All About Ceiling Fan Blades
A ceiling fan can be a great home improvement. Whether you want to install a ceiling fan indoors or outdoors, here are some basics to understand. Ceiling fans are measured by blade span and range from 29 to 68 inches. The most popular size for ceiling fan blades is the 52 inch model, but there are some guidelines to choosing the most efficient and effective size ceiling fan for your space.
For rooms or outdoor areas up to 75 square feet, EnergyStar suggests a fan with a 29-36 inch span size. For spaces ranging from 76-144 square feet, a 36-42 inch span is better, and for areas ranging from 144-225 square feet, a 44 inch fan will be a good choice. For spaces larger than 225 square feet, a 50-68 inch will be necessary.
When your ceiling fan is installed, it should be mounted in the middle of the room or outdoor area at least 7 feet above the floor or ground and 18 inches from any walls. For the best airflow, mount the ceiling fan 8 – 9 feet above the floor whenever possible. Standard mounts have a 3-5 inch downrod which extends from the ceiling to the top of the fan. For higher ceilings, you may need an extended downrod mount in order to hang the fan at 8-9 feet above the floor. For low ceiling clearance, you can purchase a low profile or hugger model that mounts flush to the ceiling. These models are great for areas where clearance is less than 8 feet, or where the ceiling is too low to allow a light to be added to the fan. You should take note of the size of the blades before the fan is installed, to simplify things in case you have to buy ceiling fan replacement blades in the future.
Whether indoors or out, if you plan to install the fan in a humid location, select one that has been UL listed with a “damp” rating. For outdoor ceiling fans in areas where there will be rain or water exposure, look for a UL “wet” rating. These fans have added safety features such as sealed or moisture resistant motors, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all-weather outdoor ceiling fan blades.
Related posts:
