, it will replace your current canopy to make it possible for you to install your ceiling fan.

Features of This Ceiling Fan

• 3-speed motor
• Reversible Cherry or Natural Cherry blades
• 52 inches in diameter by 12 inch in height
• It comes with downrod for installing in lower ceiling type

Pros

• Get the value of your money from this ceiling fan
• It’s simple enough to install
• Work well and move the air around better
• Durable and the retro style provides a great look
• It comes with a 30-year limited warranty

Cons

• Blades are bent when received but they can be replaced.

A ceiling fan is the best way to have better air circulation around the house. It can also serve as an additional accessory for your home. It can accentuate the room and make it have the retro feel with this ceiling fan. The Progress Lighting P2501-09 is a great addition in your dining room, living room, and even with the bedrooms. It’s a great way to balance off the air conditioning for summer and the heating system during the winter. Enjoy feeling comfortable all year round and impress your house guests at the same time.

17. Hunter Fan Company Low Profile IV – Best Ceiling Fan Without Light

Advantages of using a ceiling fan without lights

One of the main advantages of not having a ceiling fan without lights is simplicity. Sure, light is nice when it comes attached to a fan, but it usually isn’t important. Depending on where you put these ceiling fan models you only want to move the air. That’s the whole reason for getting more ventilation within a room, isn’t it? Having a light attached is only better for low ceilings and mostly for visual aesthetics.

Another advantage is it won’t be using more electricity since the additional light is not there. Any other light source in your room will need to be placed appropriately for this fan. The ceiling fan blades aren’t a danger to any light source unless you need to change a light bulb. Just be sure to have enough space between these two so you aren’t close to the moving blades.

Features of this ceiling fan

Here is a flush mount hugger model that is great for low ceiling rooms. The total width of the blades spans 42″ and has a seasonal switch to reverse the airflow. The angle of the blades is 13-degree and is suitable for ceilings between 8-9 feet. It comes with 3 fan speeds that can be controlled by the pull chain. This model has a classic country charm that fits with many styles and décor arrangements.

Pros

• This ceiling fan comes with a lifetime limited warranty for the motor
• It runs pretty silently on all three speeds
• The airflow is perfect for small rooms with up to 2902 CFM as the highest
• It works well with a wall dimmer switch

Cons

• The blades are not wood, it is fiberboard and will be sensitive to humid weather
• Often screws are missing from the package
• The ceiling mount may not always be perfectly flush with the fan and the ceiling

See also: How to install Hunter Low Profile IV Ceiling Fan

18. Hunter Cranbrook 52 inch (Mint) – Best Nursery Ceiling Fan

Why do we need a ceiling fan for the nursery?

The nursery is one place where you need to keep your baby warm and comfortable, so why would you need a ceiling fan. One reason is having circulating air on warm to hot days. The low speed will gently mix air to allow for better airflow for breathing. Babies, in particular, are sensitive to temperature changes so having optimal circulation is equally important. This is why the room should always have air moving to balance the room temperature.

The placement of this fan should never be directly over any baby whatsoever. Find a spot in the room where this fan is not putting your baby in danger. If at all possible, try to find a location that is at the opposite end of the room. Always monitor the temperature and flow of air for obvious safety reasons. Never leave any ceiling fan on unattended without being able to check on your child periodically.

Features of this ceiling fan

An ideal ceiling fan for a nursery or any room of your choice. This is a 52″ diameter fan blade that runs quietly on all speeds that you select. It comes with a remote control that changes the speed setting and lighting controls. The light itself is an LED bulb that can be turned on or off using the remote. Hunter Fans also include 2 sized down rods (2″ and 3″), for ceilings that are pitched or flat. It also has a switch that can be set for summer and winter seasons, so it’s reversible.

Pros

• This model is energy efficient and LED light powered
• The motor has a lifetime limited warranty
• This LED light is a warm hue or incandescent light rather than bright white
• This model has 4 blades but is equally quiet when running on any speed

Cons

• You cannot dim the LED light by remote
• The mint-colored light cover is open on the bottom, so light may be too harsh in some cases

19. Big Air 88″ Industrial Ceiling Fan – Best for Large Room

Why is this ceiling fan suitable for a large room?

The most important reason is that this model moves air. Not only that, but it also has a reversible button that can be used for season changes. It’s perfect for pushing down hot air in the summer or sucking up warm air in the winter. Another great selling point is the incredible 88″ fan blade diameter. There is a total of 9 blades attached to this ceiling fan making it well adapted for large rooms. It can cool off a room up to 40′ x 60′ very quickly.

The diameter of this ceiling fan has been developed to allow large open rooms to get continual airflow. Once the air is circulating it’s not about how fast the fan is spinning. The volume of air will cool your room without feeling like you’re in a wind storm. This is the major reason why large bladed fans work so well at slower RPM speeds. The physics of airflow will do the rest to keep temperatures under control.

What CFM is best for a large room?

Ideally, a large room should have between 2000 to 6000 CFM to move air. You have to consider that the larger a fan blade and number of blades determines airflow too. In especially large rooms, you may need two or more ceiling fans. Without a doubt, slower air flow doesn’t rule-out higher CFM if there is adequate air circulation.

Features

This ceiling fan is not only perfect for large rooms it also can be used as an industrial fan. The total diameter measures an impressive 88″ with 9 large fan blades. It is rated by Energy Star and is 65% more energy efficient due to the DC motor. It comes with a handy remote control with 6 fan speeds you can select. There is also a dual button that chooses the fan direction for summer or winter weather. It comes with a standard 6″ down rod.

Pros

• It has a 1-year factory warranty
• This model can be used indoors for residential and commercial usage
• Can cool rooms as large as 40′ x 60′ in size

Cons

• Some people do not know how to use the reverse button correctly
• Due to the length of the fan blades, the RPM will appear to move air slower

20. Westinghouse Lighting 7224300 Quince – Best Ceiling Fan for Small Room

Why is this ceiling fan suitable for a small room?

Despite the size of this ceiling fan, it delivers a punch for moving air effectively. The first clue is from the 25 Watt DC motor. This is a 153 x 9-millimeter silicone steel DC motor that has a dual capacitor. It also saves money compared to other similar fans in this size category. This fan will deliver 39 CFMs per watt with as much as 1270 CFMs at the highest speed. For a small room, this is more than enough airflow for rooms that are 10′ x 12′.

Some people are even inclined to put this fan inside their walk-in closet. It will keep clothing from smelling stale and the circulation is perfect for airing out shoes. It also makes a walk-in closet very elegant and classy, since this is where most people like to put on their clothes. Having this kind of circulation in a small space helps keep stuffy air from concentrating.

What CFM is best for a small room?

Any room under 200 square feet or roughly 10′ x 20′ will give you adequate ventilation. The amount of airflow for anything smaller is 1000-2000 CFM. A typical 12′ x 12′ room will be perfect for this size ceiling fan. Rooms such as a washroom, bathroom, or kid’s room are excellent choices for this style fan. In a residential medium-sized bedroom, it would be recommended to install two of these fans.

Features

Among the best features, this ceiling fan has to offer fit in perfectly for smaller family homes or apartments. This design measures 24″ across in diameter and comes with 6 fan blades. It has a built-in dome light that uses incandescent light bulbs. They can be switched to use LED lights for better cost-efficiency. It can also be reversed for seasonal energy savings.

It does have a limited warranty of two years on fan parts however the fan motor has a lifetime warranty. Oddly this model supplies a 78″ lead wire so you don’t have to buy extra electrical wiring.

Pros

• It can be mounted on both flat and vaulted ceiling surfaces
• This ceiling fan comes with a 4″ downrod, yet longer rods are available from Westinghouse
• It’s very effective for cooling small rooms only
• This ceiling fan has 3 speeds that can be reversible for seasonal use

Cons

• It cannot be used for outdoor use for covered patios or outdoor decks
• The glass dome doesn’t fit snug enough and needs Teflon tape on the outer edge as a gasket
• The mounting bracket may have flush-with-ceiling issues

21. Westinghouse Lighting 7861400 – Best Ceiling Fan for Garage

It is a 56″ 3-blade ceiling fan for garage. The selling point is that it has the exceptionally high airflow capacity of around 5973 CFM. Thus, it should be able to ventilate and cool the large shop effectively. Thanks to its high CFM, it can be used in both industrial or commercial settings. Besides, the product comes with a 12″ downrod, so we can shorten the distance between the ceiling fan and the floor in a high ceiling garage.

Why should we put a ceiling fan in the garage?

We may feel suffocation in a garage, particularly in summer. The body heat and humid air can really make us sweat a lot and thus affect our car maintenance work. That’s why we need a powerful fan that ventilates the garage.

There are so many types of fan in the world, such as pedestal fan and wall mount fan, why should we put ceiling fan in garage?

Pedestal fan vs ceiling fan

First, ceiling fan doesn’t occupy floor space. If we put the pedestal fan on garage floor, we may be stumbled easily. It is fairly risky as there are many sharp tools and objects in the workshop. By putting the ceiling fan in shop, we can keep the ground clean that reduce the risk of accident.

Wall-mounted fan vs ceiling fan

Another ceiling fan alternative is wall-mounted fan. Although it doesn’t occupy the floor space. The airflow would be limited if you own a large shop. Instead, we can put the large ceiling fan, says this 56″ model, in the middle of the garage, so we can effectively move the air in different parts of the room.

Thus, we can see putting ceiling fan in garage has more advantages.

Why 3-blade ceiling fan is best for garage?

Energy-saving

3-blade ceiling fan is good for garage because it generates evenly distributed airflow without consuming much electricity. 4 or 5 blades can also generate ample airflow, so why not use the 3-blade ceiling fan that saves energy?

Cheaper

Besides, 3-blade garage ceiling fans are usually cheaper because there are fewer parts. Some ceiling fan manufacturers may sell their products at a higher rate as the number of ceiling fan blades increases.

Minimalist style

If you want to keep your garage ceiling less distracting, it is better to use 3-blade ceiling fan.

Easy to assemble and mount

3-blade ceiling fans is lighter and therefore easier to install. Moreover, the time required to assemble the fan is reduced.

Cleaning issue

If you use the 5-blade or even 8-blade ceiling fan, it may take a long period to remove the dust on the blades. If we don’t clean the fan regularly, the ceiling fan may rock that causes noise.

Pros

• 5-speed control. Compared with the common 3-speed ceiling fans, we can fine-tune the CFM. We can have different speed settings according to the room temperature and humidity
• Quiet ceiling fan. This ceiling fan doesn’t generate much noise when running at high speed. However, a little white noise is observed when the blades cut through air
• Easy to assemble. As the ceiling fan has only 3 blades, it is time-saving and easier to install
• High CFM that moves a lot of air
• Cheap price. The price is quite affordable for such the large ceiling fan
• Looks elegant. The brushed nickel blade and finish matches the style of contemporary garages

Cons

• The control box is huge
• The ceiling fan may wobble when running at high speed

22. US DELIVER 52″ Industrial Crystal Ceiling Fan Review

This 5-blade ceiling fan comes with rustic vibe that decorates houses, restaurants or other commercial areas. Under the industrial-style wood blades, we will see a crystal lighting fixture illuminating the room. The lamp cage is like an inverted pumpkin. What is more, the crystal will glitter when the light is on. This will create the eye-catching reflection on the ceiling or wall. It is using E27 bulbs as the light source.

Since the fan motor is reversible, we can run the ceiling fan is different directions in summer or winter.

Where can we put the crystal ceiling fan?

The luxurious appearance of crystal may appeal to many homeowners. In fact, we can install this type of ceiling fan in almost all parts of the house, such as living room, kitchen, bedroom, dining room, etc. Your guests will be impressed by the beautiful ceiling fan.

However, the crystal ceiling fan is not suitable for the reading room, because the glare generated may make the reader feel dazzled. What is more, if the ceiling fan wobble, the bling will move randomly that is pretty distracting. Thus, it is not recommended to use the glam ceiling fan in rooms that require concentration.

Pros

• Antique style ceiling fan that is best suited for Victorian interior design
• Reversible blades for hot and cold weathers
• Quiet motor that won’t disturb your activities
• Supports remote control

Cons

• Difficult to clean the crystals and the cage of ceiling fan
• A little pricey

23. Vhouse-us CFL-8154BR Charla Chandelier Ceiling Fan – Best for Dining Room

This product perfectly combines gorgeous crystal chandelier and functional ceiling fan. The chandelier is splitted into 2 parts. The upper part is trophy-shaped and the lower part is bowl-shaped. The light bulbs are enclosed by the crystal cage. When the lights are switched on, it will produce eye-catching, glamorous lighting effects, adding fun and style to dining room. However, the package doesn’t include the bulbs, so we need to purchase them elsewhere. It uses 3 x E12 and 1 x E26 as the light source. When buying the ceiling fan bulbs, we need to ensure that power consumption of each bulb doesn’t exceed 60W.

Why ceiling fan with chandelier is best for dining room?

Dining room is a place where the family members have meals together. The chandelier & ceiling fan combo can decorate the room, and ventilate the area near the dining table. It can be an excellent decor above the table. Moreover, the soft white lights can make the food become more appetizing.

The ceiling fan can keep the family members cool when enjoying the cuisine. The breeze can help cool our skin and reduce the humidity around the table. Most importantly, it generates the wind flow that dilute the strong smell of food after meal.

Does the fandelier have to be centered over dining table?

Where is the best place to hang chandelier ceiling fan in dining room? Many interior designers may tell you that the fandelier should be centered over the dining table. Is it true? The answer is quite tricky – aesthetically yes, but functionally no.

Truly, it looks better if the ceiling fan is center above the round table, as it will become the centerpiece. In addition, we can ensure that the light on the dining table is evenly disturbed.

However, center is not the best location in terms of ventilation. According to the researches, the airflow in the ceiling fan is relatively low. Therefore, if we want to maintain good air circulation, we shouldn’t put the ceiling fan just above the dining table.

How far above the table should the chandelier ceiling fan hang?

