Ceiling fans were once a one size fits all appliance. It spun around, made a lot of whirring noises sometimes with a ting, ting and a shake to keep things interesting, and it provided blissful relief from our hot Australian summers. As kids, we always knew that the best place in the room to be on a hot day was bang under the ceiling fan. Unfortunately, everyone else knew this as well so you usually had to fight dad, brothers or sisters and the dog for the cool spot.
Ceiling fans have come a long way since then. Modern ceiling fans don't just provide an energy-efficient home cooling system, they also add to your home décor.
There are a few key points to consider when buying a new ceiling fan for your home.
Size matters
Modern ceiling fans spread the air further than the old style fan with the 'cool spot' but there are still ideal sizes for different sized rooms. Installing a ceiling fan which is too big for a room can cause a cyclone effect, blowing paperwork, dust and small animals about when on the high setting (Toto has been through enough don't you think). Too small and the fan will be frustratingly inadequate. As a general guide the room size to fan blade size ratio's are as follows:
- Up to 7 m sq - 29 to 36 inch blade
- 7 - 13 m sq - 36 to 42 inch
- 13 - 21 m sq - 44 inch
- 21 - 37 m sq - 50 to 54 inch
Blade pitch
The angle or pitch of the fan blade will dictate how much air flow the fan produces. For the most air flow without affecting the energy efficiency of the fan look for a pitch between 12 and 22 degrees. If the pitch is more than 22 degrees the motor has to work harder to push the blades through the air, resulting in more power used.
Number of fan blades
More is not necessarily better when deciding on ceiling fan blades. Four is generally better than two. But six blades doesn't significantly increase air flow compared with four blade models.
Fan blade material
Ceiling fan manufacturers are producing fans which look as good as any designer light fitting to enable the fan to be used as a feature in your decor. Choices are many and varied for the fan blade material, including stainless steel (ideal for wet areas and outdoors), wood (wood is a quieter option, perfect for bedrooms), aluminium or plastic.
Ceiling rake
If you have a pitched, vaulted or sloping ceiling you will need to check that the fan you choose is suitable to be attached to an angled ceiling.
Fan and light combo
Combining your ceiling fan and light is a great option for small to medium sized rooms. The strobe light effect of a ceiling fan spinning over a light fitting could drive even the most balanced person batty. Nobody wants to live in a disco. A light fitting on a ceiling fan can provide both clear ambient light or feature lighting.
Fan controls
We are in the age of the remote control. Everything has one, from your Nana's recliner chair to the latest in robot vacuum cleaners. Many ceiling fans have the option of a remote control to allow you to turn it on, off or change the speed from the comfort of your chair. Other models are controlled from a traditional wall switch. This style is ideal for households where the thought of another remote to add to the collection does not appeal.
Ceiling fan budget
Due to the huge range of ceiling fans on the market you are sure to find something you love in your price range. Ceiling fans vary in price from around $100 all the way to the pointy end at $1000. Savings are to be had by buying more than one at a time or shopping around.
Ceiling fan installation
Be sure to factor in the cost of the installation of your ceiling fan by a licenced electrician into your budget. This is another area you can save on by combining more than one ceiling fan installation together.