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Ceiling Fan Encyclopedia
Make Understanding and Selecting Your Ceiling Fan a BreezeWhen searching for a ceiling fan, you may have a few questions. While you are here:
- Check out these Frequently Asked Questions, or
- Shop for Ceiling Fans
Q:Why should I buy a ceiling fan?
A: Ceiling fans can greatly reduce energy costs in your home. You will save up to 40% on cooling costs during summer months, while saving 10% on heating costs during the chilling winter. Rooms with high or vaulted ceilings will particularly benefit from the use of a properly placed ceiling fan. The amount you save will vary depending on local climate and energy rates. Shop Ceiling Fans
Q: How easy is a ceiling fan to install - is it a project I can do myself or does it require a certified technician?
A: Installing a ceiling fan is a Do-It-Yourself project. You will need to be able to:
All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes. If you are unfamiliar with wiring, you should use a qualified electrician.
A: Installing a ceiling fan is a Do-It-Yourself project. You will need to be able to:
- Locate a 2" x 4" or other suitable support in the ceiling
- Drill holes and install wood screws
- Identify and connect electrical wires
- Lift the fan (most weigh less than 35 pounds)
All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes. If you are unfamiliar with wiring, you should use a qualified electrician.
Q: Fan size depends on room placement.
A: In order to achieve maximum comfort and energy savings, it is imperative that you choose the ideal fan size for your room. It is possible to choose a fan that is either too small or too large for the desired room. In addition, small fans may not move enough air, while large fans might overwhelm your guests with excessive air movement. Some ceiling fan companies offer different sets of suggestions. Below, we have compiled an average of these suggestions.
| Suggested Fan Size | Application | Room Size |
| 29" Fan | Bathroom, Hallways | Up to 50 sq. ft. |
| 36" Fan | Breakfast Nooks, Laundry Rooms | Up to 75 sq. ft. |
| 42" Fan | Small Bedrooms, Small Kitchens | Up to 100 sq. ft. |
| 50" or 52" Fan | Standard Bedrooms, Family Rooms | Up to 400 sq. ft. |
| 54" Fan | Great Rooms, Large Areas | Over 400 sq. ft. |
Q: There is and ideal height for ceiling fans.
A: For maximum cooling, fan blades should be rotating at a height of 8 to 9 feet above the floor. If you have a ceiling that is higher than normal, you can purchase an easy-to-attach downrod so that your ceiling fan can still operate at a proper height. The chart to the left gives specific downrod lengths based on your ceiling height.
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Q: Getting the proper downrod.
A: A general formula for calculating downrod length is: ceiling height in feet minus 9' = downrod length. This formula is based on the fan-to-floor distance of 8 feet plus 1 foot for the dimension of the fan. So if your ceiling height is 12 feet, you need a 3 foot downrod in order to properly position the fan 8 feet from the floor. Using long-length downrods for fan installations actually help stabilize fans and reduce the potential for wobble. Think of a grandfather clock pendulum and its slow, heavy swing versus a smaller clock pendulum with a fast, unsteady swing. Weight and length combine to create stability, reducing wobble, whether it is in a ceiling fan or a clock pendulum.
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Q: What is the blade span of a ceiling fan?
A: The blade span of a fan is generally the circular area that is covered by the fan's blades while in rotation. The diameter of a fan's blade span, on fans with multiple blades, is measured by taking the distance from the edge of one blade to the edge of the opposite blade.
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A: The blade span of a fan is generally the circular area that is covered by the fan's blades while in rotation. The diameter of a fan's blade span, on fans with multiple blades, is measured by taking the distance from the edge of one blade to the edge of the opposite blade.
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Q: What is the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) rate for my fan?
A: The RPM varies greatly, depending on the blade size and material, the pole length and the space between the fan and the ceiling or wall. Smaller 18” blades, as well as blades of lighter material, increase the RPM rate.
A: The RPM varies greatly, depending on the blade size and material, the pole length and the space between the fan and the ceiling or wall. Smaller 18” blades, as well as blades of lighter material, increase the RPM rate.
Q: What is ceiling fan blade pitch?
A: Blade pitch is the angle of the blades when compared to the horizontal. Quality fans generally have a blade pitch of 12-14 degrees. Lesser fans can have a blade pitch as low as 8 or 10 degrees. The higher the pitch, the more pressure the fan blade applies to the air in front of it as it turns and the more air is forced downward. That's why some lesser quality fans can look like they're spinning up a storm, but when you stand under them, you can't feel anything. Again, the best way to judge is to test the fan in actual use.
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A: Blade pitch is the angle of the blades when compared to the horizontal. Quality fans generally have a blade pitch of 12-14 degrees. Lesser fans can have a blade pitch as low as 8 or 10 degrees. The higher the pitch, the more pressure the fan blade applies to the air in front of it as it turns and the more air is forced downward. That's why some lesser quality fans can look like they're spinning up a storm, but when you stand under them, you can't feel anything. Again, the best way to judge is to test the fan in actual use.
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Q: Understanding the difference between a four and five blade ceiling fan.
A: The main difference between a 4-blade and 5-blade fan is aesthetics, with some additional wind noise associated with 5-blade fans. For a given motor, a 4-blade fan will move more air than a 5-blade fan. The 5th blade puts additional drag on the motor, slowing down the RPM of the blades, which decreases the CFM.
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A: The main difference between a 4-blade and 5-blade fan is aesthetics, with some additional wind noise associated with 5-blade fans. For a given motor, a 4-blade fan will move more air than a 5-blade fan. The 5th blade puts additional drag on the motor, slowing down the RPM of the blades, which decreases the CFM.
