3 Steps to Choose the Right Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans offer comfort for all seasons. Living in New England, we see the full spectrum of weather, from bright sunshine to briskly cold snow. When your air conditioning or heating is not enough to keep your home comfortable, a ceiling fan helps to circulate the air. But when you go to the store, you’re overwhelmed by the number of choices and have no idea where to start. We offer 3 quick tips to find the perfect ceiling fan for your needs.

What Is the Fan’s Purpose?

Minka-Aire ceiling fan There are several reasons why a homeowner may need a ceiling fan installed, including:

Help cool or heat large spaces
Improved energy efficiency
Add another source of light to a room
Circulate air through an outdoor patio

At Connecticut Lighting Centers, we have a unique ceiling fan for each one of these reasons and more. When you visit our showroom, let us know the purpose the fan will serve in your home and we can steer you in the right direction.

How Big or Small Is the Space?

Arguably the most important factor in your buying decision, the size of the space has a direct impact on the selection of fans you have to choose from. Consider how blade span will affect the existing décor and your ceiling height to help determine the overall size.

Blade Span

Also called blade sweep, this measures from the tip of one blade to the tip of the blade across. If the blades are too large, they could clash with or overpower your home accents. Lumens has a guide to match blade size to the room you’re looking to add a ceiling fan:

29” to 36”: Rooms that are less than 75 sq. ft., such as bathrooms and nooks.
42” to 48”: Rooms that are between 75 and 175 sq. ft., such as bedrooms, kitchens and dining rooms.
52” to 56”: Rooms that are less than 350 sq. ft., such as master bedrooms and finished basements.
60” or more: Rooms that are larger than 350 sq. ft.

Ceiling Height

Rooms with low ceilings benefit from low-profile or flush mount fans, meaning they do not hang low. High ceilings often require a downrod, a mount that attaches the top of a fan to the ceiling bracket. As a general rule of thumb, fans should be about 8 feet off the ground.

Selecting an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

There are many benefits of adding a ceiling fan to an outdoor space. Just as they do inside, outdoor fans help move stagnant air around a patio, deck or gazebo. On a hot summer day, you can entertain guests in the sunshine without the uncomfortable feeling of humidity. Plus, ceiling fans that are safe to use outdoors can be damp or wet rated. Damp rated fans continue to work despite moisture in the air, while wet rated fans still work after coming in contact with precipitation.

At Connecticut Lighting Centers, we have over 180 ceiling fans on display and thousands more in stock. Browse our extensive inventory online or come to one of our showrooms to see it, touch it and take it home. Contact us today to learn more!

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