Fantastic!
Fans have been a source of comfort and beauty in households for almost two centuries. Ceiling fans provide one of the most aesthetically pleasing and economically efficient ways to moderate temperature in homes. Today's fans are available in countless styles, from ornate and traditional to streamlined and modern, from functional to exotic, to suit every style of home interior. With so many options, selecting the right fan may seem like a daunting task, but with a little knowledge, choosing the right fan can be simple.

Energy Efficiency
Fans provide comfort while helping cut energy costs. During warm months, a fan circulates a breeze to help you feel cooler. In colder seasons, fans with reversible rotation move warmer air downwards, increasing heat in a room. Some high quality fans even have an automatic adjustment feature which changes the fan speed based on temperature. Ceiling fans can greatly reduce demands on heating and air conditioning systems, significantly lowering electric bills. EnergyStar® rated fans can further increase conservation, moving air up to 20% more efficiently than standard units.

Fan Blades and Styles
Ceiling fans typically have three to five blades, though some models may have as few as one or two. Contemporary style fans frequently have three or fewer blades and feature sleek metal finishes. More traditional fans have 4-5 blades that may be solid wood or cross-laminated veneer (plywood). The most economical blades are made of veneered constant-density board. All varieties of wood blades come in numerous finishes, including but not limited to white, cherry, oak, walnut, pine and rosewood. Some fans even feature reversible blades with a different finish on each side.

Light Is Right
Since ceiling fans are easily installed in standard junction boxes (which usually house flush mounts and other ceiling light fixtures), many fans feature built-in lighting. Other fan models are adaptable for use with optional add-on light fixtures. Light-kit compatible fans allow the freedom to choose whether additional lighting is desired after the fan has been installed, and they are generally more economical than fans with built-in fixtures.

Choose Quality
Fan cost is determined foremost by quality. Other price-influencing factors include accessories, energy efficiency, and manufacturing costs. Normally, a simpler model will be less costly, while a very ornate fan with intricate detailing will have a higher price. The most important features of a ceiling fan - functionality and efficiency - are always worth a little extra expense.

A quality fan will run silently and yield a high air flow output. Cheaper models feature less powerful motors that may cause the fan to wobble and hum, and often include shorter blades set at the minimum pitch of 10°. This combination will not produce as much air flow as a higher quality fan. Good fan motors will have sealed bearings that do not require lubrication, as well as self contained oil reservoirs that prevent dust from entering. Properly balanced motors and rotors remain stable, which helps prevent noise. Quality ceiling fan motors should also have several adjustable speeds, and be backed by a long-term warranty.

A good blade pitch is 12-14° or higher. The greater the pitch, the more pressure the fan blades apply to air to move it downwards. Faster spinning fans do not increase air flow: Movement of air is a factor of blade pitch, blade length, and the distance from the blades to the ceiling. Contrary to what some fans may advertise, the number of blades and the RPM (revolutions per minute) do not affect air flow. A fan with longer blades and greater pitch, even when moving at slower speeds, will disperse air more efficiently, as well as more quietly. The best assurance of a quality fan is a UL listing or other equivalent rating.

Installation Basics
Most fans are designed for easy installation, and include basic instructions. All fans should come with complete mounting kits, requiring only basic assembly. The junction box a fan is being attached to must be labeled “suitable for fan support.” If it is not, a retrofit with a new box will be necessary. If you are unsure, consult a professional electrician for guidance.

Your ceiling fan should hang at least 8 feet above the ground, and the ceiling should be at least a foot above the plane of blade rotation. Low ceilings require special flush mount installations, while longer downrods are needed for high ceilings.

The following is a guide to what downrod length to use for a variety of ceiling heights:

• 9' ceiling - 6” downrod
• 10' ceiling - 12” downrod
• 12' ceiling - 24” downrod
• 14' ceiling - 36” downrod
• 16' ceiling - 48” downrod
• 18' ceiling - 60” downrod
• 20' ceiling - 72” downrod

Sloped ceilings require special adjustable or angle-mounted fan canopies, and possibly additional downrods if extra clearance is needed due to the fan's blade span. For higher ceilings, be sure to incorporate a wall switch or remote control to operate the fan, as a pull chain may not extend far enough to be reached.

What About Blade Span?
It is very important to consider the size of a fan, measured by the full sweep of the blade span, in relation to the size of the room in which it will be installed. The average blade span for a household ceiling fan measures from 29-52”; however, even larger models are available. Always measure the room and plan ahead for space requirements, and take into consideration any special parts that may be required for installing fans in angled or extra high ceilings.

A fan that is too small will not effectively circulate air. Generally, a fan cannot be “too large” for a room, as long as there is ample clearance for the blades to rotate. Different manufactures recommend varying fan sizes to accommodate corresponding spaces, but general recommendations of fan blade spans for various room sizes are as follows:

• 29” - Up to 64 sq ft
• 32” - 64 to 80 sq ft
• 42” - 80-120 sq ft
• 44” - 120-144 sq ft
• 52” - 144-225 sq ft
• 60”+ - 400 sq ft

Finally: Materials, Care, and Cleaning
Always think about the level of maintenance and care a ceiling fan will require before purchasing. Consider where the fan will be placed, and what sort of conditions it will need to be resilient against. Fans with quality, tarnish-proof brass finishes, for instance, are rust resistant and don't require polish. Resin and plastic are good choices for outdoor fans. These materials stand up well to humidity and moisture, and as a bonus can be more affordable as well. Outdoor fans with wood or metal blades need to undergo special treatment in order to be weather resistant. Quality outdoor fans should always be UL listed for wet locations.

Dust should be wiped off fan blades at least once a month. A soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner can accomplish this task. Special cleaning brushes are also made for fans that hang out of reach. Avoid using any form of detergents or soaps to clean the fan, and when cleaning the blades, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this may alter the blade pitch, and decrease air flow efficiency. Proper maintenance of your ceiling fan will help it function beautifully for years to come.