You can find ceiling fans in most homes.
Installing ceiling fans is a good way to increase airflow in a room. In many cases, can also add a decorative touch to the room and can serve as a focal point. However, there are many things to examine before you opt to place a ceiling fan in any room in your home.
Permits
Check with your local building inspector or permit office to determine if you need a permit to wire a ceiling fan. In most areas, even if you are the homeowner and are installing the fan yourself, you will need a permit and possibly an inspection after the installation. Installing any permanent electrical appliance without a required permit can result in fines from the permit office.
Room Size to Fan Size Ratio
Installing a 54-inch fan in a 75-square foot room is overkill and will provide a very windy experience for inhabitants of the room. Energy Star.gov has a good guide to help you pick the ceiling fan to fit your room. To determine square footage, measure the width and the length of your room and multiply the numbers together. For example, a 12-by-12-foot room is 144 square feet and requires a ceiling fan that measures 44 inches wide.
Head Room
If you plan to use a ceiling fan in your room, measure the height of the ceiling to ensure the bottom edge of the fan blades are at least 7 feet off the ground. Installing between 8 to 9 feet will ensure maximum efficiency with the ceiling fan. Also check with your local building inspector or permit office to determine if your area has any codes that specify additional clearance needs.
Multi-directional Fans
Multi-directional fans give you the ability to run the fan in the normal operating direction in the summer to push air down and to create a cooling airstream. However, in the winter you can use the fan in reverse to create an updraft that circulates warm air around the room without creating a cooling effect. Not all fans come with this feature.
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