How to choose your ceiling fan
All the keys you need to know before buying a ceiling fan
When deciding on a type of ceiling fan, we may have some doubts about which one to choose. For this reason, we must take into account a series of fundamental aspects if we want to acquire the most suitable one for our home. If you still don’t know how to choose a ceiling fan, below we explain everything you need to take into account to choose the fan that best suits you.
Fan size
The first aspect to take into account is the size of the fan, since for a good operation and air circulation there must be a correct relationship between the size of the ceiling fan and the room in which we want to install it. A ceiling fan that is too small will not move enough air to air-condition the room, while a fan that is too large will block the correct air circulation, losing the usefulness of the ceiling fan. So the first thing you need to know is the size of the surface area of the room or room you want to ventilate.
Therefore, if we want to install a ceiling fan in small rooms, 13m2 or less, it is recommended that the diameter of the fan is approximately 106cm; for medium sized rooms, between 13m2 and 40m2, the ceiling fan should be between 106cm and 132cm in diameter and, finally, for large rooms, more than 40m2, ceiling fans with a diameter of more than 132cm are recommended.
Ideally, the fan should be placed in the centre of the room, but if the room is very large or has an elongated or irregular floor plan, it is possible to install several ceiling fans at different points to cover the whole area.
In addition, a horizontal distance of at least 50cm must be left between the blade tip and any nearby object (wall, furniture, doors, etc.); and a vertical distance of 2,3m between the floor and the fan blades.
Materials
Although it is a factor that is not always taken into account, it is advisable to know the material from which the ceiling fan is made, both the body and the blades. Most fans are made of wood, metal or plastic or a combination of these. This is important because when installing our ceiling fan, we must take into account the physical characteristics and peculiarities of each material:
Wood
A ceiling fan with wooden blades blends in perfectly with home furnishings. It is ideal for living rooms or bedrooms and gives a warmer and more rustic look to the room. As it is a porous material, it is not recommended for certain uses where there may be sudden changes in humidity or temperature, such as outside the home.
Plastic
Plastic is a lightweight and durable material that can be easily designed and adapted to different shapes and styles. Also, it is important not to install them near heat sources as the plastic of the fan blades could become deformed and unbalanced.
Metal
Metal is a very resistant and durable material that gives our rooms an industrial style. But it is also the heaviest material, so you will have to take into account the weight of the ceiling fan when installing it.
Engine technology
Today more than ever we are looking for energy savings and efficiency in our homes: we want appliances that consume less electrical energy with higher performance. In the case of ceiling fans, they are sometimes installed in bedrooms and used while we sleep, which is why we want them to be as quiet as possible. These two factors are directly related to the type of motor used by the fan. Below, we detail the two types of motors that you can find:
Ceiling fan with AC motor
or alternating currentAC or alternating current motors convert electricity into rotational motion that moves the blades to generate airflow. They are characterised by being very quiet and efficient motors.
Ceiling fan with DC motor
or direct currentDC or direct current motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, due to the magnetic field created by the magnets inside, making it possible to generate movement. Thanks to these magnets, there is no friction between the motor components, improving energy efficiency and extending the life of the ceiling fan. Furthermore, as there is no friction, fans with this type of motor are ultra-quiet and consume less energy, saving up to 70% of electricity consumption compared to an AC motor.
Type of lighting
Another question you should ask yourself is whether you want a ceiling fan with or without light, as in many cases the ceiling fan replaces the ceiling lamp, so unless you have another source of light, we recommend that you opt for a fan with light. If you choose a fan with light you can also choose the type of lighting you prefer:
- Fan with integrated LED light. Thanks to advances in LED technology, fans with this type of lighting allow you to change the colour temperature (between warm, neutral or cool light) or regulate the intensity of the light. Some models also allow you to change the colour of the light (RGB).
- Fan with bulb sockets. When choosing the bulb, you must take into account the maximum power allowed by the fan and the type of socket.
Indoor or outdoor use
We are used to seeing ceiling fans indoors, but outdoor fans are becoming more and more common, especially in warmer or coastal areas. If you want to install a ceiling fan in an outdoor area (such as the roof of a porch or terrace, a pergola or an open roof), you should choose a fan specifically for outdoor use. Such fans are usually indicated with an IP44 protection rating.
Power on mode
On the other hand, one of the main features that differentiates ceiling fans is the way they are switched on. There are three main ways to operate a ceiling fan and its light, if it has one: by chain, remote control or smart devices or app. All of them, compatible with the wall switch, if the fan replaces the lamp.
Voice or app control
This is the newest version on the market and home automation is becoming increasingly easier and more accessible. The new smart ceiling fans can be linked to our smartphone or smart speaker via an app. This will allow us to control it by voice or mobile app.
Remote control
Without a doubt, it provides us with great comfort, as it allows us to control both the ceiling fan and the light independently. Fans with remote control can be controlled from a great distance, as they have a very wide range of action. In addition, it offers other advantages such as being able to program the fan or activate the winter mode.
Chain
Ceiling fans with a classic style will be operated by one chain (two if there is a light).
Special functions
With the advancement and development of new technologies, new features and functions have been implemented in ceiling fans to offer the best comfort and user experience. If you want extra features you can find models with the following characteristics:
- Breeze mode. The ceiling fan operates automatically by switching smoothly between various speeds, creating a feeling of a gentle natural breeze. Learn how to save on heating with winter mode.
- Winter mode. Allows you to change the direction of rotation of the blades to distribute and use the heat accumulated in the highest part of the room.
- Thermostat uSense. When you activate the uSense function, the ceiling fan will detect the ambient temperature and automatically adjust the fan speed.
- Fast Fan system. Arteconfort’s Fast Fan quick installation system is unique in the market. The ceiling fans with this system are the easiest to install, avoiding the need to install and connect controllers.
- Integrated bluetooth speaker. Listen to music from your fan by syncing it to your smartphone and experience unique moments.
- Adjustable light intensity. You can create the ideal atmosphere for every moment by adjusting the amount of light emitted by the ceiling fan.
- Colour temperature change. It helps regulate your body’s circadian cycles by choosing the most suitable light colour temperature for each time of day. You will improve your rest.
- Time-of-use programming. You can program how long the ceiling fan stays on. Perfect for use while you sleep, the fan will turn off automatically when the programmed time is reached.
Decorative appearance
We must not forget the fundamental role that ceiling fans play when it comes to decorating your home. You can find a multitude of shapes and colours that adapt to different types of home styles: modern, classic, rustic, minimalist and even for colourful children’s rooms. Some fans have special characteristics in terms of the blades:
- Retractable or concealed blades. The fan blades are not visible when the fan is switched off. This will disguise the fact that it is a fan, making it look like a ceiling lamp.
- Reversible blades. The models with reversible blades allow you to choose the colour you like best and adapt them to your room, making them more versatile. This feature is more common in ceiling fans for children’s rooms, as on the one hand you can show off bright colours when the child is young and, on the other hand, more neutral colours when they grow up.