Fans might seem like a classic item that works as long as it is turning and moving the air to keep people cool. Surprisingly, there have been innovations in ceiling fan design that mean you get more out of each rotation and more options when selecting a fan, where and how to install it, and how to get the most out it.

Below we’ve put together some guidance on what to look for when selecting a fan for your home, why installing a ceiling fan should be done by a professional, and a quick overview of what’s new in ceiling fans. While ceiling fans can be used in cold weather by spinning warm air around the room, the focus here is about lowering the room temperature in the summer.

What to Look for When Selecting a Ceiling Fan

There are different types of ceiling fans, even though they all do essentially the same job.

Chances are what you need in a typical home is a standard ceiling fan to use on hot days to stay comfortable and not overheat. These fans will sometimes include a light too, and can be reversed to use in winter. A flush-mount fan is similar to a standard ceiling fan, but is installed much closer to the ceiling for more space.

A multi-head fan is what it sounds like: smaller fans all rotating as the main fan also moves. These types of fans have the potential to create more cooling with increased air movement.

Outdoor fans might also be called “damp or wet-rated” fans for their ability to perform in various conditions outside. While an outdoor fan can be installed inside, you should not use an indoor fan in an outdoor setting.

Consider these factors when selecting a fan for your home:

  1. The size of the blades based on the room size. Check the Energy Star website which breaks down blade length to square footage.
  2. A room may need more than one ceiling fan in order to provide adequate cooling, and this will be determined by measurements.
  3. The length of the downrod, which will determine how far down the fan hangs from the ceiling and therefore the distance from the floor. If your ceilings are relatively low, a flush-mount fan might be a solution.
  4. Ideally a fan is eight feet from the floor and a foot from the ceiling for maximum efficiency so you’ll need to measure correctly to ensure the fan is not too high or too low to work properly and safely.
  5. How you want to control your fan—remote control? Pull chain? Switch? Via an app on your phone?
  6. Style—this is a personal choice, but keep in mind there are many options out there.
  7. Price—there is a range of costs for ceiling fans. As you look at the different models for your specific needs, factor in additional expenses such as hiring an electrician or buying tools and equipment if you plan to do this yourself.
  8. CFM or cubic feet per minute and the most efficient fans will have a high-speed airflow of over 100 CFM per watt.

Why You Need a Professional Electrician to Install a New Ceiling Fan

There are many DIYers who feel confident in their abilities to swap out an overhead light fixture with a ceiling fan, but there can be a lot more to it than just installing the fan box for the existing junction box.

Ceiling fan installation might also include:

  • Cutting through drywall
  • Adding a wall switch to control the new fan
  • Adding new wiring for a new or replacement fan

When handling electrical wires, plus standing on a ladder to lift the fan, it’s best to prioritize safety first. A professional electrician will have all of the necessary tools for properly measuring the downrod and other parts of the project. In addition, an electrician will have experience in ceiling fan installation that the average homeowner does not and then they can make recommendations based on what they know.

Another good reason to call the experts is that it could save money in the long run if you try to do it yourself, spending money on various tools and gear, only to have to pay to have it redone.

Contact a Mister Sparky electrician to install a ceiling fan for you this summer.

The Latest in Ceiling Fans

Mister Sparky is not in the business of manufacturing ceiling fans, but it is interesting to see what’s changed in this important electrical device over time.

Ceiling fans now come with anywhere from two to five or more blades to move the air, not just the standard three blades. The size of the room will factor in to selecting the best fan for you, as well as price and style. Ceiling fans can cost less than $100 or over $1,000, and that’s just for the fan itself, not installation. You can see a few models in this The Spruce article.

Ceiling fans are the most energy-efficient cooling choice for homes when compared to an air conditioner, and there are now fans that are considered energy-efficient designs too. According to ENERGY STAR, ceiling fans with improved motors and blade design can be 60% more efficient than older models. They have compiled a list of these improved fans too.

Select a ceiling fan with dimmable LED lights to make this device even more environmentally friendly.

The materials used to make ceiling fans are getting lighter which means the fans can move faster to cool an area more efficiently, and have less movement—or wobble—as they work.

With so many styles and colors to choose from, it can be hard to select a ceiling fan. Some people go with reversible fan blades that display different colors on each side so they can rotate back and forth to have the best of both worlds.

Smart fans can be controlled by an app so they can be on a timer and shut off when not in use, therefore saving more electricity.

Ask your Mister Sparky electrician for advice on installing a ceiling fan in your home.