How to Select an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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A ceiling fan under your patio cover or porch veranda adds an element of comfort to your outdoor living area. Outdoor ceiling fans must be moisture resistant and must meet industry regulations for this in order to be sold as an outdoor ceiling fan. Help with your selection can be obtained by using the following suggestions.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Consider the size of the area where you plan to install an outdoor ceiling fan. If this space is equivalent to a normal size room, then you will need to purchase only one outdoor ceiling fan. If the area has very high ceilings, then you will need to purchase an outdoor ceiling fan with a pole extension, the length depending upon the height of the area. If the area has a very low height, then you will need to purchase a flush mounted fan.

Step2

Purchase a ceiling fan that is an "indoor/outdoor" model or one that is advertised to be an outdoor ceiling fan. These fans will be resistant to water and weather elements.

Step3

Choose blade lengths or sizes depending upon the size of the room or area the outdoor ceiling fan will be installed in. Ask about the size of the blades prior to purchasing. An advertised 52-inch fan means that from the tip of one blade across to the tip end of the blade on the other side is 52 inches. There are also very small blades, such as 23-inch fans, for small porch areas or inside a bathroom.

Step4

Find the outdoor ceiling fans best suited for your needs by shopping at lighting stores, discount stores and home improvement stores. Most of these have a sample of all models mounted on the ceiling so you can actually see what the outdoor fan will look like. Many of these locations will also carry light kits that can be attached to your outdoor fan.

Step5

Have a certified electrician install your outdoor ceiling fan. Be sure to ask them to check all wiring already in place to make sure it is compatible with your new outdoor ceiling fan. All electrical wiring must be properly installed and grounded. The electrician may also be able to install the appropriate on/off switches or maybe even a remote control feature.