Buying guide for Best ceiling fans
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Ceiling fans are ideal alternatives to expensive air conditioners. Not only are fans more energy efficient, they’re usually more attractive than AC units. They also circulate air effectively to cool down your home. The right type of ceiling fan can even keep your home warm — and heating costs down — in the winter, making it more versatile than an air conditioner, too. But shopping for a ceiling fan can be tough. With so many options on the market, how do you choose the right model for you?
At BestReviews, our goal is to make shopping simple. f you’re ready to buy a ceiling fan, take a look at our top five picks. If you want to know more before buying - what features to look for and how much you should pay - just keep reading.
Ceiling fan vs. AC
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While a ceiling fan can’t lower the temperature of a room the way an air conditioner can, by creating a draft it makes the room feel cooler. This allows you to raise your thermostat, which means lowering your energy costs by 30% to 40%.
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Ceiling fans come in a wide variety styles. A model that complements your home’s decor is a more attractive option than an air conditioning unit.
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Many ceiling fans are also equipped with lights. They can illuminate a room in addition to circulating air.
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Unlike an air conditioner, some ceiling fans work equally well in the summer and winter. During colder months, a ceiling fan can push warm air down from the ceiling and circulate it through the space to make it more comfortable.
In some climates, ceiling fans are preferable to air conditioning units, which can be unattractive and less energy-efficient. When researching ceiling fans, we assess models that are popular with people in those areas.
It’s important to find a ceiling fan that fits your home décor, which is why we review a wide visual range of products while researching.
It's important to find a ceiling fan that fits your space. We evaluate fans that are available in sizes from 36 inches to 62 inches
We consider blade pitch and finish when choosing a ceiling fan. Fans with wider blades and a higher pitch tend to move the most air.
Many ceiling fans feature a light fixture. During our research, we consider fans with single and multi-lamp fixtures that offer varying levels of light.
Some modern ceiling fans are built primarily for energy efficiency, which is why we evaluate units with an Energy Star rating.
Ceiling fans can be controlled by traditional pull-strings, in-wall controls, and smart-enabled controls, including voice control. We look for the top models within each of these styles when researching fans.
Some people appreciate the stylish look of a contemporary ceiling fan, while others appreciate the aesthetic of a traditional ceiling fan. We research fans of different styles to find the very best.
Ceiling fans may be mounted flush with the ceiling or hung from a short metal pipe called a downrod. We research both flush-mount and downrod-mount fans to help readers decide which would be best for their space.
Traditional ceiling fans with globe-style light fixtures are often more affordable than other models. Our research highlights ceiling fans to match every budget.
What to look for when buying a ceiling fan
CFM
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is a measurement of the airflow that helps cool down a room.
In most cases, you’ll want the highest cubic feet per minute possible, so you can raise your thermostat and save money on energy costs.
Motor
A good ceiling fan has a motor with sealed bearings that don’t require lubrication, so it won’t require much maintenance.
A DC motor is the most efficient and expensive. For a more affordable fan that still performs well, choose one with a motor that’s larger than 200 millimeters.
Choose a reversible motor if you want to use the fan year-round. A reversible motor allows you to adjust the direction of the fan, so you can push warm air down from the ceiling and circulate it through the space in the winter.
Did you know?
A large, high-quality motor can keep a ceiling fan quiet and prevent it from wobbling.
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Lighting
Many ceiling fans are also fitted with light kits, which allow them to not only circulate air but illuminate a room.
You can choose from a variety of lighting styles, such as traditional globes or more contemporary fixtures.
Some fans have a single light in the center, while others have multiple glass shades that circle the center of the fan.
Energy efficiency
If you’re concerned about lowering your energy costs, look for a ceiling fan with the Energy Star seal.
An Energy Star-rated ceiling fan must have an airflow of at least 1,250 cubic feet per minute on the lowest speed and 5,000 on the highest speed. It also must include at least a 30-year warranty on the motor, a 1-year warranty on components, and a 2-year warranty on the light kit.
