What may seem to be a simple task may turn out to be a challenging one in choosing the right ceiling fan. Things such as room size, durability, budget, and intensity of noise need to be considered in choosing the best ceiling fan. Read here for the basic functions of fans and their benefits to man.
Actually, when you go to the stores to make a choice, the things you have to think about when you first planned on acquiring a ceiling fan was a short list. You realize there is more that needs to be determined, such as but not limited to, number of blades, their length, what materials were it assembled from, airflow, and many more that can run a long list.
Fan Size versus Room Size
This should be the first thing to consider. What size of the room will it go? The floor area of the room will reflect how big and wide the ceiling is. Fan size against a room size is important because with the wrong fan size, air is not circulated properly.
Here’s a guide that can be referred to:
Fan Size Room Size
29 inches or less Less than 50 square feet
36 inches up to 75 square feet
42 inches up to 100 square feet
52 inches up to 225 square feet
56 inches Up to 400 square feet
Room
When a room is big, it is either you choose one big fan or two smaller ones. Clearances on all sides are very important, otherwise, the ceiling fan is not free to function well due to obstructions.
Hanging Height
There should be at least seven feet of space between the floor and the blades, at the very minimum, while a height of eight to nine feet is the best height of space to allow optimum circulation. The more space between the ceiling and the blades, the better the air can circulate. Downrods are helpful with average and high ceilings, while flush mount ceiling fans are the best options for low ceilings.
Sloped Ceilings
Ceiling fans can be installed in slope ceilings, but a longer downrod is necessary to allow enough clearance around the blades. Only a certain degree of slope can usually be accommodated, but if the ceiling has a steeper slope, an adaptor or angle-mount can be used to level to slope and enable installations.
Blades
The number of blades is also thought of to be an important factor in deciding which kind to pick. It has been a notion that the more blades there are the more efficient. CFM or the measure of a fan’s air efficiency is more reliable in ensuring that efficiency is at optimal. The number of blades will now fall on the embellishment factor, for example a four-blade option may be preferable because it gives a more balanced and conventional look, whereas the three-blade option imposes a modern trend. Sites like http://www.christopherteh.com/blog/2014/05/ceiling-fan-design/ discusses the science behind the design and number of blades.
Different Kinds of Blades
1) MDF or medium density fiberboard are blades made of sawdust and other wood remnants glued together with a cementing material to make it hard, and laminated to make it suitable for use. These are, most often, the least expensive kind, however, quality-wise it does not hold-up well. It does not also do well outdoor; with moisture it will not last longer as expected.
2) Plastic are also inexpensive; it can be made into almost any shape. These blades will hold up great outside.
3) Wood is best indoor, but can also be a good choice for outdoor installations. These take more effort though in sourcing and manufacturing. Most often, Balsa wood is used as it is solid, lightweight and aerodynamic.
4) Metals are best for fans mounted high above the floor. These are good for outdoor installations as it can stand well amidst moisture and damp. However, it may not be a good choice in places near the ocean as the salty breeze can cause corrosion.
Avoiding Noise
The one setback with these installations is when they make too much noise. To avoid this from happening and make your ceiling fan quieter, ensure that the blades are cleaned off regularly, blade screws are tightened and checked once they begin to make excessive noise; examine if there is presence of any warped blades and fix or replace them; ensure that the upper canopy is well secured; also make sure that the motor is oiled; that these are balanced; the motor cover is tightened; and others.
Regular checkup and maintenance will not only ensure low noise, but also ensure that the installation lasts as expected.