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Q: Which fan/blade combination provides maximum air movement?
A: The more narrow blades provide a greater amount of airflow. The use of heavier blade materials also increases airflow.
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A: The more narrow blades provide a greater amount of airflow. The use of heavier blade materials also increases airflow.
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Q: Ceiling fans can cool and warm a room.
A: Ceiling fans do not actually reduce the temperature of a room, but rather create a wind chill effect, which makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on your skin. When used in accordance with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can drastically lower energy costs since you can then use your air conditioner to a lesser extent. In a heated room, the hotter air will naturally rise towards the ceiling. A ceiling fan will be able to help push the warm air down towards the floor, circulating the air where it is needed, and allowing other heating implements in your room to work less.
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A: Ceiling fans do not actually reduce the temperature of a room, but rather create a wind chill effect, which makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on your skin. When used in accordance with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can drastically lower energy costs since you can then use your air conditioner to a lesser extent. In a heated room, the hotter air will naturally rise towards the ceiling. A ceiling fan will be able to help push the warm air down towards the floor, circulating the air where it is needed, and allowing other heating implements in your room to work less.
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Q: A ceiling fan's direction depends on the season.
A: In the summer ceiling fans should rotate counter clockwise and in the winter clockwise.
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A: In the summer ceiling fans should rotate counter clockwise and in the winter clockwise.
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Q: What to do if your ceiling is sloped
A: Most manufacturers offer an optional "sloped ceiling" adapter that will allow you to hang your fan at any angle up to 48 degrees.
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Q: What should I look for in a ceiling fan motor?
A: The motor is responsible for producing quiet operation while driving the blades for air movement. Look for high-quality motors with heavy-duty windings and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. Smaller, less powerful motors found on lower quality fans may produce higher operating temperatures, lower air circulation and noisier operation. Motors are designed to work flawlessly for long periods of time and should have a long lasting life.
Q: Why do some fans require oil and others do not?
A: This system keeps the main bearings lubricated at all times, for quiet operation and long-life. It is part of the reason why this fan has a limited lifetime motor warranty. Most other fans use motors that do not require oil.
A: This system keeps the main bearings lubricated at all times, for quiet operation and long-life. It is part of the reason why this fan has a limited lifetime motor warranty. Most other fans use motors that do not require oil.
Q: Does the finish of a ceiling fan blade affect its quality?
A: 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. Brass finishes are long lasting, scratch resistant and never need polishing. Painted finishes are thick, rich and durable as a result of the advanced painting process.
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A: 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. Brass finishes are long lasting, scratch resistant and never need polishing. Painted finishes are thick, rich and durable as a result of the advanced painting process.
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Q: Can I use a ceiling fan outside?
A: You can use a ceiling fan anywhere you have a ceiling. Covered decks, porches and gazebos make great spots for a fan. Underwriter's Laboratory lists fans for outdoor use are two types of listings: "damp location" and "wet location". Damp location is suitable for most outdoor uses while wet location is intended for more severe situations.
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A: You can use a ceiling fan anywhere you have a ceiling. Covered decks, porches and gazebos make great spots for a fan. Underwriter's Laboratory lists fans for outdoor use are two types of listings: "damp location" and "wet location". Damp location is suitable for most outdoor uses while wet location is intended for more severe situations.
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Q: How much electricity will a fan draw?
A: On average, a ceiling fan run on high speed will consume less power than a 100-watt light bulb.
A: On average, a ceiling fan run on high speed will consume less power than a 100-watt light bulb.
Q: Can my fan be adjusted by remote control?
A: Most ceiling fans can be adjusted with an accessory remote control sold separately from the fan. In fact, remote controls can really enhance the performance and operating flexibility of ceiling fans since many include one-touch multiple speed settings, instant fan "off" operation, and full range light dimming -- all possible from the comfort of your favorite chair or bedside table. Ceiling fan and light remote controls can easily be installed either with the fan during new installations or on fans which have been previously installed and in use for some time. The installation is an easy, do-it-yourself project and does not require any professional wiring. Remote control kits include a handheld transmitter for sending commands to the fan and a receiver which either conceals inside the fan canopy or mounts just beneath the ceiling. Remote controls can operate the fan or light reliably up to 40 feet away from the fan.
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Q: Can a ceiling fan and a light kit be controlled from the same wall switch?
A: The answer here depends on how your wall switch is currently wired. If you have a single wall switch with two wires (one black, one white), the answer is "no" unless you purchase a control specifically designed for this type of switch (Hunter offers three models). The answer is "yes" if you have a three wire set-up in the single wall switch and purchase a more common, dual control that will operate a fan and light separately from a single switch. Having an electrician install a third wire can be expensive.
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A: The answer here depends on how your wall switch is currently wired. If you have a single wall switch with two wires (one black, one white), the answer is "no" unless you purchase a control specifically designed for this type of switch (Hunter offers three models). The answer is "yes" if you have a three wire set-up in the single wall switch and purchase a more common, dual control that will operate a fan and light separately from a single switch. Having an electrician install a third wire can be expensive.
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Q: Finding the right light kit.
A: Yes. Most of today's modern fans are. The light kit attaches to the bottom of the fan's switch housing and requires only a simple electrical connection. However, it really varies from manufacturer and model. And not all light kits are interchangeable with one another.
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A: Yes. Most of today's modern fans are. The light kit attaches to the bottom of the fan's switch housing and requires only a simple electrical connection. However, it really varies from manufacturer and model. And not all light kits are interchangeable with one another.
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