In general, it is recommended to leave a gap of approximately 28″ to 35″ between the chandelier and the dining table. This is because we can enjoy sufficient lighting emitted by the chandelier, but it doesn’t block the view. If we hang the hang the chandelier too low, it will block the faces of people sitting opposite you.

Additionally, we need to maintain a minimum distance of 7′ between the ceiling fan blades and the floor. If the ceiling fan is too low, the running fan blades can easily hit body parts.

Pros

• Outstanding quality for this affordable price
• Gorgeous crystal cage on ceiling fan. It can be a centerpiece of dining room
• Beautiful Victorian style
• Quiet ceiling fan

Cons

• A little bit heavy because of the bulky chandelier
• Difficult to assemble

24. Kichler 300168NI – Best 2-Blade Fancy Ceiling Fan

This ceiling fan has a fancy design – there are only 2 blades point in opposite directions. It is so unique because there is a large ring connecting the two blades, which look likes the ceiling fan is in one piece. This design breaks the tradition, as most people think that the ceiling fan should have 3, 4 or 5 blades. The brushed nickel finish also adds a sense of luxury.

Why using 2-blade ceiling fan?

If you happen to browse different online or physical ceiling fan stores, the common models are 3, 4 or 5 blades. The 2-blade ceiling fans make your house more futuristic.

Airflow issue

Some may wonder whether the 2-blade ceiling fans move air. Frankly speaking, the airflow capacity will be slightly reduced because there are only two blades cutting through the air. We may need to increase the fan speed to compensate for the loss of wind flow.

Easier to install

The overwhelming advantage is that they are easy to install. Imagine we need to assemble 8-blade ceiling fan – it takes time to assemble the parts and mount the fan on the ceiling. By using 2-blade, we can save installation time and effort.

Cleaning

In addition, the 2-blade fans are easier to clean. Dust and dirt may be deposited on the ceiling fan blades, thereby affecting balance, speed and cooling capacity; therefore, we need to remove the dust on the fan every 2 to 3 months. The cleaning process would be less painful if we use the 2-blade ceiling fans.

Pros

• Quiet motor. It doesn’t create significant noise when running at high speed
• Move lots of air. Although this ceiling fan only comes with 2 blades, it cools the medium-sized room
• Aesthetically beautiful, it is like an artwork for ceiling

Cons

• Suitable for high-ceiling only
• The ceiling fan blades are made of ABS plastic

25. Westinghouse Lighting 7217100 Stella Mira – Best Vintage Ceiling Fan with Lights (52″)

Thanks to the rustic appearance, this ceiling fan is most suitable for a living room or dining room with industrial interior design. The motor housing and lamp cage has classic, beautiful oil rubbed bronze finish. It is so eye-catching at the middle of the room.

Vintage ceiling fan with LED light kit

One of the classic parts I highly appreciate is the lighting fixture under the ceiling fan. There are three small candle holders in the spherical cage. However, we will not put the real candles; instead, it uses 3 x B11 LED bulbs. Since the power of each LED bulb is about 4.5W, we can’t expect it to produce extraordinarily bright lighting. The fixture is mainly used for decoration.

The 52″ ceiling fan diameter can move air in a 400 sq. feet room effectively.

Remote controlled

The good news is that we can adjust the fan speed & toggle on/off the lights through the remote control. So, there is no need to approach the ceiling fan if it needs to be turned off. It is safer for users.

Reversible blades for summer and winter

Although it is a decorative, vintage ceiling fan, it has the reversible blades. In summer, we can set the spin to counter-clockwise. It should create a cooling effect on the body. In winter, we may use the clockwise direction to help collect the warm air under the ceiling fan. This multi-functional ceiling fan makes it useful in different seasons.

Pros

• Good quality & affordable price. It can move lots of air
• Quite motor. If the ceiling fan is properly wired and installed, it won’t produce the annoying humming or abnormal mechanical noise. We will hear the blade cutting through the air
• Elegant oil rubbed bronze finish, which makes the ceiling fan look classic

Cons

• The lights are not very bright

Top Ceiling Fan Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the best ceiling fan is not easy because we need to consider many factors, such as the ceiling fan size, CFM, number of blades, ceiling height and so on. This buyer’s guide will provide you with the comprehensive information and the basic knowledge about ceiling fan, so as to help you make purchase decisions This guide is particularly useful for the first-time users.

1. Ceiling fan size

Determining the best size ceiling fan for any room is going to be a matter of measurement. Some people like to have an exact layout of the size of a room to determine the fan size. I would like to say there is an easier way to speed-up this process. Rather than measure ‘length x width’ and be exact with an estimate, why not use the fan blade span instead? After all, a room does need to have a fan diameter that matches the size of the room…

Your room would look either out-of-proportion or ineffective enough to do the job. Most ceiling fans will tell you right away what size room it’s measured-out for. When determining fan diameter, you are using a simple math task of 1 + 1, and the answer is always 2. If your room is 10 x 10 feet, then you subtract the room by two feet on each side. Your room would measure 6 x 6 feet in diameter.

Then do the math again with 1 +1 adding just one foot subtracted on each side. You now have a room that is 4 x 4 feet. The fan blade diameter should be 48 inches (4-feet) and is the right size for that size room. Do this for any size room and you can estimate the fan blade size within a 1-foot diameter each time very quickly.

2. Energy efficient / CFM

Nearly every model of ceiling fan these days will have an Energy Star rating or have info about energy savings. You want to know immediately how effective your ceiling fan is going to be at a glance. Well, energy efficient is nice however fan speeds increase wattage and that’s where the cost goes up. You’ll need to focus on how well the CFM average is to determine the cost savings. CFM is also known as Cubic Feet per Minute.

The higher the CFM number versus wattage depends on how hard the motor needs to work. You might find that the fan blade angle is better for driving higher amounts of air for circulation too. But the truth is that larger fan blades don’t need to spin fast to drive lots of air. The CFM gets lower when larger fan blades are introduced. You might feel less air movement as a result, though that doesn’t mean CFM isn’t there.

The larger a fan blade happens to be may translate for you that energy savings will be better. This can be the case since the blades don’t need a lot of wattage to move more air more gently. If the motor is stronger then you’ll get the wind effect, however, more wattage will be used as a result.

3. Number of ceiling fan blades

How many fan blades do you need on a ceiling fan? It could be as easy as picking your favorite number. Is it a matter of function over aesthetics or is there a difference? I would like to say that fan blades are like sample bags of potato chips, you can’t just eat one! After the third or fourth bag, you might hesitate to open the 5th bag. Then you start to wonder what’s listed in the contents and nutrition section on the back.

A ceiling fan is very similar when it comes to the number of fan blades. The energy savings or rating, the amount of CFM, and even the RPM are to be considered. Do all those numbers matter to you or not? After digesting all that content info is your energy bill going to get fatter or will is slim-down instead? If you’re smart, you’ll choose ceiling fan blades based on the best savings that are possible.

This way you can cash in on those savings on other savory items later.

4. Ceiling height

Depending on where you live and how big your house measurements allow for, the height for ceiling fans is determined. Unless you’ve been lucky to remodel and expand your room to be bigger, having a tall ceiling is always dodgy. How much down rod do you need or whether there’s enough room to install a hugger fan and so on. Ceiling fan height is a privilege or a curse depending on what you decide to install.

And if that’s not enough, you need to figure the correct height to hang your fan so it will work effectively. Most ceiling fans are the standard 7-foot mark to ensure there is a safety margin. It’s also a simple fact that any fan attached to the ceiling needs space to move air upward or downward. Perhaps the worst fact you might not know is that select fans need more height than others.

The reason is almost always due to the diameter of the fan blades. It could be designed for industrial use and residential but will have a height requirement. The problems begin when the incorrect installation isn’t followed and poor air circulation is the result. Always hang your ceiling fan at the recommended height it was designed to be hung from.

5. Reversible blades

Maybe it’s just how this sounds, that you can remove ceiling fan blades and upturn each blade upside down instead. That would be silly, wouldn’t it? Well that’s not practical enough and to be fair, it wouldn’t work at all. The trick to having a reversible insulating fan is to reverse the direction of the motor. Instead of blowing air downward in the summer, it sucks air upward and does this in reverse.

It works for season climate changes and gives you year-round usage in exchange. Summer months are cooler and winter months can be warmer. But then you’re thinking, how can winter be warmer if the fan is blowing cool air? It all has to do with thermal dynamics that mix the air within the room. Warm air always rises to the ceiling like you imagine it does. When the fan is reversed this brings up cooler air forcing the warm air downward.

It’s a bit like a volcano erupting inside a big box. The flow of warm air gets pushed over the walls and down to the cool air. Since air is being sucked upward through the fan blade wind tunnel, it completes a full circle. The flow of warm air is essentially recycling lost heat that’s an energy-saving in return for you. Don’t forget to find a quality ceiling fan that has this option.

6. Blade material

How much of a difference is the blade material going to make? How about if you want to have a fan that lasts for years or decades? Well, that’s not completely fair since the weather has a lot to say in your defense. If you forgot to add a warranty, parts, and maintenance, and upkeep you get bonus points too. If you buy a fancy sports car, you better have good intentions of taking good care of it.

Materials these days are better than they used to be but not always due to Mother Nature. Metal can erode and rust just as plastics can degrade and crack. So, is there one material that’s best to choose when it comes to ventilation fan blades? While most people won’t be looking to buy stainless steel blades, there are quality options to look for. Your best material is metal or aluminum followed by plastic and then wood.

Wood is great, but over time can only be preserved for a short time. It’s biodegradable and no matter the sealer used; it will break down over time. Plastics are also pretty amazing though UV light and loss of oil will make it brittle. Poor plastic formulas will warp over time. The best is to find aluminum and steel alloys that are painted and sealed. These last the longest above all the other materials with the least amount of upkeep.

7. Noise level

We already know that any kind of fan will make noise, as it’s the nature of the beast. But ceiling fans have a way of escaping the stigmata for some odd reason. Perhaps it’s the shape of the fan blades or how they slice through the air? But if it comes down to keeping this kind of fan quiet, does that exist? Well yes and no depending on the materials and design. Fan blades are the dead give-away to the character of fan sound.

Air rushes over a blade it creates the path of least resistance if the shape is angled to slice it. But even the best fan blade is a dead-giveaway when you turn up the speed. No matter what material it seems that it comes down to one important tip. You should always have balanced blades that are equally weighted. This can be done through quick-fix kits you can purchase as an extra item when you buy a ceiling fan.

Some people simply use coins with double-stick tape. You can also use super glue that sticks better. With balanced blades, there is less chance for wobble and whooshing sounds to happen. It will be more obvious with higher speeds but for longer length blades the sound will be less apparent.

8. Style

When selecting the specific style of overhead fan you want to have, the sky is the limit. It should blend into the room you intend to install your fan ultimately. The best route is to have a collection of pictures that you like as far as decoration. Those elements will determine what kind of look a fan should include. It the room modern or vintage, do you like country or classic, how is that room going to look?

Sometimes a fan can give you a sense of a place or setting. Like a coastal resort or a summer vacation rustic cabin. Your picture collection should be all of your thoughts and ideas so they can be visually helpful. When it comes time to buy a ceiling fan, you’ll already have a good idea of what to look for. Have a list of themes and words ready for an internet search and use those as a guide.

The more informative words that describe your fan style the better. After that, it will be a good idea to pick your top three favorites. Put them onto a tablet or smartphone and use them to fill in where you want to place your fan. Just like a director frames a picture with his fingers, use that photo to frame your future fan. The one that fits best is the fan you should decide on buying.

9. Finish

The exterior of all mounted fans will be the hardest choice you have to consider. Narrow this down by first picking your favorite color. After that should it look new or old? Does it need to be metal with wooden blades or something more elegant and ornate? Either way, the finish needs to match your personal preference. It also will need to be cleaned from time to time, so shiny surfaces will get dusty from time to time.

There are no rules when it comes to the cosmetic finish on the outside of a ceiling fan. For the most part people like the old style of brushed bronze and antique brass. As if your fan tells a history without saying anything. If you don’t have any idea what a finish is supposed to then search the internet. Choose the period for that kind of fan and see what comes up. Add words that include color or type of metal.

You can mention new or old, antique or modern to get an idea of finishes. If you can decide on a finish that is offered, you can always have your ceiling fan repainted. It’s not uncommon that artistic people like their style or finish to match their room.

10. Mounting option

There are only two recommendations when it comes to mounting any kind of overhead ventilation fan. The first is to find the center of a room and the second is to secure it very well. Centering a fan inside a room is a basic necessity unless you have a wonky shaped room. Everything needs to have a centerline otherwise it might look out of place. There are exceptions since you can’t change the layout that’s already there.

But keeping airflow is better if the center of air that returns to the top of the fan is well-balanced. Sometimes you can’t help but find a spot where it fits it and becomes the exception to the rule too. Don’t be afraid to be creative either. So, when it comes to safety issues you need to have two secure points where it mounts to the ceiling. The first will be the ceiling mount and the second is an anchor cable.

The mounting bracket should be screwed into a stud within the ceiling itself. If you can access the space above this area, that works best. If not attach a J-Bolt that often comes with ceiling fans. It’s a special bolt that anchors a wire to the stud beam. It just keeps a fan from falling off the ceiling by accident. The mounting bracket should do the trick although it’s an extra measure to include if your fan has invested value.

11. With or without lights

This is an easy choice for anyone who is thinking about a ceiling fan. Should it come with a light built-in the fan or not! You might need the extra light or just want to give a nice visual accent. Many options go with lighting such as dimming or the level of brightness. Are the lights inside a dome, candelabra, or a chandelier? What other light sources are going to be in your room besides that fan?

Once these are decided, then you will no doubt need to choose the type of light bulb. I strongly advise using LED lights since they are the future of eco-friendly cost savings. They also come in a wide range of colors and brightness. Not to mention they last 1000s of times longer than incandescent bulbs ever did. Your electric bill will be the final say on cost savings.

12. Remotes, smart devices, and smartphones

The remote control is quickly becoming the white whale of the electronic world. Some remember seeing it long ago but how often does it pop-up anymore. Well pretty often to be honest. But now there are smart devices such as Alexa and similar control units. They control everything that is plugged into your home. Don’t forget that smartphones are taking hold to set your heating and starting your coffee.

