10 Things to Consider Before Buying Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are pretty simple interior appliances used to create a cooling effect in the summer and distribute heat evenly during the winter.  How complicated can it be?  There are thousands of ceiling fans to choose from and probably only 50 that will work in the space you want it in.  It is not that complicated if you can answer the following 10 questions.  These questions should narrow down your search when looking for a ceiling fan. 



What is Your Ceiling Height?

 
Knowing the ceiling height where your new ceiling fan will be installed will determine whether you choose a hugger ceiling fan or a ceiling fan with a downrod.  National Electric Code NEC requires that your fan blades do not hang lower than 7 feet from the floor.  For ceiling heights under 7'6" you will most likely want to use a hugger ceiling fan or a regular ceiling fan with a low ceiling adapter.  
  
ceiling fan dimensions     
 

Any fan company that you can buy a ceiling fan from can give you the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the blades with the included downrod.  An example is above. 
 
Knowing the exact height of the ceiling and the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the fan blades will give you enough information to determine if you need a longer downrod than what is included with the ceiling fan.  Usually a 3inch or 6inch downrod is included. 
 
downrod length chart
 
The above chart can give you an idea of the correct size downrod you will need.  Remember to include the light kit size if applicable.
 

Is Your Ceiling Sloped or at an Angle?

If you have a slope ceiling you can not use a hugger ceiling fan.  Ceiling fan blades should always be in the horizontal position where gravity finds them.  If not the fan motor will incur too much strain and eventually burn out. 
 
If your ceiling is sloped you will want to find out the exact degree of slope that the ceiling is at.  This information will help you know if you will need a sloped ceiling adapter or not.  Most fans come with the ability to hang up to 29 degrees with the standard ball joint mounting system. 
 
sloped ceiling adapter
A sloped ceiling adapter (shown left) will enable the ceiling fan to hang from 29 degrees to 52 degrees.  Most sloped ceiling adapters consist of a new canopy in the same finish as the ceiling fan, new mounting hardware and a new ball joint.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To determine the degree of slope you will need to know the rise distance and the run distance measured in feet. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Using a scientific calculator, enter the following data:
 
RISE distance / RUN distance = (INV) (TAN) = Degree of Slope
 
OR enter the rise and run distance in the below Rise over Run Degree Calculator
The "rise" or height difference between the walls:
The "run" or length of the room:
 
Now you know if you need a sloped ceiling adapter or not.

Determine the Blade Span Based on the Size of the Room

Ceiling fans come in many different blade span sizes.  Knowing the estimated blade span size will greatly narrow your search when it comes time to start looking for the right ceiling fan.  Below should give you a good idea of what ceiling fan blade span you need based on the square footage of your room. 
 
Square Footage = Room Length x Room Width (in feet)
  • 16 - 40 sq. feet  = 24" to 32" Blade Span
  • 40 - 75 sq. feet  = 34" to 40" Blade Span
  • 75 - 100 sq. feet  = 40" to 42" Blade Span
  • 100 - 140 sq. feet  = 42" to 48" Blade Span
  • 140 - 200 sq. feet  = 48" to 52" Blade Span
  • 200 - 260 sq. feet  = 52" to 54" Blade Span
  • 260 - 300 sq. feet  = 54" to 58" Blade Span
  • 300 - 380 sq. feet  = 58" to 62" Blade Span
  • 380 - 450 sq. feet  = 62" to 72" Blade Span
NOTE - When you have a room that is over 300 square feet and measures 10 feet by 30 feet, two 42inch Blade Span ceiling fans might have a better appearance and distribute the air circulation more evenly.  The above chart sizes are estimated, no ceiling fan blade span is set in stone to a particular room size.  Many rooms vary in height, have assessable windows that create draft, oblong widths verses lengths and sloped ceilings to consider.

If Your Ceiling Fan Box is Existing, How is it Wired?

