Page Hardware now stocks Hunter ceiling fans and we did some research to bring you a few tips to use when choosing the right fan for your space.
Fan Size
Choosing the right size fan for your room is as important as when selecting an air conditioner, space heater, or dehumidifier. A fan that is too small for the space will be ineffective, and one that is too large can blast the room’s occupants with a noisy gust of wind.
Room Size – Fan Size
- Less than 50 square feet (7′ x 7′ or smaller) – 29″ fan
- 75 square feet (8′ x 9′) – 36″ fan
- 100 square feet (10′ x 10′) – 42″ fan
- 225 square feet (15′ x 15′) – 52″ fan
- 400 square feet (20′ x 20′) – 56″ fan
- Greater than 400 square feet – 60” fan or consider using two 56” or two 52” fans
Blade number
Fans are generally available with 3-5 blades, and each have pros and cons.
Three-blade fans are most often used in outdoor spaces or industrial buildings. They move air quickly and require a smaller motor to move the blades than a fan trying to spin four or five blades. This creates a strong, noticeable wind. While the smaller motors mean spending less on energy costs, three-blade fans are often louder than fans with more blades.
Four- and five-blade fans are usually the choice for indoor, residential settings. These fans are designed with a consumer aesthetic in mind, available in multiple finish choices and with decorative, integrated light fixtures. They create a gentle flow of air and are quieter than three-blade fans, but may use more electricity than their efficient counterparts because of their larger motor size.
Mounting position
Regardless of your ceiling height, your fan should be mounted 7-9-feet above the floor. This is because fans cool by moving the air around the people in the room. A fan high up on a cathedral ceiling will only move the air far above your head. Fans that are too close to the ceiling or walls may also not circulate the air enough to cool you. Positioning your fan at least 18-inches away from the walls, and follow the manufacturer recommendations for minimum spacing below the ceiling to optimize air flow. Be careful in rooms with low ceilings, though. You don’t want the fan blades hitting anybody in the head!
Fan controls
Some fans come with remote controls, some rely on wall switches, others use a pull chain or a combination of the above. Control location is a consideration because you want to be able to easily turn your fan off and on, change the spin speed, and change the blade direction seasonally. Remotes always seem enticing, but if you are prone to losing the tv remote or have a dog who likes to chew remotes, wall controls may be preferable.
In the summer, your ceiling fan blades should spin counterclockwise (left to right when standing beneath the fan, looking up). This setting will create a breeze that you can feel when standing near the fan. In the winter, set your ceiling fan so the blades spin clockwise. Run the fan on low to draw warm air down from the ceiling towards the floor.
Sources:
https://www.martecaustralia.com.au/how-many-blades-should-your-ceiling-fan-have/
https://www.1stoplighting.com/content/fan-tips/info.aspx
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