If a ceiling fan model has a remote control, that’s a nice comfort gadget to have around. Nevertheless, expect soon that you’ll be able to add them to these other devices too. They aren’t as pricy as they used to be and are voice-activated. How innovative is that? But if you’re a classic enthusiast like me, nothing is more fitting than a remote control.

Top Ceiling Fan Brands

You always hear about the brand names of ceiling fans but did you ever wonder about their company history? How did they get started and what makes them stand out in the ceiling fan manufacturer business? In case you’re curious, I’ll take you back in time to tell you their stories without it being boring. And throughout these stories, you can see how all these companies all share a passion for being the best.

Each one in their own right has a great story which I’m sure you’ll share with your friends. I’m happy to reveal these amazing facts behind each of these top giants likewise. Many of which have never been fully been printed before, so you get an exclusive retelling of ceiling fan history. Some of these brand names even had close ties to each other and who are longtime manufacturer rivals.

Find out which companies were right there when Nikola Tesla was pushing the limits of AC technology. You’ll also learn who was in the right place at the right time and struck the deal of a lifetime. Come and read more about the best stories that celebrate an American innovation that continually gets better. And also, how ceiling fans help make our homes cooler than ever. This is one history lesson that deserves to be told with many respected brand names that are new and old.

1. Hunter Fan

One of the first American companies to invent the ceiling fan is owned by Robbins & Meyers now. They grew out a gun factory in the late 1800s and later formed the Hunter Fan Company. Their legacy is a rich association with AC motors that were developed by Nikola Tesla and funded by George Westinghouse. At one time they were hot competition with the Singer Sewing Machine Company and the Diehl Manufacturing Company. The Hunter Fan Company is the oldest existing brand name in the fan ventilation industry today.

Their ceiling fan product lines

Hunter Fans have three categories of fan and ventilation products. They are the parent company for Casablanca fans and also offer industrial fans for livestock, factory, and business uses. While many of their fans are targeted for a residential application, they fit into a wide category giving them wide appeal. They’re a manufacturer of residential fans for indoor and outdoor usage, with or without lights. They also use modern technology making them smarter.

The style and characteristics of their fans

They cover a lot of territory for design ranging from old-fashioned to modern style. You might say they’ve created a rare niche for providing all types of ceiling fans that appeal to everyone. Not only that, but the style range also covers every room in your home, office, or warehouse. Their newest fans are state-of-the-art energy-efficient ventilation fans that can be controlled through your smartphone.

Pros and Cons of this company

Historically speaking they are a celebrated legend among the roots of ceiling fans and table fans since the early days. Though they’ve changed hands through company buy-outs, the name itself is still a prominent fixture. Despite cheaper manufacturing costs from overseas factories, their products are still considered top-shelf! Their influence may have reached Hollywood, creating a new commercial wave of ceiling fan sales after WW2 ended.

2. Fanimation

Tom Frampton worked a summer job at Burton A. Burton Antiques helping to restore old antique fans in 1973. It led to the creation of the Casablanca Fan Company in 1975 where Tom was hired to design and create fans. Tom Frampton left the company to create his own company called Fanimation in 1984. Not only was Tom’s vision responsible for new and exciting fan designs, but his work also helped re-invigorate interest in ceiling fans. His company has made leaps and bounds in the fan business since then.

Their ceiling fan product lines

Fanimation specializes in everything from reproduction fans to the space-age single blade fan: Enigma. New fan designs contain an app program that allows fans to be controlled through smartphones. They also have a unique mix and match program where customers can design their own specially customized fans. Their product line reflects a passion for fan and ceiling fan technology meant for the 21st century.

The style and characteristics of their fans

Not only did Fanimation bring back a retro style of old-fashioned fans, but they also improved the overall performance. They were the first to add a rubber-cushioned flywheel and hold over 400 patents for improved ceiling fan designs. Their company located in Zionsville, Indiana designs, builds and tests all their newest brand name models. After that, they are manufactured in sub-contracted factories and shipped all over the US and the world to be sold.

Pros and Cons of this company

Not a whole lot to say negative things about Fanimation aside from the prices they charge. Their incredible Enigma ceiling fan once sold for over 2 grand, but thankfully came down in price over the years. Tom Frampton left the Casablanca Fan Company 20 years before it was bought-out by Hunter was a smart move too. The Fanimation Fan Museum is a dedication to his craft and love of the history behind it.

3. Honeywell

Honeywell has been around since 1906 and started their rise to fame with a temperature control system used for coal furnaces. Since then they’ve specialized in every kind of control panel from thermostats to high tech glass cockpits for aircraft controls. Their diversified products can be found throughout the military down to average household products. Not much is known when Honeywell started-out as a manufacturer of ceiling fans, but it’s part of their product line.

Their ceiling fan product lines

You can find dozens and dozens of ceiling fan designs from Honeywell that all come with excellent integrated controls. They can be operated via a wall switch, pull chain, or remote control. Newer versions have LED lighting installed while older models still have incandescent light bulbs. Some models work in damp outdoor conditions while most are meant for indoor use only. It’s a very generous selection and impressive selection.

The style and characteristics of their fans

Their approach to the ceiling fan has two kinds of styles you will see over and over. The first is a contemporary style that looks somewhat modern. Some elements look a bit 1960s modern (or space race-ish), while the second is very different. The second style is more tropical themed with a classic retro look. They may have palm leaf style fan blades with antique chandelier bulbs or a rounded light dome. Either way, it’s designed to look cool.

Pros and Cons of this company

Honeywell is no stranger to controversy and their contracts with the US military are headlines that are often hidden. Besides being part of the consortium that helps build nuclear bombs for the US, there are more blunders too. They were highly-criticized in 1973 for making cluster bombs and hiding annual profits from taxes. However, their ceiling fans are strong selling items that are well built and affordably priced.

4. Westinghouse

Not to be confused with George Westinghouse, the Westinghouse Lighting Company is a real story of American innovation and timing. It all began in 1946 with a family-run team that created a new company called the Angelo Brothers Company. The company found a niche business supplying replacement and repair pieces for lamps and fans. They grew into a respected niche market by the 1970s and were a nationwide supplier for related products.

Their big break came in the 1990s when they purchased the Westinghouse Electric Company name that had gone bust. The same company that George Westinghouse founded! The Angelo’s rebranded to sell only Phillips lighting products and moved toward global sales. While they are not anything like the original company, the name alone now makes them a global player. They sell hundreds of lighting products including fans and ceiling fans.

Their ceiling fan product lines

Their ceiling fan line is quite impressive and the rebrand all their fans with the Westinghouse name. If you’re looking for variety, they have more than a few hundred ceiling fan designs to choose from. Indoors or outdoors, industrial and residential, office or warehouse, they have it covered. The fact that they’ve added the Westinghouse name to their fan line gives them a lot of credit!

The style and characteristics of their fans

There are too many styles and designs that they carry within their company. Needless to say, they are a big supporter of Phillips lighting bulbs so there is added quality for ceiling fans. Many of the newer Phillips lights include the LED bulbs that save you more on electricity bills. What makes them stand out is they are also a powerhouse of replacement parts if anything ever breaks.

Pros and Cons of this company

The original Westinghouse Electric Company was popular for selling fans and ceiling fans, so it’s nice to see traditions continue. The Angelo family also deserves credit for supplying replacement parts for these fans. The quality of their fan products is excellent, though some history critics can argue that company name swapping is dubious. What would George Westinghouse have said about this if he were alive today?

5. Harbor Breeze

The actual company that supplies Harbor Breeze fans is none other than a company called Craftmade International. Harbor Breeze bought them from Litex Industries who rebranded the Craftmade product with their logo. Craftmade International has been around since 1985 and makes several home décor products. Their ceiling fan product lines are now listed as Craftmade since Litex Industries has since ended their logo rebranding.

Their ceiling fan product lines

These are attractive fans that are customized for decorating your home. Craftmade has many different styles that include indoor and outdoor models. You can select modern classics through retro antique designs. There are many whimsical children’s ceiling fans too. There isn’t any specific category that they haven’t covered, giving them a huge selection to choose from.

The style and characteristics of their fans

Craftmade International makes all its fans to fit within nearly any kind of home décor setting. Looking at their kid’s fans will tell you they do have a knack for imagination. While these ceiling fans aren’t high tech with special controls, the simple elegance is clearly showing. You can even purchase them with a lifetime warranty that ensures they’ll last for as long as you own one. Many ceiling fans don’t give you that kind of offer.

Pros and Cons of this company

It’s confusing why Litex Industries would rebrand these products but now it better knowing they are coming back full-swing. Since their separation with Litex, customer complaints have been lower too. The problem remains that many Litex ceiling fans are still on the market and can confuse customers. Until this remaining stock is finally sold-off, the confusion will no doubt remain an eyesore for Craftmade International.

6. Minka Aire

This California-based company started in 1982, specializing in lighting and décor for your home. They supply their products through a network of 2100 dealers throughout the US and many more in Europe. Minka Aire has slowly built-up its reputation through buying and partnering lighting companies. In 1991 they purchased Lavery Lighting, and later in 2000, they bought-out George Kovacs lighting. This has boosted their company value since then.

Their ceiling fan product lines

They offer many types of fans that meet all expectations and appreciation. There are the standard indoor and outdoor styles that are mixed in with economy, value, and smart models. They also offer unique-looking GYRO fans. These are dual ventilator fans at each end that also spin like a ceiling fan. The selection of fans they offer will appeal to upper scale customers who like elegant appearance and function.

The style and characteristics of their fans

More than ultra-contemporary, these fans are sleek and sexy bordering on vogue. You have to see them for yourself to appreciate their beauty. They might not fit into every home but there’s always one room that should include a Minka Aire fan. Their ‘Smart’ ceiling fans are ultra-modern LED remote control models. Their GYRO fans look like they stepped out of some old-fashioned time warp. All of them are very classy as it gets.

Pros and Cons of this company

If the price isn’t a concern than Minka Aire is a real bargain. The craftwork and care that went into these ceiling fans are well worth the price. Many of these fans you can also buy through Amazon, and perhaps save some money likewise. The downside to their elegant features is they won’t easily fit into every home. As mentioned before, there will always be one room that their fan can fit to. Just not all of your rooms…

7. Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Fans were established in 1996 by Hub and Mike Markwardt. They created a company called Encon and Monte Carlo Fans and became their brand name. Their goal was to have a company that created and supplied decorative fans for customers all over the world. Now his son Mike is the CEO and leads the path within their company. They import high-quality fans from their factories in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Their ceiling fan product lines

In their collection of hundreds of different styles, they have both indoor and outdoor models. They also feature damp rated models for weather that is typically higher for moisture and water-saturated conditions. Many of their fans include huggers, down rod hanging fans, and mini small-scale ceiling fans. They also have a premier Energy Star line that’s been approved for the Energy Star listing guide.

The style and characteristics of their fans

The overall style of Monte Carlo fans is sleek and modern. Many of the fan blades have wooden blades giving them distinct characteristics. Many models employ a built-in LED light to help light up any room. Other model versions have incredible brushed steel blades that give these ceiling fans a futuristic charm. Among the various styles you’ll find traditional, modern, period, and transitional. Their outdoor line is both classy and original.

Pros and Cons of this company

It’s not a bad thing that many of these ceiling fans come from overseas factories. The woodwork is incredible and precise. It makes sense that they can meet the expectations of quality through remote locations. It also helps keep their production costs within budget too. You can be sure that the Energy Star ratings are proof they offer a high-quality product that will also save you money.

8. Emerson

Emerson Electric got into the ceiling fan game in 1897 but originally started with desktop fans. They’re one of the few that’s still around. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that their line of desk fans was phased-out. They still a proud manufacturer of ceiling fans with the latest technology. Now they are one of the leaders in manufacturing and technology equipment. For a company that started in St. Louis, they’ve risen to become a global leader.

Their ceiling fan product lines

When it comes to ceiling fans, Emerson takes their work seriously. They offer commercial and residential ceiling fan models. They originally started with AC motors exclusively and then switched to a new revolution of DC motor technology. The cost of running one of their fans is designed to cost less than a penny per hour! They have also embraced LED light technology bringing brighter fan lights into the spotlight.

The style and characteristics of their fans

Though the fan models that Emerson offers are well-crafted and energy-efficient they give their customers more design choices. You can choose 5 different models with a total of eight fan blade finishes. If that’s not enough, there are 50 different fan blade designs to select! In the end, you will have over 18,000 ceiling fan potentials that you can create. With that many choices, it’s not hard to see why your fan design is original.

Pros and Cons of this company

One excellent point is they offer damp and wet climate models, which is great for places where the weather is unpredictable. It’s not advised that you put any ceiling fan in the rain, so overhang porches and overhanging roofs are recommended. They also offer the Energy Star rating on all their fans to let you know how efficient that model is. Emerson simply doesn’t have a downside to their ceiling fan product line except for excessive design choices.

It’s good to see that so many company names are still around, dedicated to making more ceiling fan history. Only time will tell what the next 100 years will reveal with these brand names. The proof that only the best manufacturer is providing top products isn’t always the case. Some companies evolve to find a true niche in the brand they represent. Some have strived for absolute style and some for company status.

Legends in the industry such as Hunter, Emerson, and Honeywell grew out of the industrial age with dignity. Way before World Wars crippled global nations and back when electricity was still an infant! Without their contributions, we wouldn’t have seen the classic rebirth of the modern ceiling fan. Without the innovative contributions of Casablanca Ceiling Fan, Fanimation, and Minka Aire, they all brought romance and style back into top fashion again.

Indeed, the history of ceiling fans does have twists and turns, just like all good stories that are finally told. If and when you tell one of these stories here, it no doubt will one of these incredible company profiles.

Ceiling Fan Frequently Asked Questions

When buying and using the ceiling fans, we may encounter many questions. This section aims to solve common issues related to different types of ceiling fans. You may find quick and useful answers here.