By determining the existing wiring in your fan junction box it will help you understand which type of control options you can choose from.  Below is a description of the three most common existing wiring scenarios.
  1. 2-WIRE WALL = one hot wire (Black or Red) + one neutral wire (White) + one ground wire (Green); The hot wire and the neutral (unless there is a shared neutral) should travel to the designated wall switch box
  2. 3-WIRE WALL = two hot wires (Black or Red) + one neutral wire (White) + one ground wire (Green); The hot wires and the neutral (unless there is a shared neutral) should travel to the designated wall switch box
  3. 2-WIRE REMOTE = one hot wire (Black or Red) + one neutral wire (White) + one ground wire (Green); The hot wire is always hot and does not travel to a wall switch box
If you are removing a light fixture that is controlled from the wall and replacing it with a ceiling fan you can be about 95% sure that you have a 2-WIRE WALL scenario.  If you have two switches on the wall that control power to the junction box in the ceiling then you have 3-WIRE WALL scenario.  If you currently have a ceiling fan installed that is always on and controlled by the pull chains on the ceiling fan then you have 2-WIRE REMOTE scenario. 
 
How to check you're wiring if your scenario does not match any of the above:
  • Check to see if any existing wall switches control the power to the existing light or ceiling fan to be replaced. 
  • After you have determined which wall switch(s) control the junction box or if there are no switches that control it, follow the next step.
  • TURN OFF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER THAT PROVIDES ELECTRIC CURRENT TO THE JUNCTION BOX IN QUESTION.
  • Remove the existing ceiling fan or light fixture and view the exposed wires to determine which scenario you have. 
  • Replace the removed ceiling fan or light fixture until your have the new fan to install. 
The above information will help you determine what kind of control to use with your new ceiling fan if the junction box is existing.  If you do not have a junction box in the ceiling then you should select which type of control you will want before you schedule a licensed electrician to come out and install one.  Many ceiling fans come with a wall control, remote control, or give you the option to use both.  Don’t make the mistake of having an electrician install a junction box and wire it for a 2-WIRE WALL scenario when later you find that the fan you like best can only use a 3-WIRE WALL scenario.   

How do You Want to Control Your New Ceiling Fan?

The ceiling fan industry is offering more advanced control options as the days pass.  After you have figured out the above information you will be on your way to selecting the control you desire.  Below are all of the available types of ceiling fan controls on the market.
  1. Fan wall speed control - (1.5amp) - 3 or 4 quiet speeds
  2. Fan wall speed control rotary - (1.5amp) - 3 or 4 quiet speeds
  3. Fan wall speed control - (2.5amp) - 3 quiet speeds (made specifically for the Hunter Original fans)
  4. Multi-Fan wall speed control - (5amp) - infinite variable speeds (fan may produce Low 50Hertz Hum) (up to 3 fans)
  5. Multi-Fan wall speed control - (15amp) - infinite variable speeds (fan may produce Low 50Hertz Hum) (up to 10 fans)
  6. 3-Wire fan/light wall control - 3 or 4 fan speeds and infinite light dimming
  7. 3-Wire fan/light preset wall control - 3 or 4 fan speeds and infinite light dimming with a preset for your favorite light level setting
  8. 2-Wire fan/light wall control - 3 fan speeds and infinite light dimming (Radio Frequency control that will include a receiver)
  9. 2-Wire fan/light reversing wall control - 3 fan speeds, forward/reverse from control and infinite up-light/downlight dimming (Radio Frequency control that will include a receiver)
  10. Fan/Light Remote Control - 3 fan speeds and infinite up-light/downlight dimming (Radio Frequency control that will include a receiver)
  11. Fan/Light reversing Remote control - 3 fan speeds, forward/reverse from control and infinite up-light/downlight dimming (Radio Frequency control that will include a receiver)
  12. Fan/Light Smart Wall Control - 6 fan speeds, forward/reverse from the control, infinite up-light/downlight  dimming, and special advanced security features.  (receiving device is usually built on to the motor) (Do NOT wire HOT)
  13. Fan/Light Smart Remote Control - 6 fan speeds, forward/reverse from the control, infinite up-light/downlight dimming, decorative wall cradle and special advanced security features.  (receiving device is usually built on to the motor) (Do NOT wire HOT)

 
 
Many ceiling fans already include one of the controls listed above.  The control option should be another element of thought when selecting a ceiling fan. 
 
