
How To Choose The Right Ceiling Fan
In Australia, having a ceiling fan is often considered a necessity. In addition, it can help you keep your cooling costs at bay. At is highest performance, a ceiling fan can make your space up to 4 times cooler.
If you are thinking about installing or replacing the ceiling fan in your home, know that choosing the ideal one is very important. But with the wide range of sizes, shapes and colours available out there, how to pick the right fan for your space?
Think Energy Star
When it comes to energy saving, Energy Star certified ceiling fans are your best option. They are designed to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can be up to 60% more efficient than traditional models. So, when shopping for a ceiling fan, look for the blue Energy Star logo to find one of the energy saving models.
Select the Right Size
To choose a ceiling fan that will perform best in your space, you need to take into consideration the size of your room. The blades can range anywhere between 73cm to 137cm. Hence, to ensure you are purchasing the right size for your room, measure the space.
While smaller rooms require a smaller fan, similarly, larger rooms require a larger fan. Here are the recommendations from Energy Star:
Room Dimensions | Fan Size |
Up to 7 square meters | 73cm to 91cm |
7 to 13 square meters | 91cm to 106cm |
13 to 20 square meters | 111cm to 127cm |
Up to 20 square meters | 127cm to 137cm |
Choosing The Right Mounting System
A ceiling fan should be installed in the center of the room, at least 45cm from the walls and 2 meters from the floor. If you have high ceilings, install the fan 2.5 meters to 2.75 meters above the ground for optimal performance.
Options For Installation
- Standard installation comes with a 7.62cm to 12.7cm downrod, which is a metal pipe that stretches from the top of the fan to the ceiling bracket. Simply said, it provides some space between the ceiling and the fan. It is better suited for rooms with flat, 2.43 meters to 2.74 meters ceilings.
- Extended installation is ideal for rooms with high ceilings, to ensure optimal air flow. It is best to choose a downrod that allows the fan to hang 2.43 meters to 2.74 meters above the ground.
- Flush installation is the best installation type for very low ceiling spaces. It allows the fan to sit flush against the ceiling, maintaining the fan and the lights a little higher off the floor.
- Sloped installation is the best option for vaulted and angled ceiling. It is designed to fit these types of ceilings, so the fan hangs level.
Deciding On The Right Motor Grade
The motor is an essential factor to consider when buying a ceiling fan.
- Economy grade is often the least expensive option. It is manufactured to run for no more than eight hours a day and it is best suited for rooms with 2.43 meters ceilings.
- Medium grade is a less loud option than the economy one and it might be proper for your home. This motor grade can run for up to 12 hours a day.
- Performance grade is the most powerful of the three, and is typically the largest one, but it operates quietly and can be used continuously. However, it is the most expensive option.
