Choosing an Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Outdoor ceiling fans are something we all have wished we had while sitting outside on a warm deck. Many people do not even know they exist though. Outdoor ceiling fans are surprisingly affordable and make both a functional and beautiful addition to any outside area because they not only provide a ceiling fan but also can add outdoor lighting. They are specially designed to hold up to various outdoor conditions that indoor ceiling fans simply do not face such as: dust, wind, rain, heat and cold. These outdoor fans are an interesting addition to great ceiling fan ideas.
Wet & Damp Ratings
Outdoor ceiling fans have two basic types, those that are UL listed and rated for wet locations and others that are designed for Damp locations. Wet rated fans are designed for the worst weather conditions, they can hold up to direct rain, snow, sun, wind, etc. A wet rated outdoor ceiling fan is best for anyone who does not have a covered area to install the fan. For instance wet rated fans are excellent for open gazebos, Japanese style awnings and indoor swimming pools.
Damp rated outdoor ceiling fans are made for covered porches and any locations where they will not be directly hit with rain, snow or any other harsh elements. Due to outdoor ceiling fans being designed to last longer than indoor ceiling fans, many people choose damp rated fans for the inside of their house as well. In especially humid areas a damp rated fan for the indoors is a smart choice. Most outdoor ceiling fans are actually labeled indoor outdoor ceiling fans.
Styles
Outdoor ceiling fans come in a wide variety of styles ranging from African to Victorian. For the simplistic there are contemporary fans that have few details and appear to be one solid piece. There are styles that would perfectly compliment a ranch house porch, or an overgrown green rainforest. With fans coming in every color imaginable it is easy to match your outdoor ceiling fan to the surrounding colors to have it blend in or use a contrasting color to make it stand out. Metal finishes such as silver, gold, brass, bronze and nickel allow the ability to match fans to other fixtures and outdoor décor. There are even small desk sized fans that are designed to look like Victorian lamps, many of which are wet rated.
Size
Choosing the right size of outdoor ceiling fan is a simple task once you figure out the square footage of the area you want it to ventilate. Small desk sized fans are best suited to small areas such as hot tub rooms, screened gazebos or porches. Sizes of regular outdoor ceiling fans are determined by blade length. 30” ceiling fans are designed for small areas that are approximately 8×10’. 42” fans are made to circulate the air in medium sized rooms that are about 12×12’. Finally, fans that are 52” or larger are made for large rooms/areas that are up to 18×20’. If the room or area is larger than 18×20’ it is best to install more than one ceiling fan.
Energy Star Rating
With much of the world turning green, energy star ratings are becoming more important than ever. Besides letting you know that this appliance will have less impact on the environment a good energy star rating also means the outdoor ceiling fan you choose will have less impact on your energy bills. Ceiling fans that have an Energy Star rating use 50% less energy than their non-rated counterparts. When shopping for an Energy Star rated outdoor ceiling fan, if you will be choosing a light/fan combination make sure that both the light fixture and the fan both have an Energy Star rating.
Height
Before looking around for the perfect outdoor ceiling fan, be sure to take measurements of the area in which it will be installed. Not only will you want the square footage of the room to determine the size of fan, you will also need the ceiling height measurement. If the porch where you would like to install your fan is only 7 ft. high, you may want to consider the smaller desk sized fans instead of a bladed ceiling fan, especially if you or any of your friends are taller than 5 ft. The recommended distance from the floor to the ceiling fan is 7 to 9 feet.
Another height factor to take into consideration is if the ceiling is vaulted or raised like in a gazebo. Although the highest point of the ceiling may be 12’, the fan will not have room to move when up against the angled ceiling. A ceiling fan should have no less than 6” of clearance all the way around the blades, 12” is preferable. Taking that knowledge you will need to determine how far your fan will need to come down in order to have the clearance needed. It is recommended that a fan never be mounted on a pole longer than 4’, to decrease the amount of wobbling that can damage them. If the final measurement is 4’ or more from the highest point, you may want to consider installing a support beam solely for the outdoor ceiling fan.
Electricity
Unless you happen to be an electrician, it is best to hire one to install the electric box for the fan. When putting in a fan and light combination, it is very important to make sure that the power coming to the box is enough to handle both. Also, whereas outdoor ceiling fans are exposed to the elements, you will also want to be certain that all electrical wires are installed properly and are protected from all the elements. An electrician will also be able to help you determine if your ceiling will be able to support the additional weight. Find out what the city codes are for your area before installing any outdoor electric appliances.
Uses
The beauty of outdoor ceiling fans is they can be used anywhere! When looking to install a ceiling fan in a bathroom, kitchen, swimming pool or other damp area – consider a wet rated ceiling fan. For rooms that are near damp areas, like hallways, dining rooms or laundry rooms a damp rated outdoor ceiling fan could make for a good investment. Not only will these fans hold up to harsh outdoor environments, they will also last longer and run better than most indoor models. When looking to purchase for the first time or replace older ceiling fans – seriously take a look at outdoor ceiling fans, a slightly larger upfront investment may get paid back in lower utility bills and long life before you know it.
Find more information here on Caring for Your Outdoor Ceiling Fan.
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