 

Do You Want a Fan with a Light?

If you are not interested in a ceiling fan with a light this section may not assist you on your hunt for the perfect fan. 
 
Integrated Light Source
 
There are many ceiling fans today with integrated light sources. An integrated light source is a light that is made specifically for the ceiling fan that it comes with, will match the style of the fan it comes with and the finish. Up-lighting is also an integrated source of light that is used to create a glow on the ceiling. Up-lighting usually does not exceed 120watts of light. So, up-lighting is a great indirect lighting effect to have but it is not a strong enough light source to read from. 
 
Light Kit
A light kit is a light source that does not come with the fan. Light kits are made in many different styles and finishes. Choosing a light kit style to match the ceiling fan style that you desire can be a little more difficult than just buying a ceiling fan with an integrated light source. 
 
The three most important things to consider when adding a light kit to a ceiling fan are:
  • The finishes should be identical. The only way to match identical finishes are by using a light kit from the same manufacture as the fan. Some finishes are usually very close such as: Antique Brass; Brushed Nickel; Polished Brass; and Appliance White. These finishes have been standardized.
  • The lower switch mounting must be the same on the fan as it is on the light kit. There are three most common lower switch housing mounts: The ever so popular center 3/8” threaded hole; Two set screws on the face of the lower switch housing; and Three set screws surrounding the body of the lower switch housing.
  • If your fan is located in a damp location such as: bathroom, covered porch, patio, etc. The Light kit should be UL Damp Rated or UL Wet Rated. 
If you have these three areas are in order you won’t have to bother with sending the light kit you just bought back for credit, that can always we a hassle.   

Do You Live by Salt Water or Brackish Water?

Our mother ocean makes up for 71% of the Earth’s surface so more than likely many people that buy ceiling fans are with in a few miles of the coast. Yes, the ocean is beautiful but the salt corrosion can eat holes in the body work of a car in a short period of time. 
If you live by the coast and are installing your ceiling fan outside, here are a few things you should look for:
  • The ceiling fan should be UL Listed for WET Locations. This will enable you to rinse the salt build up off your ceiling fan with a hose. Yes, spray your ceiling fan with your fresh water hose. Your fan will have many more years of life if you do. 
  • Your fan blades should be ABS (All-Weather Blade System) which is a plastic product. This will eliminate water absorbs ion that would happen in a standard ply blade. There is only one solid Teak wood blade made by Hunter Fans that can with stand this type of environment. 
  • There should be no or very limited exposed hardware in sight when looking up at the fan. Even steel hardware is the first to tarnish on an outdoor WET location ceiling fan exposed to salt conditions. So, the less hardware you see the better.
  • Raw copper materials for the fan body make for a good green coating of oxide when exposed to the salt. That is why the Statue of Liberty looks so good after being installed on the coast in 1886.
  • If raw copper does not fit your style select an outdoor fan with a textured finish. This will lengthen the life of the aluminum or steel housing by adding more layers of paint and protect ant.
Anyway you look at it products do not last forever by the ocean, but if you follow these suggestions you will definitely improve the quality of life for the products you invest in.

What Room in Your Home Will the Ceiling Fan be Installed?