General FAQ

1. Does a ceiling fan use a lot of electricity?

Older fans that were used in the last 25 years were not as energy efficient as the new models today. The concern over energy-efficient electrical devices trickle-down into every gadget we own. While the classic ceiling fan is one of the last old-fashioned electric appliances, why should it waste your money? The newest fans are better than ever and cost-effective. Here are some interesting facts about why they use less electricity.

Many of the newest fans operate from only 50-80 Watts depending on the model. The cost versus energy savings depends on the kilowatts per hour. Depending on fan speed and how often you run the fan per day determines the hourly cost. On average you are looking at less than 1 cent per hour or 24 cents per day. Every year, it can come close to 18 dollars per year if the fan is continually used!

2. How does a ceiling fan cool the room?

It’s hard to imagine how a fan mounted to the top of a ceiling can cool a hot room. But the answer is more of a science fact that anything else. Hot air rises since the molecules in hot air are excited and tend to rise to the highest point. Colder and less excited molecules stay at the bottom of the floor. When the ceiling fan is turned on it begins pushing hot air downward creating a wind tunnel.

What results is a cycle of air that begins to cool as it mixes with all the air inside that room. A ceiling fan will mix the air the same way a blender mixes liquid. Sooner or later the air is blended and reduces the room temperature quickly. Available fresh air is sucked into this wind tunnel and further keeps the room cooler. Unlike a standing floor fan, a ceiling fan is a very effective way to cool hot rooms with little effort.

3. Are ceiling fans out of style?

To call these classic fans out-of-style is an understatement. They’re old-fashioned if you look at the style, though they never became extinct. Many parts of the world still use these elegant-looking fans because they work effectively. Modern air conditioning tries to replace the ceiling fan but always fails at making a room feel relaxing. When a room is warm and humid the first thing that AC does is to cool water vapor making rooms feel too chilly.

Cold spots tend to build and make it hard to mix the rest of the room air. AC does not circulate air since it’s brought from the outside. We’re continually told that ceiling fans are out of style by interior decorators since they want to sell new products. The new designs of ceiling fans are very impressive and have futuristic designs that can match your modern décor. You might even have friends who will think this is some new impressive technology!

4. How do ceiling fans work?

Attached to the motor that’s hidden inside decorative housing has specially attached fan blades mounted to the motor pin. These blades are similar to how an airplane propeller blade is shaped. The primary goal of the blade is to pull air downward as it spins. When combined with 3 or 4 other blades it makes a kind of wind tunnel. The amount of air that is pushed downward causes residual air within the room to follow.

The angle of the blade itself can have different effects on the direction of air likewise. Some fans are made so the blade is a reverse fan that blows air in both directions. Other angles are best designed for increased airflow that forces CFM (cubic feet per minute). In the end, each type of ceiling fan will offer ventilation for all shaped rooms and areas to be cooled. New technology has made an old-fashioned product more energy efficient as a result.

5. Are 3, 4, 5 blade ceiling fans better?

Bigger is not always better and the myth that goes with this expression never dies. Fan blades don’t determine the efficiency of how well it will work. But to be fair it’s worth mentioning why more fan blades are not the reason what makes them better. Fan blades are supposed to direct air, but poorly designed blades don’t maximize that airflow. To be effective, the angle of the blade will need to be 12-15 degrees.

Now there is also a reason that blades vary in numbers and it’s not because of airflow. It has more to do with noise than anything else. Many ceiling fans that are found in India have only three fan blades. The motors are clunky and more fan blades would make more clicking noises. Even audible humming can be heard. With only 3 blades the sound is reduced but not completely missing.

6. What type of ceiling fan should I buy?

Among the different styles of fans that are currently available, you’ll need to think over the choices. First of all, antique fans are expensive and kind of risky to buy. There are no replacement parts so anything that needs fixing is something you need to handle. Some will need to have new motors installed. The next best alternative is to buy a retro reproduction that looks like an antique. They are much cheaper and replaceable.

Modern fan’s designs are a good choice since they work better for efficiency and electrical usage. They can have down rods or be huggers, but all in all, they are going to be special for your home design. If you like modern or contemporary, the overall look can help these fans blend into your room. There is also the issue of having a light build-into the lower fan base. It can be a dual function ventilation fan that lights-up your room too.

7. How do I choose a quiet ceiling fan?

Don’t let the rumors fool you when it comes to buying a ceiling fan off the internet. Not every fan will be quiet unless you can hear it in person. If you have a vintage fan, it will have issues with noise. Choosing a quiet fan is a matter of looking for a single type of power source. It has to be DC powered because of the way the motor is constructed. DC motors are always more quest than AC motors, so always pick DC first.

DC motors have improvements that include brushless contacts that allow the spinning of the motor to be silent. AC is using older style electromagnets that make clicking and humming as the spin. Cheaper motors from overseas will offer AC motors, so don’t try to save money there. Most homes run off DC power and it easier to install otherwise. As far as silent, most models that are produced in the last 3 years are extremely quiet.

8. Why does a ceiling fan get slower?

Despite all the elements that make an electric motor work, things can slowly start to make a motor to slow down. Why does this happen? It has to do with dust, heat, air resistance, and a combo of all three. It can be one or all but eventually, any electrical appliance needs to have a check-up. The first is dirt and dust build-up on the axel where it meets the edge of the motor and the pin.

There are small gaps where oil is added to keep the spinning as fluid as possible. These can have build-up wiped away with WD-40 sprayed onto it with a paper towel underneath. The next is clean and grease the bearings that help spin an outer flange where the blades are attached. The last problem can be from a faulty capacitor that needs replacing. This controls the fan speed and usually goes bad over time.

9. How long do ceiling fans last?

This will always depend on the amount of usage that your room ventilator is running. How often is the fan running on high, how often do you turn it on and off? How often do you give proper maintenance? Then again there is one very good question that will be critical to the lifespan. If the model of ceiling fan you bought is not a name brand or doesn’t have a good warranty.

Cheaper ceiling mounted fans have a nasty habit of not lasting very long. There are lots of these offered online that come from overseas factories. They are sold cheaply and look great but will be disappointing when they quickly break down. Quality made ceiling fans that are made in the USA are going to last longer. The quality can be seen and many parts will often be handmade. They usually cost three or four times the cost of online fans.

10. Can we use a ceiling fan in winter?

Unlikely as you can imagine, a ceiling fan being used in the winter is a great idea! It comes down to how a room can be warmed with a more effective method than built-in room heaters work. The important thing to remember is that your ceiling fan needs to have a reversible blade. At this point you aren’t pushing air downward, it needs to bring air upwards. If you reverse the blades it will then pull air up instead of down.

What this does is helps to make a room into a heat conductor. The air distribution makes cooler air blend with the warmer air up toward the ceiling. It can be an excellent energy saving since you won’t need to run the room heaters so often. It also works well if you have a heat exchange built-into a fireplace. Rooms will be toasty in the coldest of winters.

11. What down rod length should be used?

Depending on the size of a vaulted ceiling or room will determine the length of the down rod you need. It’s not always the issue since the model that you buy will have only one length of the down rod. Replacement parts can be mixed and matched if they fit that model only. Usually, you can expect a length that is between 2 to 10 inches of the down rod. If your room is very tall, a longer down rod can be added up to 60″ in extreme cases.

The only problem with down rods added to a ceiling fan will be seen later. If the fan is improperly balanced it will wobble, shake, and vibrate. Bad fans do this more often than the newer fans that are more accurate. Shorter down rods won’t show this since there is no chance for vibrating to be seen so easily. Only when the fan is turned on high speed will the problem be noticed.

12. What are the different parts of the ceiling fan?

It all begins with a mounting bracket that attaches to the ceiling or roof support. There is often a down rod that hangs from the ceiling bracket. Hugger models don’t have this and go directly to a motor collar that attaches to the ceiling bracket. Otherwise, the down rod will have a pin that attaches to the motor collar. A canopy covers the down rod and ceiling bracket. The down rod hides all the motor wires inside of it.

The motor housing will have the electric motor and all the parts that attach the fan blades and blade brackets. If there is a light built into the fan it will be at the bottom of the ceiling fan. Sometimes there are pull strings for the light or the fan. All the wiring will be connected within the walls and ceiling to finally power the fan and control speeds.

Bedroom ceiling fan: FAQ

1. Is a ceiling fan good for bedroom ventilation?

In your bedroom, things tend to get stuffy if you have the window closed. But on a hot and muggy day, it can feel worse with the windows open! Having an air circulator mounted to the ceiling is a great idea. Not only does a ceiling fan give stale air a much-needed break, but it will also feel more relaxing. Even if your bedroom is very small the amounts of air flowing around will feel a lot more invigorating.

Even though heat tends to rise upwards, it will recycle cooler air below your feet. This process makes a hot room feel 10 degrees cooler. Another reason is that a hot room will make your skin sweat. Having that fan over your skin dramatically improves the kind of relief a ceiling ventilator provides. It’s a nice cooling wind that makes the room more bearable even on the hottest of days.

2. Is it okay to leave a ceiling fan on all night?

If your room is feeling like a tropical jungle, leaving an air cooler propeller on for the night is fine. It feels like a light breeze as air is pushed down onto you. It also gives heavier air a chance to refresh itself as it moves all over the room. Unlike floor ventilators, the ceiling fan blends the air more effectively. Sucking in any air from an open door or window and reducing carbon dioxide.

As long as you have a window opened your ceiling fan will make a night of sleep more restful. It’s not a bad idea to have windows closed, but it does help bring in fresh air to your bedroom.

3. Is it bad to sleep with a fan blowing on you?

Not at all! But there are obvious concerns that most people forget when warm weather comes around. Everybody knows that a standing fan needs cleaning, and it’s pretty obvious. The metal screen starts showing little particles of dust and fibers. It can be cleaned with a damp towel or washed off with a sponge. However, a ceiling fan is never suspected. Dust and other things like pollen can start to collect on the top edges of this indoor windmill.

Heat and humidity will make them stick to the leading fan edge, building up over time. Sooner or later they might start to slip off and possibly onto you. It can be bad for allergies and cause coughing fits at the worst. Breathing in the dust is not good for your lungs, so regular cleaning every month is a must. Cleaning off these air circulator blades is fast and easy and will ensure your night sleep is undisturbed.

4. Where should we put the ceiling fan in the bedroom?

There is no select rule on where a fan can be placed on the ceiling. Most people will agree that the center of the room is aesthetically pleasing. Like a centerpiece, it gives a bedroom balance like a well-placed chandelier. Not only that, but it also gives the fan blades more opportunity to reach all the areas of that room. Any air moving device mounted to the ceiling needs a central point to direct air in a circle.

This is why a standing fan often fails to cool down a bedroom. It’s like wind blowing from side to side continually, confusing the airflow. A ceiling fan is one single direction that blends the air like a reversed fruit juicer.

5. With or without light for bedroom ceiling fans?

In your bedroom, there are lots of choices for the kind of overhead ventilator you can choose. Some have lights built-in and others don’t. The size of the room counts too but this question is all about aesthetics. Many of us like our bedroom to be a cozy place where we can feel safe. Having a ceiling fan that has a built-in light adds class and convenience. Most of these models even have remote controls.

While most of us like a simple wall switch to control the lights and fan speed. It all depends on how you decide to decorate your bedroom. Perhaps having a well-placed air circulator might deserve a bonus light thrown-in as well?

6. How to select the quietest ceiling fan for bedroom?

This will be a hard matter to decide since all fans will make some kind of noise no matter what. The sound of blades moving through the air will make minimal swooshing due to air friction. But another sneaky suspect is the fan motor itself. You might want to know what kind of fan will make electrical sounds as it spins. You’ve heard how loud a standing fan can be, but what about the ceiling-mounted models?

One trick to always observe is that you need to choose a DC motor fan. With direct current, the motor will always be extra quiet than with AC powered models. It has to do with how the motor is driven with that electrical current. AC motors use electromagnets that make a humming sound. DC motors in higher-end models are brushless and run silently. This makes better sense to spend a bit more for a quiet running fan.

7. Is 3 or 4 blades better?

Tough questions deserve a very good answer and this goes right into the science of CFM. Like an airplane wing, the propeller is designed to pull in wind and air. How much air pulled is how effective that engine spins the blades. It comes down to physics for the most part. If a fan blade is pulling in so many cubic feet per minute (CFM) it relies on the RPM to get that. Revolutions per minute (RPM) will count a lot too.

Having 3 or 4 blades doesn’t matter as long as the CFM and RPM are designed together. Check the energy rating on several ceiling fan models to see what it offers. Check the blade angle to see how well it’s designed to move air and still maintain efficient power usage. Lastly, look for quality products that aren’t a bargain sale price. Bedroom ceiling fan models are an investment that can be better than AC units, hands down!

Kitchen ceiling fan: FAQ

1. Is a ceiling fan good for the kitchen?

If you live on the West Coast and ask this question, they’ll probably laugh at you. Then again, they might never have experienced the South and all the warm balmy weather. Especially if you like your kitchen having any kind of cuisine comfort! Ventilation is very important for any cooking area, and you want to keep it cool as possible. There are many solutions however it’s easy to explain why overhead ceiling fans work best.

Food preparation areas meant for making a meal will include an oven, top stove, or grill tend to get hot! Heat rises quickly and makes any kitchen unbearable without some kind of airflow. A ceiling fan can provide two things to distribute that heat. First, it can drive heat away from the ceiling and begin to cool the lower areas. Second, it continually allows circulation to keep smoke or heat build-up from collecting in a single area.

2. Are ceiling fans outdated for kitchens?

According to the kitchen appliance industry, yes they are. They want to sell you their latest new products, it’s normal that older devices get pushed aside. But any Grandmother will know better than the newest oven or stovetop set-up is not going to hold-up for long. What about those marathon days and nights baking cupcakes for your kid’s birthday or school event? How about the Thanksgiving turkey with cooked fixings for family holiday dinners?

If you spend more than 1-2 hours cooking in the kitchen, you’ll know how hot stoves can get. Look at any hamburger cook at your local fast food joint and see how fast they sweat. Standing next to a cooking grill even with an overhead hood is no match for the amount of heat that pours off an oven top. Only when circulation is added to an overhead cooking area, will you see improved conditions.

