What Type Of Ceiling Fan Should I Buy

Lower your utility bills by installing ceiling fans.

Energy-saving ceiling fans can keep you cool in the summer and circulate warm air in a room in the cooler months, and they do not use much more electricity than the light fixtures they replace. Ceiling fans are available in a wide variety of prices, sizes and styles. Examine the size of your room and its decor to help you choose the right ceiling fan for your needs.

Size

According to Consumer Reports, the most popular size ceiling fan is 52 inches, but you should choose the size that will operate most efficiently in the room the ceiling fan will occupy. Fans that are too large for the room will blow too much air around. A fan that is too small for the room will not cool it efficiently. In general, a 52-inch ceiling fan should be installed in rooms that are between 225 to 400 square feet. A 42- or 44-inch fan is appropriate for rooms approximately 100 to 225 square feet. Choose ceiling fans with a fan blade span in the range of 30 to 44 inches for rooms measuring approximately 100 square feet or less.

Style

In addition to the range of sizes, ceiling fans are available in many colors, materials and styles to match the decor of the room. Inexpensive fans are generally white or brown with basic paddle blades and very little embellishment. Higher quality fans have decorative motor housings made from brushed metals like brass or pewter, polished wood or even cast iron with paddle blades in various shapes, such as oval or leaf shapes. Other options include modern, traditional, vintage and very ornate styles and various glass designs. Children's ceiling fans are available in bright colors, shapes and patterns appropriate for a child's room or nursery.

Features

Some ceiling fans operate by remote control, which comes in handy for rooms with high ceilings. More expensive fans may feature reversible blades, more powerful and quieter motors and light dimmers. Some models have a temperature adjustment feature that automatically changes the speed of the blades as the room's temperature changes.

Tags: ceiling fans, ceiling fans, fans available, square feet, approximately square