Ceiling fans are a great home addition if you just don’t have the budget for an airconditioning system, but still want to keep key areas of your home cool.
Not only this, but certain ceiling fans add an element of style and aesthetics to any room as an eye-catching accessory. They also help to improve airflow in any given room and are a great deterrent for flying bugs and other critters!
But choosing a high ceiling fan is not as simple as selecting a style you like and mounting it to your ceiling. Check out the rest of this blog for the functional aspects to keep in mind when choosing your high ceiling fans.
How to Choose a High Ceiling Fan for Function and Aesthetics
With so many beautiful ceiling fan designs and materials on the market today, making your choice may seem overwhelming. But when it comes to blending both style and function, these considerations should help you narrow down your choices:
1. Consider Your Ceiling Fan Size and Width
Yes, size matters, and it boils down to simple engineering science. If the size of your ceiling fan is too small for your room, it won’t move the air around efficiently, and you won’t feel its effects. If your ceiling fan is oversized, you could end up feeling wind-beaten and downright uncomfortable.
Ultimately, the size of the room will determine the size of the ceiling fan you go for. But, it’s also important to consider ceiling height. Fans for high ceilings tend to be on the larger size in order to efficiently move air around the room.
For rooms that range from 75-144 square feet, you want to go for a ceiling fan that is 36-42 inches wide. Rooms that are 144-225 square feet will need a fan width of 50-54 inches wide. While rooms that are 225 square feet or larger, require oversized or multiple fans. A high-speed ceiling fan may also be effective in larger-sized or high-ceiling rooms.
2. Think About the Ideal Hanging Height
Once again, your choice of ceiling fan and its size depends on the height of the room and how you intend to mount it. Bear in mind that the lowest point of the fan must be at least 7-feet from the floor, according to standard building codes.
But, a ceiling fan that is mounted 8-9 feet above the floor allows for optimal air circulation. So, the higher the better, but not too high either! The ideal height to mount a ceiling fan is approximately 12-feet from the floor.
The bigger the space between the fan blades and your ceiling, the better the airflow, too. This is where downrod fans are a good investment. Opt for high ceiling fans with a downrod length of 3 to 72 inches in length.
High airflow ceiling fans are purposefully designed for large rooms, so if you’re strapped for space or have a low ceiling, this is not a good choice. A flush mount fan, on the other hand, is a better choice. They hug the ceiling and create a low profile.
3. Ceiling Fan Blades and Angles Makes a Difference
The truth is, there really isn’t an ideal number of fan blades to go for. Most ceiling fans are well-designed for their purpose, so ceiling fan blades are more of an aesthetic consideration, rather than a practical one.
But just remember, the more blades a ceiling fan has, the gentler the flow or circulation of air. The oversized ceiling fans that are so on-trend at the moment tend to slowly move air around the room, rather than creating a breeze.
What’s more important is the pitch of the blades. You want to look for a ceiling fan with a blade pitch of 12-15 degrees which allows for the best airflow. Some ceiling fans offer steeper blade angles, but you really shouldn’t settle for a pitch of fewer than 12 degrees. Remember this: the steeper the pitch of the blade, the better the airflow.
4. Consider Ceiling Fan Control
Nowadays, you have three choices of how you’d like to control the movement of your ceiling fan. If you want to invest in high-end ceiling fans, then these are generally controlled with a handheld remote or wall control. Older, more traditional models are controlled with a pull-chain.
Remote-controlled ceiling fans offer the most convenience — you can adjust the speed and operation of the fan from anywhere in the room. A wall switch is your second-best option. It’s usually installed near a doorway so you can easily remember to turn off your fan when leaving the room.
A pull-chain control is best if your ceiling fan is also fitted with a light. You can adjust the speed of the fan as well as the function of the light. Most high ceiling fans today offer a combination of remote control and wall switch control.
5. Always Invest In a High-Quality Motor
A ceiling fan is one of those appliances that works the hardest in a household, without you even realizing it. That’s why you want to invest in a top-quality motor that can withstand this type of labor. This is most important for ceiling fans in the living room and key bedrooms in your home.
Look for a high-quality fan motor that offers a reverse feature, too. Why is this important? Because it allows you to use your ceiling fan throughout the year.
In summer, your fan should spin in a counterclockwise direction to blow cool air down onto you. In winter, your fan should spin clockwise in order to move warm air from the ceiling back down into the room.
You want to make sure the ceiling fan offer includes a limited lifetime warranty, too. The way the ceiling fan moves, how much noise it makes, and its efficacy all depends on the motor you choose.
Your best option is to choose a DC motor. Not only are they fine quality, but they are far more energy-efficient than standard AC motors. They also offer a reverse function, better speed options, they are faster to respond, and are quieter.
Are You a Home and Design Enthusiast?
When it comes to choosing the right high ceiling fan, aesthetics should not be your first priority. Rather, you want to consider the technical stuff first, then the style and design, after. After all, a ceiling fan is considered a home appliance and should be treated as an investment.
For home and design inspiration, take some time to explore the rest of this site! We offer articles on all things home security, remodeling, energy-efficiency, and so much more.