3. Why a ceiling fan is better than an air conditioner in a kitchen?

Using an air conditioner in the kitchen is a terrible idea in the first place. It won’t keep a hot kitchen cooler since it just wastes money to force two elements to push against each other. A kitchen is all about having air moving, this is why certain ovens have fans inside them. Hot air needs to circulate so it can be more even within a closed space. When you cook something, there always needs to be air movement near your heat source.

This is possible by drawing the heat away or helping move it around the room, or out a window. Look at modern ovens and stoves these days, where’s access to a window, and where is the circulation coming from? Designing a functional meal preparation area is a lost art in this century. This is why you have to answer this kind of question for poorly designed kitchens that use overcomplicated basic rules.

4. What size ceiling fan is best for small & large kitchens?

There is the story of what came first, the chicken, or the egg? It’s a shame that so many people think there was an egg first. But it’s a trick question since neither can exist if there wasn’t a reason for the chicken existing first. No matter the size of the kitchen should matter since your ceiling fan needs to have the correct amount of power to move air. The size will never make any difference except for the visual stimulation.

Fans need serious torque to move any kind of air, so you’ll always need to look for the CFM. How much cubic feet per minute gives you an idea of how effective that air movement will be. Larger rooms will need higher CFM, while smaller rooms can use lower CFM. Then again, the bigger question is how often will you be using that room for heavy cooking or light cuisine? Determine how much airflow needs to be there when things start to heat up beforehand.

5. Can a ceiling fan replace a kitchen hood?

Unless the kitchen hood has a very powerful fan that draws more air than you’ll ever need, it won’t happen. Only industrial kitchens have that kind of power and the little fan inside the kitchen hood isn’t very strong. You can compare this to the same fan inside a standard Home PC. They typically burn out after a couple of years and are difficult to clean. Another problem is that air has to be routed outside, so metal tubing must be installed.

It’s a nice touch if you have both of these in your food prep area keeping it cool. Most of us don’t like the sound of the hood fan since they are noisy and often rattle. Ceiling fans, if installed properly will be pretty quiet and mostly silent. While kitchen air can be circulated, the hood can carry away excess heat at the same time. It might be a good combination if they are quality fans that are built well.

6. Can ceiling fans replace exhaust fans in the kitchen?

Most experts will imagine that the fan inside the kitchen hood and the exhaust fan is the same. These two types of fans are not exactly similar for very obvious reasons. The exhaust fan is sometimes attached to holes in walls or held within a window frame. They are more powerful than a hood fan and are a pretty good contender for kitchen ceiling fans. But will it replace conventional overhead fans?

For the most part, using an exhaust fan doesn’t give any kind of air circulation that helps cool hot kitchens. It’ll suck air at one specific location and that’s about it. Overhead air movement will help drive warm heat into the exhaust, but only air that’s flowing into the exhaust itself. Once again, it’s a good combo that can be used but probably not a good replacement. Exhaust fans are primarily seen in kitchens that do a lot of extensive cooking and baking.

7. Where should we put the kitchen ceiling fan?

The perfect place for an overhead ventilator where food is being cooked is never far from the oven or stove. It doesn’t need to be in the center of a room, but often can be more pleasing to the eye. It should be no more than three to four feet away from a stovetop so airflow is free. As hot air rises it will be blown back down to the floor allowing the air to cool. It’s better to keep any kind of fan away from direct heat for safety reasons.

Another good reason to have the ceiling fan in the center of the kitchen is to maximize ventilation. Pulling the maximum amount of air based on the shape of the room helps create a natural jet stream. Any oddly shaped room will act is a similar way and also with vaulted ceilings. Once an established airflow begins, it will continue for several minutes even when the fan is turned off.

8. How to clean the kitchen ceiling fan?

Cleaning up after a meal or cuisine is easier than cleaning the dishes, but another problem is your kitchen appliances. Cleaning the countertops and stovetop can be a greasy and sticky place. Now think about any fan that’s used? Cooking grease and oil will turn into vapor as it boils and cooks. It goes into the air and lightly covers everything in its path. This is why cleaning your kitchen ceiling fan is highly advised.

Using a disposable kitchen towel or paper towel with a generous spray of Windex or cleaning degreaser spray. The top fan blade must be cleaned first and then with a back-up wiping to remove any built-up oil. Both sides of the blades should be cleaned and also the fan housing and all exposed parts. It must be done every 2 weeks so no dust and oil are building upon the blades.

Living room ceiling fan: FAQ

1. What size ceiling fan do I need for in a living room?

It’s best to have a vaulted ceiling to make a family living room nice and cozy. But it also deserves taking about the width of the fan blades. A typical living room fan has roughly a 52-56 inches fan blade diameter. You can go wider up to 60″ if the room is bigger but always keep in mind the correct level to hang it from. Ceiling heights will vary but keeping the fan blade at 7′ above anyone’s head is a safety must.

The next choices will determine other factors that will make the fan more efficient. Such as the kind of blade angle or is the fan blowing in a reversed pattern. Do you need a speed control or a light added on the bottom? Sure, it’s important to add these things since the family room is where everyone will hang-out. Those added comforts with any ceiling fan can make all the difference all year long.

2. Are ceiling fans out of style for family rooms?

Oh sure, I’m sure you’re thinking that ceiling fans are way too retro. Think about watching Casablanca or relive the 1970s country-western revival, Hmm, no! When it comes to being out of style, ceiling fans have gone through incredible changes. Sure, there are old-fashioned styles, but new designs look like the guys at NASA designed them. These new styles can fit into any modern home and still not be an eyesore.

The advantage of newer fans will give any family room a cutting edge feel and still allow excellent airflow. What everyone fails to understand is that air circulation is left out of the picture. We are led to think that air conditioning is a good replacement to have a cooler room. What two opposing open windows can do is create moving air which is healthy. A well-placed ceiling fan in the family room is just as important.

3. Where should we locate the living room ceiling fan?

When you look at the layout of your family room, it will follow a certain pattern. The TV is off to the side followed by a nice comfy couch. There can also be a fireplace nearby. Perhaps even a pool table or entertainment nook. Living rooms are never square and are largely rectangular. So where do you find the perfect spot to put a ceiling fan? It has to be where the best ventilation is going to happen.

Keep in mind that wherever your heat gathers the most is where you need to put that ventilation. It’ll be near the TV, fireplace, or over the couch area. If you think about it, it will take up a section of the center of that shaped room. It has to be centered overhead so the air can move. While it’s moving around, the warmer air can blend with cooler air. This makes stuff air that builds-up in the living room more breathable.

4. Is a 3, 4, or 5 blade fan better for the living room?

What gives a better performance when you buy a ceiling fan? Does the number of blades make it work better? What sounds like it would be more airflow if you have more blades is not exactly true. It has more to do with RPM than much else. More blades need higher torque to spin, so to be effective, 3 to 4 blades are fine. Newer models have only 2 blades and work just as good as the 3-4 blade fans.

You might not know that fan with more blades does tend to make noise. You should stick with a fan model that’s no-noise. How do you find that? Always choose a DC motor that will be quieter than an AC motor. If you do decide to choose a ceiling fan with up to 5 blades, check out YouTube reviews. See how the noise level is versus other fan models with fewer fan blades. Hearing motor or fan swooshing sounds is irritating to hear over time.

5. Is it better with or without a remote?

We live in a society that cannot live without a remote. Every family room will need the essential remote control coffee table. This way the entire room can be controlled from a single location. That’s not to say that a wall control is a great idea to add just in case. This way, if the remote control batteries are dead you can use a wall switch. The hardest part will be getting off the couch…

At least a remote control can help with the fan speed or set the light dimmer. Make life easier on yourself by having a small box on the table where your remote is. This should be filled with new batteries so you don’t have to search around.

6. Which style is the best?

This is a decision that is best made with the entire family looking at ceiling fan designs. It also should fit well with your room décor. Just because the room doesn’t match a rustic old-fashioned ceiling fan, you can always add decorative accents also. Going with a total matched theme won’t be hard if you have modern furniture. The newest fans will fit in just fine, not standing out whatsoever.

Vintage ceiling fans in the family room can be a real showstopper and centerpiece to the room itself. Just like a hanging chandelier it helps define a family room with a certain status. Add a vintage fan that has a built-in oil lamp with and artificial flickering candlelight and you’re set! You can be the king of your castle!

Outdoor ceiling fan: FAQ

1. Why should we have an outdoor ceiling fan?

There are times when being outdoors is the best thing for beating the heat. For most of us, it’s a tradition to gather on the porch or in the patio. As an added comfort these areas are often covered to give plenty of shade. Add some couches and relaxing chairs and this adds to the outdoor feeling. On top of all this, you can also add lights, tables, and ventilation including fans.

What better idea than to give more space than to add a ceiling fan instead of a standing fan. It blows cool air down onto everyone can make hot summer weather simply cooler to handle. As long as the overhang or deck roof is sturdy enough to add a ceiling fan, it’s the perfect solution. It there is room for two fans you can be sure that there’s more than enough air circulation.

2. Can any ceiling fan be used to be installed and used outdoors?

There are no rules that say you can’t use any ordinary ceiling fan outside but there are certain weather risks. On those days when it rains or when it snows anything outside will get moisture damage. Electric motors especially are at risk because of the metals used. Things can corrode and get rusty very quickly. Just like a lawnmower, all that moist grass eventually is going to rust the underside of the metal.

You should buy a ceiling fan that is meant for outdoor use since these models are better protected for the weather. The inside of the motor and fan bearings are more shielded to resist the elements as well. As long as this type of ceiling fan is under dry roofing, it can last for years with proper maintenance. Regular fans might not do so well and last for a season or two before dying before its’ time.

3. How big of an outdoor ceiling fan do I need?

You don’t need giant fans to get the job done but you do need to size-up your space involved. Don’t pick a fan that just doesn’t fit under your deck or porch. Then again it will be different if you have an open barn or semi-covered overhang. First, you need to take measurements that tell you how much room is allowed. Then you will look for the type of outdoor fan based on speed and functions.

Who will you need to cool off, one or more than a few people? What type of electricity is being used is a factor too? Are you using AC or DC power? After considering all the questions you can begin to search for the right ceiling fan. When you do find the right fan, you’ll need to install the electricity to that spot. If it doesn’t have wiring already, then you have to run wires to the appropriate junction box.

4. How long does an outdoor ceiling fan last?

This is a question that’s hard to determine, it depends on the kind of climate you live within. Salt air is highly corrosive so living by the seaside or within ocean air will affect your fan parts. Cities where salt is used in the wintertime to de-ice the roads also can be a concern. Needless to say, that salt can damage the inner and outer parts of a ceiling fan much faster. If you live with these elements, the cleaning of the fan parts will be a regular year-round task.

Other weather problems include fog, rain, humidity, and high humidity. Even the occasional Hurricane will blow rain and or saltwater over your outdoor ceiling fan parts. Expect that with all the water problems, these special wet-weather fans are only as good as the warranty allows. If they are damaged by water in heavy amounts, they can only last longer if they are covered. They were meant to stay dry as much as possible despite the weather rating.

5. What waterproof features do outdoor ceiling fans need?

Special fans with weather ratings that are meant for humid and wet weather are built specially to resist this weather. It doesn’t mean they are 100% protected, so eventually, the elements will find a way to damage internal/external parts. Parts that have special spray coatings or rubber gaskets around the motor housing are the best features you can expect. Fan blades may have urethane spray coatings to resist rusting or weathering.

The motor housing still has air vents where moisture can get in so the motor must be inspected often. The only waterproof feature that can protect your outdoor fan is to protect it yourself. Remove a fan completely in the rainy and winter seasons and inspect the fan during the summer season. If you have high humidity, you’ll need to inspect it every week due to the moisture content.

6. Where can I put an outdoor ceiling fan?

Anywhere you like as long as the fan itself it underneath a covered balcony, porch, or other outdoor roof protection. All ceiling fans need dry conditions to run properly, so moisture will always be a problem. If there is heavy rain or humid weather for several days, this can cause an electrical short-out. If you live in dry climates where rainfall is seldom, you will have better luck using an outdoor fan.

Be sure to oil and lubricate internal parts so heat will not dry out fan blade ball bearings. Extremely high and dry heat can even cause a fan motor to overheat. Never operate a ceiling fan on super-hot days and don’t let your fan sit in the open sun. If you have a sunroom or glass roof, your fan needs to be in a shaded and protected spot. Think ahead where the placement of any ceiling fan to protect the motor from heat or heat built-up.

7. Do fans keep mosquitoes and bugs away from the porch?

Any kind of blowing wind is good enough to keep insects from landing on you. Mosquitoes are especially bothersome if you live near rivers and free-standing freshwater. Nighttime is when bugs are mainly attracted to any light source, especially incandescent bulbs. Thankfully LED lights don’t emit UV rays, so bugs are typically avoided. If you want to keep mosquitoes away, it’s best to install a bug zapper with UV light.

It won1t keep them off you totally but having a bug zapper can throw them off. Of course, a steady breeze from an outdoor ceiling fan will otherwise blow them away instead of landing on you. You can always install screen netting on all the open window areas to keep out most of these pests too. There are some comforts to having a fan that prevents little bugs from landing on you directly.

8. Is a 52″ fan too big for outdoors?

This can be way too big if your covered outdoor area is too small. You need at least 8 x10 feet of space or larger to house this fan. Anything smaller is not recommended. Very large rooms that are 18 x 20 feet would need an 80″ fan blade diameter. Blade size is often determined by the room size. Some people will often place smaller fans in strategic locations to move the air.

It all depends on personal preference and how large your outdoor area is covered. Keep in mind that smaller blade fans spin faster and make more noise at high speeds. Larger fans are very quiet and can move greater amounts of air. It’s not just about the fan blade size, but the overall look of an outdoor fan. Just make sure there are 2 feet of space in between the walls of where you put any outdoor fan.

