There are a lot of modern ceiling fans with unique styles, catchy designs and added features available now-a-days. With so much choice available, it becomes difficult to decide which fan to buy.
I have compiled a list of things you should know when buying a ceiling fan.
Let us start with the most important aspect.
Fans are measured by the full size of their blade span (also called blade sweep). It is the diameter of the circle when the fan is in motion.
Ceiling fans come in a wide range of blade spans, from small mini fans with a blade span of 18 inches up to large fans with a 68 inch blade span. For maximum comfort and efficiency the size of the fan blades should be in direct proportion to the size of the room.
| Room Size | Blade Span |
| Up to 100 sq. ft. | 29" to 36" |
| 100 to 200 sq. ft. | 42" to 48" |
| 200 to 400 sq. ft. | 52" to 56" |
| More than 400 sq. ft. | 60" or larger |
For a particularly large room, consider getting two ceiling fans. Space them evenly to achieve equal ventilation. Once you select the ceiling fan based on your preferences, it is crucial to know...
The fans can be mounted or installed in many ways. Apart from ensuring that the fan is installed at least 7 feet up from the floor, you can choose the fan mounting that best complements the room decor and optimizes air circulation.
Another thing to know while buying a ceiling fan is...
Blade pitch is the angle of a fan's blade tilt. It along with the blade span determines the amount of air circulation by the fan. The blade pitches that are between 11°and 16° are most efficient.
Now let us look at...
Finish makes the fan blades more durable. A high quality finish will resist against blistering, tarnishing, fading and corrosion.
Less advanced finishes on the fan blades can be very fragile and start to peel, bubble and corrode quickly.
Modern ceiling fans are available mostly in these finishes -
Select a fan that adds to the home decor by choosing the color, finish, blade design, size, accessories, lighting and style. You can choose from classic to contemporary designs to complement the look and feel of the room.
Now, many people wonder whether...
Start by determining how much light is already in the room. Is there enough natural light entering the room? How many lamps are there in place? Do they provide adequate light? Based on these make a judgment whether you need more light.
If more light is required in the room, a ceiling fan with a light or a light kit is a good option. Many light kits are compatible with a wall dimmer or remote, so adjusting the light intensity is easy.
Many modern ceiling fans are flexible enough to enable ventilation adjustment.
During the normal operations in summer the blades run counter clockwise. This circulates the cool air in the room.
During the winter, the motor can be reversed to run clockwise. It stops warm air from rising. Also it forces any warm air concentrated near the ceiling to circulate down and around the living space.
This way heat is distributed more evenly making the space warmer and increasing the efficiency of the heating system.
To get best products read product details and user reviews before making any purchase.
I hope you found this guide helpful and will use it to your benefit. Use it before you venture out to buy ceiling fans and you will have something you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Sushil Wadhwa
Architect, Interior Designer, creator of Homes and Interiors... more.