According to Energy.gov, a ceiling fan can help you raise the thermostat on your aircon by up to 4°. So, when summer’s at its zenith and you don’t want to run your air conditioner flat out, a ceiling fan’s a great way to stay cool and comfortable.
They’re one of the most effective available alternatives to conventional energy-sapping cooling systems.
Check out this guide to choosing a ceiling fan to help you save on your energy bills.
Size Considerations For Choosing a Ceiling Fan
It’s important to know how to choose a ceiling fan that’s right for the size of your room. A fan that’s too small won’t cool your room efficiently, while a too-large fan creates way too much airflow.
A good rule of thumb is to work out the square footage of your room first.
For small rooms under 8 by 10-foot, like a kitchen nook or den, pick a fan between 21 and 40 inches in diameter. Fans with a diameter of 42 to 54 inches suit rooms no larger than 12 by 14-foot, like bedrooms.
For larger rooms such as family rooms, with dimensions of around 18 to 20-foot, you’ll need a fan with a 52 to 60-inch diameter. It’s unlikely that you have any rooms larger than that in your house, but you can get 60-inch diameter fans for really big rooms.
Mounting Your Ceiling Fan
The way you mount your ceiling fan affects both its performance and aesthetics. If your ceiling’s lower than 8-foot high, you should flush-mount your fan close to the ceiling. This prevents it from hanging too low down.
A down rod mount suits ceilings of 8 to 10-foot high and is the optimal way to mount most fans, with about 13 inches of space between the ceiling and the fan.
If you have an angled ceiling, you’ll need an angle mount for your ceiling fan. You can adjust these fixtures to suit the angle of your roof, so your fan hangs straight.
Install a Ceiling Fan That Suits Your Decor
When you start investigating your options for ceiling fans, you’ll discover a huge range to choose from. There are fans made for both indoors and outdoors, different blade styles, and some with lights while others have none.
Do you want a ceiling fan with a light bulb to suit your home’s light fixtures? You can shop for ceiling fans at big box hardware stores, but you’ll find better options at your local electrical supply store.
If you aren’t working with an interior design on your home improvement project, you can look for ideas about which fan suits your decor best on websites or in magazines.
A wood or wood-look fan suits farm or country-style decor perfectly, while slick black or white fans go with modern-styled minimalist rooms. Do you prefer the trendy industrial look? Opt for a fan with a metallic hue.
More Cool Ideas
A ceiling fan is a step in the right direction if you want to cut down on your energy bills. It’s also an attractive addition to any room, especially when you’re up to speed with choosing a ceiling fan that suits your needs.
Are you interested in more ways to improve your home’s efficiency, comfort, and appeal? Explore our blog for more of the best interior design ideas.