9. Which way should an outdoor fan turn?

Outdoor fans should always turn clockwise so the airflow is directed downward. This is why you don’t see outdoor fans with the seasonal flow direction. If you created an updraft this would defeat the purpose of the fan blowing air onto you. It would be unique if your fan has a reverse switch but not without purpose either. There are good reasons if this outdoor deck has sealed windows.

An updraft can return the heat inside a room making it more evenly heated, even in winter. But for the most part, it makes no sense to have this for outdoor fans. If your fan is spinning counter-clockwise, check to see if the fan is wired backward. If there is a seasonal switch that is meant for updraft mode, switch it to the other setting. Also, make sure the fan blades are installed in the correct direction so that air travels downwards.

Caged ceiling fan: FAQ

1. What are the pros and cons of using an enclosed ceiling fan?

Pros

Better directional power

A standard ceiling fan blows downward, however, some enclosed fans can be adjusted to blow at all angles. You have the freedom to direct the air to areas that you want to have more air delivered. These are usually the dual-head fans that also rotate slowly to there is smother movement that is balanced correctly.

Improved airflow in oddly shaped rooms

Some rooms such as breakfast nooks or L-shaded kitchens will benefit from this type of enclosed ceiling fan. The air will flow more evenly and keep hot areas in the kitchen nice and cool. This is especially helpful in rooms that have large support beams too. You can push air into recessed parts of the room that have trouble getting good airflow.

Obvious safety features

There is always the danger of hands or objects being hit by fan blades by accident. It doesn’t happen often but having a covered or enclosed fan prevents this further. It also makes the design look more antique or old-fashioned. If your intention is a themed look to a room, this fan style will top-off the illusion with authentic results.

Easily concealed

Did you ever go to a Disney theme park and ever see a ceiling fan? Unless you were supposed to see one, it was probably on purpose. Some enclosed ceiling fans are hidden inside hanging lamps and chandeliers and you never even knew it. This is a great way to add airflow without distracting your guests.

Cons

Harder to keep clean

Dust and other things in the air will slowly build-up on every fan over time. It’s much more obvious on covered fans with a cage. It’s not healthy if these particles end-up on you or your food. To be honest it’s not good for your fan because it slows down the air movement altogether. Cleaning isn’t hard but it does need to be done fairly often.

More parts to oil and inspect

This is especially so for dual-head covered fans. They need to have twice the amount of maintenance to keep them running smoothly. If it wasn’t for the aesthetic look, you wouldn’t want to spend so much time keeping it running. With all the extra parts involved, these all will need pampering from time to time.

More chances of vibration and noise

The downside of an enclosed ceiling fan is the cage itself. It will be an issue that boils-down to vibration and rattling if you didn’t close it properly. Even standing fans are annoying when they do this, so covered ceiling fans are no different. Check every screw and clamp and always pay attention to where they attach. It will reduce these sounds every single time.

2. Can caged ceiling fans move air?

Despite the covering that you see on enclosed ceiling fans like this, it will move plenty of air. The rule of thumb with the covering is simple. Air is a lot like sound, it moves in a wavelength that bounces-off of things. The covering on these fans represents less than 10% that is physically covered. The air is no more off-course than you would imagine so essentially the air flows over the rounded bars and downward as it’s meant to blow.

More ornamental cages will have some redirected air, but it’s not lost in motion. Any air that bounces off the decorative cage walls is sucked into the available air current. Once again, it’s not a problem when the airflow carries away the restricted air. The only downside to this is that restricted air will make noise. Sound bounces around and eventually, you hear it as soon as it has passed through the fan within the air.

3. Is it difficult to clean the cage of this ceiling fan?

Cleaning a fish tank is more difficult than cleaning a caged fan any day of the week! It does take some time to remove the cages and fan blades. Cleaning them isn’t hard to do at all. You can spray them down with a garden hose or in the bathtub. Use some soapy water with a big sponge to wash off the dust and build-up. Spray them clean and dry them in the sun or with a towel.

An entire enclosed fan will take no more than 15-20 minutes to clean from start to finish. I’ve done my fair share of fan cleaning and can tell you it’s a thankless job. But when you feel the difference of a clean fan it will make it worth the effort. I recommend using a non-stick Teflon spray that repels dirt and dust. It keeps fan blades and cages cleaner for longer, preventing airborne materials like oil and grease from sticking easily.

4. Where can we use the caged ceiling fan?

Just like any other ceiling fan, there is no actual rule where you can have one installed. The golden rule is having the space to put one up with at least two feet clearance between wall borders. Another recommendation it the weight involved since caged fans can be heavier than a typical ceiling fan. The cage is light enough but still adds to the fan weight overall. You need to have a secure mounting that will keep it firmly attached to the ceiling itself.

If you can also secure a dead-drop wire that is secured to a ceiling beam, this will prevent accidents. This is a wire that is attached to the motor housing and is used as a safety catch. If it ever falls in an earthquake or other natural event, the wire will keep it from falling completely. In most cases, it’s called a safety cable but otherwise, it’s attached to a J-Bolt that is mounted into a ceiling stud.

5. Why caged enclosed ceiling fan is usually more expensive?

The most obvious reason is the decorative cage itself is one reason for the cost difference. A regular cage that is simple welded wire will be cheaper but some more ornate cages will increase the price. These are cast parts that require painting and sanding, of course, they will be pricier. But the look is incredible and otherwise adds value to any home. These aren’t always period pieces either but the original cages inspire style from a bygone era.

Back in the days when cast iron ceiling fans were in fashion, you either had to be rich or well-off to own one. The same can still be said today with better casting methods that can bring modern designs up to date. Some of the newer cages ceiling fans are futuristic with only hints of the classic old-fashioned look. You might not even think that you’re looking at a caged fan right away since it’s so well disguised.

Bathroom ceiling fan: FAQ

1. Ceiling fan vs exhaust fan: Which is better for the bathroom?

Having one or the other in the bathroom is an excellent way to get dual ventilation. A ceiling fan will move around air while the exhaust fan sucks out humid air. When you take a shower, the hot steamy water will fog-up mirrors and add moisture to such a small room. This can promote bacteria and cause every surface to absorb water. Adding an overhead fan helps to move that air around but it doesn’t remove it completely.

The exhaust fan is excellent since this moist air safely gets sucked into a pipe that is taken outside. The best thing that you can do is to add an exhaust fan combined with a ceiling fan. This will help ensure that excess air is removed faster and your bathroom will stay drier in return. This way you won’t need to worry about moisture damage over a long period. With that taken care of, bacteria won’t have a chance to grow.

2. Why do we need good ventilation in the bathroom?

There are just a couple of important points to having good ventilation in the bathroom. The first is to help clear the humid air that can form if there is no circulation at all. The water vapor that isn’t moving turns into that familiar bathroom fog. When it’s allowed to move the water enriched molecules will settle on anything they come in contact with. Then what happens is that they can form into dew droplets on the ceiling, walls, and floors.

With proper ventilation in the bathroom, the air movement will help dissipate the moist air so water droplets won’t form. Opening the bathroom door will let in fresh air or an open window if possible also works. The sooner that water vapor is dried-out the better. This way the chances for fungus or mold won’t be given the ability to grow. A dry surface isn’t the ideal place for these micro-organisms to survive, and your health is spared in return. This is why any moving air is important to have in your bathroom.

3. Can we put a ceiling fan in the bathroom?

Even the smallest bathrooms have enough room to install a small ceiling fan. Some apartment bathrooms have very limited space in a big city, no bigger than 5 x 5 feet. There are nice compact enclosed ceiling fans that do nicely. Larger bathrooms can support a fan as large as 52″ in diameter, so size shouldn’t be such a concern. Provided you have some window that can bring in fresh air or an exhaust fan built-in already.

If you don’t have either of those available, you can keep the bathroom door open instead. When privacy is a concern you might consider installing a wall vent if there is space. Some bathroom doors have small air vent that can be added on the bottom similar to mailbox drops. Since you don’t spend all day taking a shower, just having a bathroom ventilator is a good idea in general.

4. Where should we place the bathroom ceiling fan?

Your bathroom has many built-in features that can cause it to be oddly shaped due to the layout. The shower may be in one corner and a sink and toilet will be in another corner. Not every bathroom has a toilet in the same room! Aside from how your bathroom is set-up, you’ll need to decide where a ceiling fan can fit. It’s best to find a spot that is closest to the center of the room itself.

As long as it clears obstacles such as shower doors or shower rods you will be fine. Other things that can get in the way include bathroom cabinets and the doors that swing open. Give at least 2 feet of space if your ceiling fan is a hugger model. Enclosed ceiling fans are better since they have a cage built around them already. Always measure the available space beforehand to see which model will best fit into your bathroom.

5. Is more CFM better for a bathroom fan?

This will all depend on the amount of space you have in that room, to begin with. More CFM is fine, though it also matters if there is fresh air that can enter the room as well. Since airflow depends on continuous circulation, the reason for fresh air is more obvious. The bathroom is more humid because of the shower and sink. This is mostly because the shower tends to produce the most water vapor in the form of steam.

The higher the CFM of your ceiling fan blows that steam around and helps to evaporate it sooner. This might not be enough if the room is not letting in fresh dry air also. The dry air mixed with a continual flow of fan air does the trick in half the time. This is very important as you can reduce the chances of water damage to surfaces that are painted. Without good ventilation, you will see cracking and peeling paint on the ceiling or the walls.

6. What is the best bathroom ceiling fan size?

This always comes down to the size of your bathroom space, and shouldn’t interfere with anything around that fan. In general, a fan should be big enough to fit the room with 2 feet of a buffer zone. The height of your bathroom ceiling should be at least 8 feet but it’s recommended to install a hugger fan. Unless you have a bathroom that’s very large and spacious, you may decide on designs that include down rods.

The size of your fan blades also determines the number of cubic feet per minute (CFM). You don’t need more airflow as long as it does a good job. Some homeowners prefer to keep their ceiling fans small since the bathroom isn’t a high traffic area. If this room is used a lot, then you can decide otherwise. There are very few people who add a ceiling fan just for decoration rather than ventilation.

7. What waterproof features should the bathroom ceiling fan have?

This is equally important because of the humid environment that all bathrooms tend to have. You will need to look for the rating that comes with a bathroom ceiling fan. Is it meant for humid and wet conditions? Even if you don’t use it all the time, water vapor can get into everything. Having a motor running around this kind of moist air will promote rust or even corrode metal parts.

Fans that are designed with housings that protect these sensitive parts are only good if the room has ventilation. If you let your fan get exposed for too long to steam and moisture, the fan will start to fail. Squeaking and rubbing of corroded parts need special oil to keep them running smoothly. The inside of the motor also needs to stay nice and dry. Because any ceiling fan can work, it’s always better to choose a damp or wet rated fan instead.

Ceiling fan with lights: Q&A

1. Why do we need lights on the ceiling fan?

There are times when you may want to have extra functions built-into a ceiling fan. A light source is a very good extra that helps light-up a room or perhaps adds accent lighting. Ceiling fans aren’t so large that lighting is effective so each fan can only offer so much. This is where you can modify the lights that come with the fan unit. You can switch these lights to be brighter by using LED bulbs instead.

There is also the issue of ventilation fan lights with separate controls aside from the fan speed. Each unit will offer various control options, so be careful which one you decide to pick. Look for options that may allow you to expand these control options later. If the fan design includes WiFi plug-ins, this can be easier to manage if you upgrade to Smart Home controls. If not, you’ll have to replace an entire fan if it was only meant for hard wiring.

2. LED vs CFL bulbs: Which is better for a ceiling fan?

I don’t know why most manufacturers still include incandescent light bulbs in this day and age? The fact that LED lights are more energy-efficient is still a major problem for companies that produce filament bulbs. LED lights are safer to use and produce more light. The advancements now allow for color correction and mimic the exact color temperature of incandescent light. The better choice of light is always LED bulbs.

Ceiling fan light (CFL) bulbs are sometimes halogen or some incandescent light that gets very hot. This heat will start to damage internal wires from the heat they produce. It’s a burning filament that radiated heat better than it lights-up a room. That extra heat is not good for having below a ceiling fan motor. Every chance you have, search for LED operated ceiling fans or replace the bulbs that come with your fan unit.

3. How long do LED and CFL ceiling fan bulbs last?

This question is always easy to answer since it like comparing apples to oranges. LED lights last for years with 50,000 hours at a minimum. Incandescent lights will last months at best. In most cases, the problem is that the heat of a CFL light will be the burn-out cause. Other causes such as heavy vibration or being bumped can also break the tiny filament. They aren’t built to last unlike some of the original Edison light bulbs.

LED lights are special since they use a semiconductor to produce light. The manufacturer is the key to having a long-lasting bulb. Choose trusted names that include Sylvania and Phillips who produce excellent LED bulbs. They also produce filament bulbs however you won’t see these in another 10 years. The push for cost-effective energy is on the rise and LED lighting will be more common in our future.

4. What are the advantages of having dimmable lights on a ceiling fan?

First of all, having a dimming light on any fixture is without a doubt a wonderful thing. It has so many benefits that add comfort to your home. These are especially helpful if they are combined with other elements such as a remote control. To make this work without complications, you do need to have a dimming unit built-in. Some ceiling fans have wall unit or electronics that dim the lights with hand control.

Here are some of the advantages you can expect:

• Create just the right mood in your room with a dimming function
• Make a room more relaxing to take a nap, watch television, or other activities
• Further save on electricity bills with a lower voltage setting
• Control the lights within seconds anytime you need to adjust them

5. Special features we should look at

A ceiling fan offers extra features that enhance the functions you want to go with it. Only recently have new technology gadgets given the ceiling fan more appeal. You can look for these additions that may or may not come with that specific fan unit. This doesn’t mean there can’t be added, so here are options you should consider as a creature comfort.

Color changing LED lights

These lights are additions that require a light controller. Many new smartphone apps link together a single bulb or bulbs to change color. New fan models have these built-in already.

WiFi speaker

These tiny speakers can be added to fit inside a chandelier ceiling fan. With a bit of Velcro, they can sit inside. There are also new combo ceiling fans that have a speaker and changing lights all-in-one.

