How to Choose a Ceiling Fan

You walk into Loewes or Home Depot and look up to rows of fans peering down. There are so many: big ones, small ones, remote control, 4 blades, 5 blades. How do you know how to choose a ceiling fan?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• the square footage of your room.

1. First look at your ceiling. Is it low? You will need a flush mount fan especially if the fan is placed in a high traffic area, not a problem if it's over the bed. Is your ceiling angled or vaulted? If so, you need a fan that will accomodate a vaulted ceiling. If you have a regular height and flat ceiling, than you'll have more choices. Look on the ceiling fan box. It will tell you if it is a flush mount, regular mount, or sloped mount or all three.
2. What is the square footage of the room? To figure square footage just multiply length x width. Usually the box will tell you the size room the fan is best for maximum use. A 42" fan is fine for a small room, such as a bedroom that is 144 sq. feet. When you get above 400 sq. feet, you will need a fan 52"-60".
3. Does the fan come with a light kit or do you have to buy that separately or do you need a light kit? If you are replacing a ceiling light with a fan, you most definitely want a fan with a light kit. Look on the box to see what type of lightbulbs the fan uses. Some fans use special bulbs which are more expensive to replace.
4. Are the blades reversible? Does the fan have 3 speeds? Is there a reversible operation for the fan, so it can turn both clockwise and counter clockwise? Is the fan quiet? Check on the box to see if it has double sealed bearings for a quiet operation.
5. Do you need remote control for this fan? Usually remote controlled fans are more expensive, but it is convenient.
6. Which is better 4 or 5 blades? A 5 blade fan puts more drag on the motor. Four blade fans will move more air.

Tips & Warnings

• The average fan runs from $20 to well over $200. You certainly can pay more.