There are many different qualities of ceiling fans on the market today. Lower end ceiling fans use lower end motors and lower end fans sometimes are not compatible with convenient controls. With this in mind if you plan to add or replace a ceiling fan in your master bedroom over the master bed you will want a ceiling fan that is silent. Most lower end fan motors have a slight rubbing sound produced by the blades being mounted directly to the motor itself and over time this sound worsens. Lower end ceiling fans maybe perfect for the garage and not the master bedroom. A remote controlled ceiling fan is great to have in the master bedroom so you do not have to get up out of bed to turn out the light or adjust the fan speeds. 
 
Here are some of the things to look for in a ceiling fan for the bedroom:
 
  • Flywheel Stack Motor – this is the most quiet operating fan motor on the market. These are the only manufactures that include this motor with select models: Casablanca Fan Company (XLP2000); Emerson Fan Company (K55XL); Fanimation Fans (FDK2100); Tommy Bahama Ceiling Fans (K55XL)
  • Remote Controlled – Having a remote control is a great convenience when controlling lighting and air circulation without having to raise energy levels.
  • Smart Controlled – Smart control features allow the user to set a fan deceleration setting which starts the ceiling fan on high before you go to sleep then every hour reduces the speed. This way when you wake up in the morning you are not scratching to turn the fan speed down when getting out of a warm bed. The Inteli-touch wall control made by Casablanca Fan Company or the Air Design Control made by Emerson Fan Company are smart controls.
Of course all these features are not absolutely necessary but at least one of them would make for a better bedtime experience. 

What is the Weight of the Ceiling Fan to Be Installed?

Ceiling fans are made of different materials and come in different sizes. It is good to know what the weight of the ceiling fan is before installation. This way you can make sure that the ceiling fan box will support the weight of the ceiling fan. It also helps that you know this information before you speak to an electrician. Some electricians will not change or support the fan box when necessary or may charge a lot extra when they have to make a trip out to the electrical supply house to get the proper equipment to finish the job.

Who Will Install Your Shiny New Ceiling Fan?

Home Owner
 
If you the home owner are installing the ceiling fan you will want to make sure you have all of the tools necessary and familiarize your self with the installation manual. A lot of times ceiling fans are ordered and need to be installed by a certain deadline so the Mrs. or significant other remains happy. The ceiling fan that fits your space may not always be in stock and, it could take a week to several weeks to arrive. 
 
In that waiting time there are a few ways to prepare your self for the ceiling fan installation. 
  1. Download the ceiling fan installation manual from the internet
  2. Read the manual and make sure you have all of the tools necessary 
  3. Check the weight of the fan and make sure the ceiling fan box will support it 
  4. Make sure that the downrod that comes with the fan is long enough or if the fan will hang to low order a low ceiling adapter or a hugger ceiling fan.
  5. If the downrod is not long enough take the proper measurements based on the ceiling fan height and the ceiling height and order the correct length. 
  6. Make sure your selected control option will work with your existing wiring scenario.
Hiring an Electrician
There are a few great electricians, many good electricians, many not so good electricians but overall a lot to choose from. When you hire a licensed electrician be sure to interview the electrician and make sure that their quality level will match the quality level of the ceiling fan to be installed. If you are having the electrician hang a contractor fan in the garage the interview might not be necessary but, if you are installing a Signature Series Casablanca fan with the Inteli-Touch (smart) wall control an interview is necessary. 
 
These are some of the basic questions I would ask:
  1. Are you licensed and insured? If not, call another one.
  2. Are you familiar with Casablanca Fan Company? If not, call another one.
  3. Have you ever installed a decorative ceiling fan? If not, call another one.
  4. If your fan control option requires a radio frequency control and receiver, ask if the electrician has ever installed an RF control. If not, call another one.
  5. Do you have miscellanies fan boxes, wire and mounting hardware if necessary? If not, call another one.
  6. If you have a ceiling over 12’, ask the electrician if he owns the proper scaffolding or lift equipment. So, you do not pay inflated rental charges if he does not. If not, call another one.
  7. Do you have a helper to help hang this expensive decorative ceiling fan? Many times decorative fans are cumbersome and when they are not handled properly it can create a wobble. Wobbles can be fixed with a blade balancing kit.
  8. Have you ever used a blade balancing kit to balance out a wobble?
  9. If you are not able to complete the job how soon will you be able to reschedule? 
This completes 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Ceiling Fan. I hope you have enjoyed it, more ceiling fan tips are on the way.
 

