How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan for a Room

In an effort to become more energy efficient, more and more people are choosing to install ceiling fans in their homes in lieu of using their central air conditioning. This is all well and good--but if you make the wrong decision when purchasing a ceiling fan--you may not get the results you dreamed about. Depending on a number of different factors--finding the right ceiling fan for your room can have a dramatic impact on how much you save--and how comfortable you'll feel in the summer heat.

Instructions

1. The first thing you have to consider is the size of the room. If you have an 18-by-12 foot living room, choosing a 30-inch ceiling fan just isn't practical for the job. It will have to work twice as hard as a more appropriately sized fan. Here are the recommended fans sizes for their ideal applications:

   If the room is up to 8-by-10 feet in dimension, then a 30-inch ceiling fan will suffice.

   42-inch fans should be installed in rooms up to 12-by-12 feet in dimension.

   Larger rooms, up to 18-by-20 feet, demand a 52-inch ceiling fan, and larger rooms may be better suited to have two ceiling fans installed for maximum air flow.

2. After the dimensions of the room, the next important factor is the height of the room. For maximum air flow it is recommended that the blades be no less than 8 feet from the floor level, although 7 feet is the lowest in terms of safety. To gain this benefit, you may have to either (a) purchase a ceiling fan along with an extended down rod so that it hangs lower (for high ceilings), or (b) purchase a ceiling-hugging fan (for areas where the ceiling is low).

3. Avoid purchasing ceiling fans sold at your local discount store. These are usually overpriced and cheaply made. They have a reputation for wobbling, having loud motors and generally weak performance. For the best quality and selection, visit your local home improvement store. These stores offer good quality ceiling fans at competitive prices; or you can look online, but I always recommend seeing the ceiling fan in person before making a decision.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are planning on installing the ceiling fan in a damp or wet location, like on a patio, be sure to choose one that is weather-resistant.

• Ceiling fans are now made according to the Energy Star program, for maximum efficiency, choose one with the Energy Star label on the box.

• For cathedral ceilings, choose a model that can be operated by a remote control.

• For a fan with a light assembly, be sure to use light bulbs rated for ceiling fans; they are built to be able to withstand the vibration.

• Do not install a ceiling fan directly over a bed. Install it more to the foot of the bed if possible.