Remote control

The most modern fan ventilators already have remote controls instead of using a wall-mounted control switch. You can control speeds, lights, fan direction, and even scheduled times when the fan turns on or off.

WiFi app control

sing the newest Smart Home devices you can link your ceiling fan to be voice-controlled. It’s connected to touchscreen phones and devices like Alexa and Google Smart Home. You can even turn on these appliances from your car when you’re returning home.

6. How to replace the ceiling fan light bulbs?

There is always going to be the task of replacing the bulbs inside a ceiling fan. Depending on what model you own, you need to be familiar with getting to that bulb. It can be as simple as unscrewing the bulb in a chandelier design or removing a plastic or glass cover. It won’t be any harder than having a steady step ladder on-hand so you can reach the ceiling fan itself. You will need to stick to the wattage requirements for safety concerns.

It’s also an option to switch to LED bulbs that are more energy-efficient over the long-term usage. These bulbs are better suited to give a brighter amount of light so you can light up a room effectively. Replacing bulbs might be better if you like a change in color temperature. You can choose a brighter white or more soothing soft white. There are now colors that look exactly like an incandescent light.

Garage ceiling fan: Q&A

Do you have any queries regarding the garage ceiling fan? If yes, then this article will provide you all the important information. In this article, all the frequently asked questions related to garage fans are mentioned, so keep reading.

1. Does garage need ventilation?

Yes, the garage needs ventilation and there are many reasons behind it. The majority of people don’t pay proper attention to their garage and they completely neglect it, which is not right at all. It doesn’t matter if you only use your garage for storage purposes, your garage needs proper maintenance just like the other areas of your home. Poor ventilation is very dangerous as it can cause fatal accidents. As you know that most people keep their machinery and vehicles in the garage. These things generate chemicals and fumes, which can be very dangerous if they seep into the other areas of your house.

Apart from this, if you have an attached garage, then the heat build-up in the summers can also ruin the atmosphere of your entire house. That’s why it is very important to ventilate your garage properly.

2. Should I put ceiling fan in the garage?

Yes, you can put a ceiling fan in the garage. However, it is recommended to put a ceiling fan in the garage as it improves efficiency and creates a better environment. Though there are many things you should consider before buying a garage ceiling fan. For example- you have to make sure that the size of the fan is suitable for your garage and many minor details like that. Here are some reasons why you should put a ceiling fan in the garage:

When it comes to design and aesthetics, most garages lack these things. You can install a ceiling fan with a light kit. This will improve the functionality and usability of your garage.

3. Why ceiling fan Is better than stand fan in garage?

Here are some reasons why ceiling fan is better than stand fan in the garage:

• The best thing about the ceiling fan that it is easy to maintain. As compared to stand fan, it requires less care and you won’t need to put a lot of efforts into its maintenance
• It doesn’t matter how warm the climate is, ceiling fans are designed to keep you cool even if they don’t decrease the room temperature
• Some ceiling fans come with additional features such as lights, designs, and artworks that elevates the look of your garage shop and make it more elegant

4. Where should we put the garage ceiling fan?

Garage ceiling fans are not like regular fans, that’s why it is very important to place them very carefully. You must check whether the location is exposed to any external element and you should only buy a ceiling fan that is rated specifically for the particular location. Apart from this, the only suggestion is that if you have artwork on your ceiling, then you should be very careful while placing or if possible, then you should avoid placing it near any artwork.

5. What ceiling fan size Is best for garage?

Well, it depends on the type and size of your garage workshop. As you know that ceiling fans come in different sizes, they can range from 14 to 72 inches wide. To get the best-sized ceiling fan, you have to measure the size and height of your garage. A wrong sized fan won’t be able to perform well, that’s why you should choose your ceiling fan carefully.

6. Why ceiling fan is better than AC for garage?

There are many benefits of choosing a ceiling fan over a fan for your garage. Here are some of them:

• One main thing that makes ceiling fans better than AC is that ceiling fans are more economical. Unlike AC, they do not consume a lot of energy. A ceiling fan is more efficient and will save you money on energy bills.
• Another benefit of a ceiling fan is that it can work on UPS and inverter, which makes it a great backup option for power shut down
• Ceiling fans are very affordable in comparison to AC and the good thing is that you can use ceiling fans for the entire day as they have less heating issues

Nursey ceiling fan: Q&A

1. Should we have a ceiling fan in the nursery?

It’s not a bad idea because having a soft breeze in the nursery is healthy for young children and babies. It shouldn’t be on high since this will make the room too cold and uncomfortable. It also helps with air circulation so the oxygen in the room is equally mixed. This is especially important for mothers who are breast-feeding and need a light breeze. Babies also can get warm from temperature changes throughout the day.

Believe it or not, a ceiling fan is good for controlling odor. Sooner or later it becomes apparent that baby diapers can make a nursery room a bit murky. Adding a little breeze can circulate that air to keep it from being funky. No matter how much you keep the nursery clean, there are always odors that remain. A ceiling fan will help them to not linger so often.

2. Is it good to put a fan on a baby?

Not directly onto a baby, that would be careless and grounds for being reported to the children’s welfare dept. The only place you should have an overhead fan is a place that doesn’t endanger your child. The center of the room is fine but the lowest speed is all you need to give the room some airflow. Besides that, using a fan in the nursery should have constant attention.

Anyone who has a small baby already knows they are checking on their little one every 5 minutes anyway! I can tell you from experience that a new baby is a constant job, so you’ll be checking them continually. Keep those hotter days in the summer cooler by controlling the speed setting. Don’t resort to higher speeds unless you can make sure your baby isn’t getting too much breeze.

3. Should we direct the ceiling fan at the baby?

Never in a million years should you have the ceiling fan on a baby. Babies and infants are incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and can get sick if they get too cold. As terrible thought as this is, it needs to be mentioned. Not just once but as many times possible! There are people out there that don’t understand how dangerous this is. I recommend that if you have a ceiling fan in the nursery put up a shield close to your baby.

Hang a blanket over the upper portion of the baby crib to block faster-moving air. There should be a very light breeze that is no stronger than to move a tissue paper. If the fan is moving that tissue around, the speed is too strong! Thankfully low ceiling fan speeds are gentle enough that you don’t feel it so much. That’s about all you need to have fresh room air for your baby.

4. What ceiling fan can reduce the risk of SIDS?

Science cannot fully explain why Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a danger to newborns but some studies suggest the lack of fresh oxygen. A ceiling fan is an excellent way to recycle the room air and allow fresh air to circulate. There isn’t concrete proof of this since SIDS is still a very controversial issue all over the US. Keeping an eye on your sleeping baby is the best prevention aside from the issue itself.

The plausibility that a sleeping baby is breathing their own exhaled breath is enough reason for air circulation. Babies do get hot at times and a light breeze helps cool them down so once again that air movement helps. I do believe that there is a marketing push for cringe reasons’ for not buying a ceiling fan. This is not the only reason to have one installed.

5. Ceiling fan versus AC: Which is better for a baby?

To be perfectly honest, you should never have air conditioning near a baby! It’s nice to have as an adult but AC is lethal for babies. Rooms get cold spots and it cannot be controlled unless there is room circulation to mix the cooled air. Having a ceiling fan move air around balances the air that’s in a room. It does make the room cooler but no more than 10 degrees on average than the rest of the room.

Using low speeds, the room air will not cool rapidly so the constant temperature is not going to be colder. It works best for the nursery since airflow is not getting hotter or colder. Keeping a tab on your baby and feel for how warm they become is all part of good parenting. If they get too hot, loosen their blanket or change their clothing to cooler clothes. Forget using any kind of AC unit unless you have central AC that can be better controlled.

6. Can kids get sick from a blowing ceiling fan?

Yes, they can but it might be for all sorts of reasons. The dust levels in a room can contribute to allergies that can develop. Cold air is not good as this can affect their immune system. They could get a cold or develop a cough. There is enough reason to be worried that it will complicate other symptoms if they are already sick. Never add to illness unless you consult your home doctor first.

If the doctor says it’s ok to have a ceiling fan on low speeds then stick to that recommendation. It’s hard to not worry about these concerns but being a new parent is never without concern. No matter what the internet says, always consult your baby doctor on what is best. They will always tell you what is allowed and what is too risky. Keep your little one from getting sick by limiting direct fan contact as much as possible.

Chandelier ceiling fan: Q&A

1. Can we put a chandelier on a ceiling fan?

Sometimes to have a more elegant look it’s a great idea to have a chandelier ceiling fan. It makes a room fancy and lets your guests feel they’re in a special place. Not only that, but it’s also nice to know your home feels like a castle than just an average home. You don’t have to go over-the-top so never buy anything that doesn’t fit into the décor of your home. There are plenty of designs that go from classic to modern.

You should also have the amount of room that will fit a chandelier. A higher ceiling isn’t the only issue since a chandelier only needs an 8-foot ceiling to be effective. The higher ceiling will need a down rod but that’s about it. Having a ceiling fan attached is the bonus as you can have the stylish look with a cooling fan too.

2. Is it OK to put the chandelier ceiling fan in:

Living room

This is an age-old practice that makes any living room have a certain spark. It will direct your eyes to this centerpiece and give this room plenty of character. Plus, you can add decorations around the room to add to the overall look you want to enjoy. With that being said, you should always stick to a theme so the chandelier doesn’t become an eyesore. If it looks too fancy you might be trying too hard unless the room is fitting to that style.

Your living room is where you can entertain friends and family, so it should always be warm and inviting. This chandelier should reflect that with warm inviting light that’s not too garish.

Dining room

What dining room shouldn’t deserve a ceiling fan that is worth talking about? When you combine this with a chandelier, it makes this room a great place to enjoy your meal. Perhaps it’s not a great idea to have right above a table this is how many of these fans are placed. It just gives the right amount of light and breeze to let the entire room feel alive. Plus, the smells of a well-prepared meal will circulate through the room adding to your senses.

Be sure that you have plenty of clearance above the table, so you don’t bump your head on this chandelier. It’s best for rooms that are at least 10-12 feet tall but not limited to more compact models.

Bedroom

This is a spectacle that is reserved for anyone who likes their bedroom to feel like a royal chamber. Especially if you have one of those canopy beds with decorative posts. It makes everything look like a fairy tale of some sort. It depends how crazy you want to go though, to be honest, it’s your personal choice. Unlike the rest of your home, you don’t give tours of your bedroom.

Save those tours for those who you want to impress instead. But for every expense you put into your room décor, meet the basic level of sticking with matching furniture.

Kitchen

The kitchen isn’t always a good place to have a chandelier but it’s not out of the ordinary. Some modern homes add these fans to give their kitchen a selective look. Rather than fancy and sparkly, this chandelier will have a purposeful look. As if to say that food that’s made in this kitchen is country cooking or meant for deserts. Put together a collection of all your favorite kitchen fans that interest you.

What you put together as the chandelier fan will make a statement about the kid of kitchen master you are. My recommendation is to stick with polished copper and brass to give the culinary feel more important.

3. What are the types of crystals used in a chandelier ceiling fan?

The most common crystals used on ceiling chandeliers are glass since this is the cheapest. You can change them to be better quality crystals or even semi-precious crystals. These are all cost concerns especially if you have a lot of them covering the chandelier. They need to be attached securely so they won’t fall off. Double-check every piece so they are all attached in this way.

Even if you decide to change them over time, learn how to wire them yourself. They should be easy to remove if you need to clean them later.

4. How to clean the chandelier ceiling fan?

This is a tricky job but it should be a task that takes no more than 1 hour to complete. As long as you can get to all the parts without trouble, make it easy on yourself. Use a good standing ladder and start with removing parts that are to be cleaned separately. As you take-off parts, set them up on a table to be cleaned one at a time. Like an assembly line clean it when everything is all laid out.

Use paper towels and cleaning sprays that can wipe off dust and dirt build-up. It’s a ceiling fan too so dust will always be your biggest enemy. For a finishing touch give everything a light spray of Teflon dry spray. It helps keep dust from sticking on these surfaces so you don’t need to clean all the time.

5. Can a chandelier fan cool a room?

If your fan is a quality ceiling fan it will always cool a room effectively. The advantage is that this combination gives beauty to any fan design. Not that ceiling fans weren’t exceptional decorative items in a room, adding the chandelier aspect just adds the cherry topping. It won’t be in the way of cooling a room either since it still drives air where it should go. No matter where you decide to put this fan it can be enjoyed all through the year.

It will also be effective to keep warm air moving in the wintertime. What gives this chandelier real character is giving it seasonal decorations of your own. Let everyone know what holiday it is by adding decorations to your chandelier. Give it a character that speaks to everyone all by itself.

Hugger ceiling fan: Q&A

1. What is a hugger ceiling fan?

Hugger ceiling fans are low-profile fans that are mounted flush to the ceiling and lack a downrod. They are also referred to as flush-mount ceiling fans. These fans are an excellent choice for small rooms or rooms with ceilings less than 8 feet. Some of these fans are integrated with lights to provide illumination to the room.

They come in varying styles and sizes ranging from traditional to transitional and classic to contemporary. They create a cooling breeze without taking much space in the room. Besides, they complement the decorative theme of the room.

Although the standard fans can be installed as flush mounts, most manufacturers sell “low profile” or “hugger” ceiling fans to cater to this need. Since blades in hugger ceiling fans are closer to the ceiling, they can’t move as much air as the ordinary fans.

2. Are hugger ceiling fans good?

When you want to install a fan in a room, the most crucial consideration is the distance from the fan to the floor and ceiling. If the room is small or the ceiling heights less than 8 feet, installing a standard fan isn’t advisable. That’s where the flush-mount ceiling fans come in. They provide adequate cooling in the room while avoiding the fan blade clearance problems.

Besides providing the much-needed cooling in the room, these fans are compact enough to fit in a small space. They also present an option of adding a dimmable light for your kitchen, or an energy-efficient LED light bulb.

These fans hang at a minimum of seven feet from the floor, therefore meeting the modern NEC standards. If you have a low roof in a room that requires ventilation, installing a low-profile fan is one of the best options. These ceiling fans provide most features as the standard ceiling fans. They come in varying styles and designs perfect to match your décor.

