Ceiling Fans
Choosing the right ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are one of the most popular types of fans currently on the market and there are many styles and sizes available. The style of the fan you choose will please your personal aesthetic, the size of the fan you choose for your home will have a significant impact on the overall performance of the fan and the look of your room.
There are two major things to consider when determining the size of the fan you want to install in a particular space: the size of the space and the height of ceiling.
Fan Size
The span of ceiling fan blades generally range from about 29 inches to 54 inches. The most common size for fan blades is 52 inches. In order to determine the size of fan you need for a particular space, you will have to measure the room where the ceiling fan is going to be installed. Once you have your measurements, use the following guidelines to help you determine the appropriate size of fan for your room:
75 square feet and less – If your room is 75 square feet or less you are going to need a fan between 29”-36”. This will be the most effective size of fan for this size of room.
76 – 144 square feet – If your room is between 76 and 144 square feet, you will need a fan which is between 36”-42”.
145 – 225 square feet – If your room is between 145 and 225 square feet, you are going to require a fan which is 44”.
225 – 400 square feet – If your room is between 225 and 400 square feet, you will need to purchase a fan which is in between 50”-54”. This size will complement the size of your room best.
You will also need to know the height of your ceiling. To maximize the fan’s ability to circulate the air, the ceiling fan blades should be at least seven feet above the floor, preferably eight or nine feet above the floor. If your ceilings are 10 to 12 feet high, your fan may need an extended down rod to ensure your fan blades are at the correct height. Following the guidelines outlined above will ensure that you choose the size of fan which works best with your size of room. You don’t want your ceiling fan to look out of place, especially when you’ve spent so much money on it.
Energy Efficient Fans
If you plan on using your fan regularly, you may want to consider an Energy Star fan. Energy Star ceiling fans are created with energy efficient motors and an advanced blade design which moves more air with less effort and power. Some models of Energy Star ceiling fans use 50 percent less energy than most other models of ceiling fans.
There are many benefits to using Energy Star ceiling fans:
- Energy star fans use 20-50 percent less energy in order to cool your home.
- Every year you will save approximately $25 on your energy bill by using an Energy Star fan.
There are a number of companies which make Energy Star ceiling fans, such as Casablanca Fan Company, Emerson, Craftmade International, and a number of others. These companies provide their consumers with the option of purchasing an Energy Star qualified product.
If you install an Energy Star fan in your home, learn to use it efficiently. You will want to know about your fan’s settings, especially fan direction since the reverse and forward settings are used for different seasons.
