Is it hot in here, or is it just us?
Before you know it, the breezy days of summer will give way to the sticky, hot heat of summer, and you’ll be reaching for the thermostat. Sometimes, however, it doesn’t seem like your air conditioner is cutting it. If you would give anything for some air movement in your home, then you need to invest in a good ceiling fan.
The thing is, choosing ceiling fans isn’t as simple as heading to the hardware store and picking one up. You need to do some planning first. Read on to learn what you need to think about before making the big purchase!
1. Start with a Budget
Long before you ever head to the hardware store, you need to set a definitive budget for your ceiling fan purchase and installation.
Ceiling fans come in a wide variety of different styles, and, as a result, come in a wide variety of prices. Depending on the style you choose, they can be budget-friendly at $100 a pop or they can be upwards of $1,000.
You’ll then want to calculate the cost of installation. Replacing an existing fan is a simple task for an electrician to do, but placing new fans will cost you significantly more money. If you’re putting new fans throughout your house, then you should speak to an electrician about your plans before you invest in the equipment.
2. Indoor or Outdoor?
Fans can be placed both inside and outside of your home.
Outdoor fans help keep you cool on those hot, humid summer nights. However, since they’re going to have to operate in the heat and humidity, you’re going to need to purchase a fan that is up to the task. All fans have motors that drive their ability to function, but those motors may not last long if they’re regularly exposed to humid air or rain.
Instead, you’ll need to opt for a fan that is wet rated for outdoor use. Wet-rated fans are more durable and well-suited for the outdoors. Wet-rated and damp-rated fans are also great for southern homes that are without traditional air conditioners.
3. Which Rooms Need a Fan?
If you’re considering purchasing a fan for the inside of your home, then you need to figure out the size of the rooms in which you would like to hang the fan.
Ceiling fans are powerful, but you cannot expect one ceiling fan to impact 2,000 square feet of house. In general, if the room in which you would like to hang your fan is larger than 300 square feet, then you either need to consider extra large fans, or you need to purchase more than one fan.
You’ll also want to consider the height of your ceilings. Rooms with tall ceilings will need longer downrods than rooms with standard ceiling heights.
4. To Light or Not to Light?
Ceiling fans come with and without lights. It’s up to you to decide whether you want yours to double as a light source.
Many people opt for recessed lighting in addition to their ceiling fan. This gives the room a more modern look, but it also allows for more even light distribution throughout the room. On the other hand, having everything in one central location can make cleaning and replacing lights an easier task.
5. How Much Airflow Do You Need?
Ceiling fans work well for a lot of different spaces. As a result, some have much more powerful motors than others.
For example, if you’re placing a ceiling fan in your garage or outdoor workshop, you’re going to want a fan with a more powerful motor. This will create enough airflow to move hot air out of the space and help you stay cool. They also work well for people who love lots of air movement in their living space.
In general, fans with super powerful motors will have a DC motor. If you’re less concerned about powerful airflow, then you can opt for an Energy Star-rated fan in order to keep air moving and save on your electric bill, too.
6. How High-Tech Do You Want It?
We’ve come a long way from the days when all ceiling fans were controlled by a simple pull chain. Today’s ceiling fans can be controlled via remote control or through a light switch. If you’re more old-fashioned, you can still get one with a pull chain.
The more high-tech the fan’s operation, the more you’ll pay for it, but you need to balance that with your individual needs. If your room has high ceilings, then you probably need it to be controlled via remote control or light switch rather than a pull chain. If you’re looking to make your guest rooms comfier, then you can opt for the more budget-friendly pull chain option.
7. Look Out for Aesthetics
Once you’ve narrowed down all the functional aspects of your ceiling fan search, you can start looking for a fan that meets your aesthetic needs as well. Fans can be super modern and sleek, or they can look like they belong in an island villa.
There are thousands of options out there, so don’t be afraid to spend some time getting a feel for the styles that work best for your home. A ceiling fan is a big investment, so you want to make sure you’re happy with it before you get it installed.
Choosing Ceiling Fans Can Be Fun!
You might think that choosing ceiling fans for your home would be a major chore, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Taking the time to plan out your purchase will help you better understand your cooling needs for your home, and it’s exciting to personalize your home to your tastes. Since summer is on its way, there’s no better time than now to get started on your ceiling fan planning!
Has picking out a ceiling fan or two for your home piqued your interest in home decor and design? We totally understand the feeling. Check out the rest of our blog for tons of design inspiration!