Did you know?
An Energy Star-rated ceiling fan can be up to 60% more efficient than other models, which will save even more in energy costs.
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Size
If you want your ceiling fan to be effective, choosing the right size is key. The proper size depends on the size of the room.
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For a room that’s 75 square feet or smaller, choose a fan with a blade span that’s 36 inches or smaller.
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For a room that’s between 75 and 144 square feet, choose a fan with a blade span that’s 36 to 42 inches.
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For a room that’s between 144 and 224 square feet, choose a fan with a blade span that’s between 50 and 56 inches.
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For a room that’s 224 square feet or larger, choose a fan with a blade span that’s between 52 and 62 inches.
Blade pitch and finish
Ceiling fans with wide blades and a higher angle, or pitch, tend to move the most air. Look for blades that are about five inches wide and have a pitch between 12° and 14°.
Blades come in a variety of finishes, including mahogany, oak, brushed nickel, and plastic.
"Wooden blades should be treated with a sealant to block out moisture and keep them from peeling and warping. Metal blades should be sealed to prevent tarnishing and scratching."
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Controls
Pull chains are the most common controls for ceiling fans. You simply pull the chain to turn the fan on and adjust the speed. For lighted fans, there is an additional chain to control the lights. Pull chains usually work best in low-traffic areas.
Wall controls allow you to turn the fan on and adjust the speed, direction, and lights with the press of a button.
Did you know?
A fan with wall controls may include a remote that allows you to control the fan at a distance of up to 40 feet, which is an ideal option for larger rooms.
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Ceiling fan tips and tricks
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A ceiling fan with interchangeable blades makes it easy to change the look of the fan when you want to redecorate the room.
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For the most stable installation, mount a fan to a ceiling joist. If there are no joists in the center of the room, use a ceiling fan mounting bracket with spiked ends to make it easier to mount the fan between joists.
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To lower your energy costs, always turn off a ceiling fan when no one’s in the room.
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Use your vacuum’s brush attachment to remove dust from a ceiling fan’s blades. You can also use a damp microfiber cloth. Just be careful not to to twist, lift, or pull on the blades.
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Don’t use a dimmer switch with lighted ceiling fans. They can make the motor noisy and shorten the fan’s lifespan.
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A downrod is a metal pipe that allows you to suspend a fan from the ceiling. You can find the rods in a variety of lengths to accommodate various ceiling heights.
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To stop a fan from wobbling use a balancing kit. Attach the weights in the kit to the fan’s blades with the included clips.
Ceiling fan prices
Ceiling fans vary in price based on size, materials, and features, but in general you’ll pay between $50 and $600.
Inexpensive
You can find small, low-end fans for $50 to $75, but they may not perform well. For an effective, budget-friendly ceiling fan, pay between $100 and $150.
Mid-range
For a large, energy-efficient fan, expect to pay between $175 and $275.
Expensive
For a large, high-tech ceiling fan, you’ll pay between $300 and $600.
FAQ
Q. What is the difference between a flush-mount ceiling fan and a downrod-mount ceiling fan?
A. Flush-mount fans are mounted so they are flush with the ceiling. They work best in rooms with low ceilings or a space where a low profile is preferred. A downrod-mount fan uses a rod to lower the fan slightly from the ceiling. This type of fan works best in a room with a high ceiling, typically eight feet or higher. Wall fans are another option if you have particularly low ceilings.
Q. How do I keep a ceiling fan from wobbling?
A. A ceiling fan usually wobbles due to slight differences in weight between the blades. However, most fans come with a balancing kit, which contains weights that you can attach to the blades to adjust their weight for proper balance.
Q. What should I look for in a ceiling fan that I plan to use in an outdoor area?
A. To ensure that the fan can be exposed to moisture or high humidity, look for a fan that is damp- or wet-rated to protect the motor.