Date Article created on Nov 17 by colby

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New Matthews Fans for 2008

matthews fan company logoMatthews Fan Company has been creating unique hand made ceiling fans since 1992.  More can be read on the Matthews Fan Company in my previous post Matthews Fan Company is Made in America.  Now in late 2007 they have introduced two new hand crafted ceiling fan models and one new wall fan model.  These ceiling fan models take on a modernized retro feel while producing higher air circulation than the traditional paddle style ceiling fan. 

Italo Ventania Ceiling Fan

italo ventaniaThe Italo Ventania ceiling fan is has the largest blade span in the Matthews Fan Co ceiling fan collection.  The curving cast aluminum arms have side mounted 2amp rated motors allowing a smooth balanced rotation. Both motors with blade assemblies can be infinitely positioned with in 180 degrees for the desired air movement. The Matthews Fan Company Italo Ventania is available in polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished copper, bronze or black. White, brushed copper, polished brass, brushed brass, black nickel and bronzette are available as special orders. Bronzette, incidentally, is our monochromatic powdercoated bronze finish. This fan is compatable with Matthews Fan’s new indirect uplight downrod canopy.

Jarold Directional Ceiling Fan

jarold directional ceiling fanThe Jarold Direcitonal ceiling fan is the brother to the well known Bianca Directional ceiling fan. This ceiling fan has a 2amp motor that can be infinitely positioned with in 180 degrees for the desired air direction and movement. The Jarold is great for small spaces were air is needed but to small for the traditional paddle fan. Perfect for in front of HVAC ducts to make more efficient the heating, ventilation or air conditioning of any room. The Jarold Directional is available in polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished copper, bronze or black. White, brushed copper, polished brass, brushed brass, black nickel and bronzette are available as special orders.  Bronzette, incidentally, is our monochromatic powdercoated bronze finish. 

Bruna Parede Wall Fan

bruna parede wall fanThe Bruna Parede wall fan is the sister to the Michelle Parede wall fan. The 2amp motor and blade assembly can be infinitely positioned vertically and horizontally across 180-degree arcs to provide maximum directional airflow. It can be mounted in small, awkward spaces or in front of HVAC ducts to make more efficient the heating, ventilation or air conditioning of any room. The Bruna Wall Mount Fan is available in polished chrome, brushed nickel, polished copper, bronze or black. White, brushed copper, polished brass, brushed brass, black nickel and bronzette are available as special orders.  Bronzette, incidentally, is our monochromatic powdercoated bronze finish. 

 

lutron 5amp fan speed controlPlease note that when using a wall control for any Matthews Fan Company fan a Lutron 5amp infinite variable speed control should be used. Or a comparable.

 

Date Article created on Nov 07 by colby

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2008 International Lighting Market

dallas market centerThe lighting and ceiling fan industry is about two and a half months away from it's yearly Lighting Convention. Every year the Dallas Market Center has over 3000 lighting buyers from North America come to view the newest and most creative lighting and ceiling fans available. Lighting and ceiling fan manufacturers from around the country own showrooms with in this 7 million square foot space in the Dallas Market Center building alone. When you add the World Trade Center building at 3.1 million square feet you have the world’s largest wholesale resource center. 
 
During the International Lighting Market, held January 17th 2008 thru January 21st 2008, many events on lighting are held. American Lighting Association has scheduled many educational lighting seminars and many of the lighting and ceiling fan manufactures will have brand oriented activities. 
 
This show is a must see for all lighting and ceiling fan enthusiasts. 

Date Article created on Nov 05 by colby

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