How to Select the Right Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans can help with both form and function: keeping the climate cool and adding a touch of elegance to the room. When it comes to regulating temperature, a ceiling fan is a good option to direct and circulate airflow. To choose the right ceiling fan, consider the room size, ceiling height, angle of the ceiling, and if smart fans suit your needs.

1. Room Size

For optimal airflow, choose a ceiling fan size that is proportional to the room’s size. Choosing a fan that’s too small can overwork it, choosing one that is too big can generate too much airflow, ultimately being unsafe. Choosing the right size is important.

To choose the right ceiling fan you’ll need to know:

Room size - the square footage of the room is determined by multiplying the length of the room by the width of the room, in feet.

Blade Span - the circumference of the fan's blades. You can calculate this by measuring the width from the tip of one blade through to the tip of the blade on the opposite side.

Room Size Diagram

Once you know your room size, you can refer to the diagram below to choose a fan of the right size.

Room Size and Downrod Length Table

2. Ceiling Height

Ceiling height will help determine if you need a flush mount or downrod mount.
Types of Fan Mounts
Flush mounts are recommended for any low ceiling below 8ft. For 8ft and higher, a downrod mount is suitable. The recommended length for your downrod depends on your ceiling height. Refer to the diagram below to determine the best downrod length.

3. Angled Ceilings

For angled ceilings, you can get an angled mount. For angled mounts, the ideal downrod length depends on the slope of the ceiling. Divide the rise by the run to determine the slope. A steeper (larger) slope requires a longer downrod.

The rise is the difference between the highest point from the floor to the ceiling and the lowest point from the floor to the ceiling.

The run is the length between these two points.

Slope (°) = Rise / Run or (A - B)/C

Once you know the slope, you can refer to the table below to determine the best downrod length for your angled ceiling. The fan must still be at least 18 inches away from the wall and 7 feet above the floor.

4. Smart Fans

Smart fans offer an extra element of convenience. Smart fans are Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to control your fan through a Smart Home app on your personal device.

With a smart fan, you can control many aspects of your fan remotely, without leaving the comfort of your seat. Through the app, you can customise the use of your fan, such as:

Adjusting the speed
Adjusting light colour temperature and intensity
Scheduling your fan
Setting a sleep timer
Switching between Winter/Summer mode
Turning it on/off even when you are away

With all these customizable features, smart fans are the energy efficient choice.

Before buying a smart fan, consider the following:

Ensure you have a device compatible with smart home apps (eg. an Android or iOS device) and a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Check the compatibility of the smart fan with your existing smart home setup (eg. Alexa or Google home, smart thermostats, etc.).

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Now you have the tools needed to choose the right ceiling fan! Take a look at all our ceiling fans here. Whether your style is modern, traditional, rustic, we have many different fan styles and finishes to match your room.

Any questions? If you'd like to consult our team of experts for your next project contact us. We'd be happy to support you in any way we can.