Choosing a ceiling fan

Good-quality fans have sealed motors. The best motors are sealed with zinc, a metal which naturally absorbs vibrations. An unsealed motor may be noise-free when you first install it, but it can develop noise over time due to dust contamination. This will produce squeaking sound and affect the fan’s balance as well. A motor equipped with a ball-bearing drive reduces friction, making it even quieter.

The angle of the blade in relation to the motor is known as the pitch. The greater the pitch, the greater the movement of air volume. Blade angles vary between 6° and 16°, with 13° being average.

There are 3, 4, 5 and even 6-blade fan models. The number of blades on a fan has nothing to do with efficiency, making it a matter of preference rather than a decision of performance. A fan's performance is determined by blade design and motor speed.

To choose the appropriate fan size, measure the room where the fan will be installed and calculate the total area. The larger the room, the longer the blades should be. As a general rule of thumb, a 36" fan is well suited to a 100 sq. ft. room, a 42" fan to a 150 sq. ft. room, and a 48" to 52" fan to a 300 sq. ft. room.

There should be at least 7' between the fan and the floor. For a standard 7' to 8' ceiling, install the fan on the 4" shaft supplied with the unit. If the ceiling is 9', then install a 12" shaft. If the ceiling is higher, an extension rod should be used.

Some fan models include an integrated light fixture with one, two, or three light bulbs. Combining both functions in one unit can be very practical. Shades can be clear or frosted glass. The intensity of the light can also be adjusted.

The fan’s controls allow you to set the rotation and speed of the blades, as well as the lighting if the fan is equipped with a light fixture.

Ceiling fans can be activated in three different ways.

Depending on the model, the number of speeds varies between two on basic units (high and low) and three or even four speeds on high-end models.

In summer, blades should rotate in a clockwise direction, pushing the air downwards and generating a cool breeze. Fans can also be combined with an air conditioner to spread cooled air more effectively in the room.

During the winter when the room is heated, blades should be set to rotate counter clockwise, pushing the warm air accumulating up against the ceiling back down along the walls to ground level. The circulation of air evens out room temperature and keeps the room warmer.

Black and white are the most popular colours for ceiling fans, but wood finishes or even metallic finishes are quite common as well. Many other colours, textures, and shapes are possible and readily available. If you are considering a fan with an imitation gold, chrome, or brushed chrome finish, then make sure the finish harmonizes with your existing light fixtures and door handles. Painting your fan blades is also an option.

Lacquered blades are suitable for ceiling fans in the kitchen. Cooking grease does not stick to these blades, which makes them easier to keep clean. They are also recommended for damp areas such as greenhouses, gazebos, or even basements.