The hugger ceiling fans also include oil-rubbed fans that add a fanciful touch to your children’s bedroom or play area; you can also install them in your patio or other outdoor space.

3. Can a ceiling fan be too close to the ceiling?

Ceiling fans have to move lots of air to achieve maximum cooling. Thus, the distance between the pitch or tilt of the fan blades and the ceiling needs to be adjusted. If the fan is too close to the ceiling, for example, 5 inches, it won’t get adequate air to push downwards as required.

According to the National Building Ceiling Codes, the fan blades should be at a minimum of 7 feet from the floor and a minimum of 5 inches from the ceiling. This means you can’t install a fan in a room if the ceiling is lower than 7 feet and 5 inches.

For ceilings, more than 8 feet from the ground, the fan is attached to the amount to ensure it’s installed at the optimum height. For vaulted or angled ceilings, you should use a sloped mount. Most ceiling fans feature a three-inch downrod that suspends the fan from the ceiling.

Hugger ceiling fans are known for lack of airflow due to the short distance between the blades and the ceiling that prevents adequate airflow around the blades. In this regard, it’s essential to pick a superior quality hugger fan for it to effective. Many flush fans in the market move little air. Thus, go for flush-mount fans with the highest CFM ratings and quality.

4. Can a ceiling fan be too close to the floor?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the body that standardizes most matters regarding ceiling fan installation, such as junction boxes, but it has no specifications on the ceiling fan height. In this case, it goes by the standards set by the manufacturers after inspection, product valuation, and testing.

If an installer goes against the recommendations of a trustworthy manufacturer, it assumed they conflict with NEC. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, and UpCodes and a majority of most manufacturers agree that ceiling fans should be suspended at least seven feet from the floor.

If possible, you should set the fan clearance at 9 feet above the floor or a minimum of 7 feet. This will assist in avoiding accidents at home.

Smart ceiling fan: Q&A

So, the hot summer is giving a hard time for your family. Your budget is restricting you to invest in an air conditioner. Let’s invest in a smart ceiling fan. It is expensive than traditional ceiling fans but cheaper than an air conditioner. Also, energy consumption is not going to be a headache. Go through the following to know why a smart ceiling fan is the best alternative to an aircon unit.

1. What is a smart ceiling fan?

A smart ceiling fan is designed to serve the same purpose. It will operate like your conventional ceiling fan. But it is intelligent and smart enough to offer better convenience. You can program it to adjust the temperature and schedule. You can simply operate is by setting a schedule or asking Alexa on your smartphone. From more advanced models, users can expect a geolocation setting and sensors. Smart ceilings fans can be operated via Bluetooth and WiFi. You can program and control a smart ceiling fan remotely through your Android and iOS devices.

2. What Are the Common Devices to Control Smart Ceiling Fan?

Smart ceiling fans are well-equipped to ensure easy usage. They can be operated by voice control technologies through the following.

• Alexa
• Google Home
• Siri

In addition to the voice control, infrared remote control, smartphone app, wall switch, timer, humidity sensors, and occupancy sensors can be used to control smart ceiling fans. The controlling will vary depending on the model. However, most of them will have voice control features that make it easy for users to operate the fan whenever they want via their voice.

3. Why do we need a smart ceiling fan?

A smart ceiling fan offers better convenience and easy controls. These fans can control the temperature of a home by sensing its current temperature and then only they will decide the setting to create a comfortable environment. You can schedule and program them and they will start working without any intervention.

Most of them are integrated with voice control technologies and smart home hub including Google Home, Siri, Apple Assistant, and Alexa. Also, these are energy efficient and come with integrated LED lights. There are both indoor and outdoor versions to help you to find the most suitable one. Here are some common features that make a smart ceiling fan a preferred choice among buyers.

Set Schedule

You can set a schedule to operate your fan. These fans can be programmed and scheduled on time and temperature.

Use Phone as the Remote

You can operate your ceiling fan via your smartphone even if you are not at home. This version can be operated remotely.

Voice Control

As stated earlier, you can use voice control technologies to operate your ceiling fan. This will make the operation extremely easy and convenient. Voice control can be used to change light intensity, fan direction, and fan speed.

4. How to know if the ceiling fan Is “smart”?

A smart ceiling fan is well-made to operate remotely and smoothly. The advanced features help you to know your ceiling fan is a smart one. If your ceiling has many smart features such as programming, voice-control technologies, remote operating, and sensors, then it is a smart ceiling fan. Also, smart ceiling fans are expensive than traditional ceiling fans. The traditional options do not come with advanced features. You will have some limited options to operate them.

5. Can we convert the old ceiling fan into smart ceiling fan?

Yes, you can convert an old ceiling fan into a smart one. But it is not possible with all the models. If your model supports, you can consider any of the following options to convert your fan into a smart ceiling fan.

You can integrate a hardwire kit with the old fan to control your fan wirelessly. Different types of kits are available to offer easy and remote usage. Some of them can also be integrated with Alexa. When your old ceiling fan has RF or IR remote control, you can use the control hub to add some automation to your fan. A mobile app can also be effective to add some smart features. They can ensure easy integration with Google Assistant or Alexa. Z-wave switch can convert your old ceiling fan into a smart one as well.

History of Ceiling Fan

1. Who invented the ceiling fan?

Internet history has revealed some impressive names when it comes to the ceiling fan. However, this history lesson will tell the real story of who is really behind this turn of the century technology. Most of the story started by the 1890s but never gives a clear idea of who was going to invent what. The clearest date that is obvious for when ceiling fans came into use was back in 1886.

It seems a Father and Son were the first to invent a new gadget at a shotgun factory. Located in Fulton, New York, John Hunter and son James, who worked in a crowded little factory had thrown together a belt-driven fan blade mounted onto the ceiling. Using age-old technology of water power to push a watermill, the belts were geared to spin the fan blades. It allowed them to work in that hot warehouse in Fulton.

Since the invention was built within the factory (The Lyman C. Smith Gun Company) and was filed as one of their factory machines. It was registered and patented by Samuel O. Tuerk Sr. in February of 1886. John Hunter was never even credited. However, the invention itself is what helps them to turn this quirky rig into a new business opportunity. By 1888, John Hunter convinced the factory owner to sell his factory to him.

The result was a success for both parties and the factory name was changed to the Hunter Arms Company at Fulton. They still made guns and weapons for many years but the ceiling fan idea started getting out there. It was offered to hotels and other factories as a way to keep employees and patrons cooler. Since Hunter now owned the patent for it, they built custom ventilation fans; one project at a time.

2. How did ceiling fans work before electricity?

The usual methods at the turn of the century were limited to steam or water power. Electricity was a real luxury and was intended for factories, or for the rich to possess. Before the electricity battle of the late 1800s, there was only one place using ceiling fans used in the USA. They were exclusively for the Lyman C. Smith Gun Company. But this is the part of the story that gets even more interesting!

3. Historical development of the ceiling fan

John Hunter first used water power from the local Fulton River and then from a water-powered turbine. John Hunter worked closely with the little-known Nikola Tesla and later began using his electro-magnetic AC motor. History books will often say different all due to the greed of the Thomas Edison Company!

Things got more conflicting when Philip Diehl who worked with the Singer Sewing Company entered the picture. A German-born immigrant would invent light bulbs, sewing machine motors, and incandescent light variants for the Singer Company. Diehl also claims to have invented the ceiling fan and patented his version one year after Samuel Tuerk filed his in 1886.

The two were heavy rivals however Diehl was technically the first to add a lamp at the base of a ceiling fan. Deihl also forced The Edison Company to lower the cost for electric light bulbs in 1882. At that time the Singer Sewing Machine patent wars were raging in full swing! They were all connected to the George Westinghouse Company and all were in favor of AC power.

Philip Diehl had come up with the idea to attach a small fan to a sewing machine motor. The idea of intent was fundamentally the same as John Hunter’s intention. After all, it was an industrialization age and factories were typically terrible and hot places to work. It wasn’t until 1896 that the Hunter Fan Company came into existence. By 1941 they won military contracts (due to their history with weapons) to produce fans for the US army hospitals.

The rest is history as they say as they’re the last one standing in the game of ceiling fans.

4. Fun facts about the ceiling fan

Did you know that the Hunter Fan Company was best known for producing desk fans in the 1920s? They only produced ceiling fans for factories and wealthy families.

The movie Casablanca (produced in 1942), visually put the idea into the general public’s mind about the allure of ceiling fans. The funny part is, there is not one ceiling fan seen in the whole film! They were hanging lamps that appear to be ceiling fans.

The Casablanca Fan Company was bought out by Hunter in 1995.
Oddly enough the Robin and Meyers Company were among the first to start selling the ceiling fan in 1897. In 1948 they eventually bought out the Hunter Fan Company which is still in business today.

Ceiling Fan Glossary

What is a ceiling fan?

A ceiling fan is an electrical appliance that is mounted to the ceiling of a room to move air downward. It helps to move air around and provides comfort in homes where there is no air circulation. Fun Fact: The first belt-driven ceiling fans were introduced in 1860, and used water-driven turbines to make the fans work. Later, Phillip Diehl of the Singer sewing machine company introduced an electrical motor to power a ceiling fan.

Terms related to ceiling fans

1. Blade

This is a wooden or plastic wing that is attached to a mounting bracket. This bracket is attached to another mount that fits over a motor pin. The motor pin is balanced with 4 other blades, allowing blades to spin when a ceiling fan is turned on.

2. Blade arm

This often has many names including a blade iron, mounting bracket, or fan blade fixing. It attaches to both the blade and motor pin allowing the blade to push air downward.

3. Motor Housing

This is where an electrical motor is held and will have a decorative cover to protect it. The housing is always rounded and helps keeps dust off the electric motor.

4. Motor (AC/DC)

An electrical motor is used to power a ceiling fan. It can use AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current) to power the motor. Depending on your house wiring, you will need to choose which current is supplied to your home.

5. Canopy

This is a dome-shaped metal or plastic part that fits over the ceiling mounting bracket. It slips over the down rod and helps secure the ceiling fan to the ceiling bracket.

6. Down Rod

This is a long metal tube that attached to both the ceiling bracket and motor collar. The motor collar uses a screw pin to hold the down rod in place. The down pin slides into the ceiling bracket that is attached firmly to ceiling supports. This rod helps hide electrical wires inside of it.

7. Pull Switch

Virtually unused these days, a pull switch is a hanging cord that is attached to a spring-loaded electrical chain switch. It hangs at 180 degrees and when pulled down it connects an electrical circuit. The fan will turn on or off when this switch is pulled.

8. Reversible Blade

This is a fan blade that is designed to move air in both directions at an equal force. It’s not designed to cool anything but more to move air around so it makes a stuffy room more breathable.

9. Capacitor

A capacitor will allow selected amounts of electricity to control the spin and torque of a fan motor. Some fans have low, medium, or high speeds that work using a capacitor. It will regulate the incoming electricity so the motor can function properly.

10. Regulator

This is a control dial that controls a fan speed from slow to fast. Unlike a capacitor it allows smoother fan control, so you can adjust the fan speed as you wish.

11. Switch

This is a wall-mounted switch that is used to turn a ceiling fan on or off. Sometimes it can also control the speed setting likewise. It’s built into a switch that holds a regulator control dial or speed settings.

12. Hugger

This is a ceiling fan that is designed without a down rod. It fits closer to the ceiling and is meant for rooms that have lower ceilings.

13. CFM

This term is used to describe the amount of airflow. It’s an abbreviation for Cubic Feet per Minute. This tells you how much air is moved per minute by the speed of the fan blade rotation.

14. Blade Pitch

Since all fan blades are different, the blade pitch will determine how much air the ceiling fan will move. Each blade is set to a degree that compared to the parallel-ground, gives the desired airflow ratio. Most blades are set 12-15 degrees to be considered efficient airflow.

15. RPM

This is related to CFM and tells you the exact Revolutions per Minute based on a single fan blade. This helps determine how many times a fan blade spins in one minute. If the RPM is higher, the amount of airflow is further determined for a highly efficient fan.

16. Vaulted Ceiling

Many people think a vaulted ceiling is shaped like a church interior. In truth, a true vaulted ceiling is any ceiling that does not have 8-10 foot ceiling height limits. It will be an open space where an attic or roof is often built. It makes a room look wider and more spacious.

17. Damp Rated

In homes where a covered porch or room has high humidity, damp rated fans are built to resist a higher amount of moisture in the air. These fans are not used outside at all since they cannot be protected from the elements.

18. Wet Rated

When a ceiling fan is used outdoors or in places where there’s wet weather, wet rated fans are used. These have a special housing that keeps out water. They are found in outdoor gazebos and covered patios. Not to be used directly in wet rainy weather.

19. Floor to Blade Measurement

To have the optimum amount of airflow, the floor to blade measurement should be 8-9 feet from the fan blades to the floor. This makes any size room feel more comfortable when a ceiling fan is turned on.

20. Color Temperature

In lighting terminology, color temperature refers to the Kelvin temperature scale. This scale can range from 1000-10,000 Kelvin. This begins with candlelight to sky blue light. Most home lighting is between 2800-3500K.

21. Lumen

This determines how much light a light source is giving off. Incandescent lights are warm but not as powerful as LED lights. Therefore, Lumens give a room more light based on how many Lumens are used. It’s related to wattage as well but different for each kind of light source used too.

22. Lighting Efficiency

Some ceiling fans will have built-in lighting. Newer lights can be incandescent or LED light designs. Depending on the style of lights used, each model will tell you the efficiency of light coverage that lamp offers. A rating is also used to tell you how well energy savings affects electricity costs.

23. Airflow Efficiency

This is a chart that will give you an idea of how well a ceiling fan moves the air inside a certain size room. It also is based on the angle of the fan blade and RPM or CFM info that’s included. It’s not limited to how a room is separated since airflow carries from room to room.

24. Energy Star

This is an energy score rating that evaluates the value of a product and the rating that has been given. Electrical products with an energy star rating tell you right away how well they perform. They also tell the energy savings you can expect over time. An excellent A+++ rating is reserved for products that save electricity and are long-lasting.