Fan Buying Guide

Learn how to find the right ceiling fan for your home both inside and outside. Learn what size you will want, the type of motor and make sure you get the right type for your ceiling height and angle.

Why buy a Ceiling Fan?

  • Great energy saving addition to any room
  • Can reduce energy costs by up to 40%
  • In Summer, wind chill affect reduces temperature up to 7 degrees
  • In Winter, recirculates hot air trapped up top
  • Use ceiling fans to reduce heating and cooling energy costs

Ceiling Fan Size

Ceiling Fan Size

Use the formula in this image to verify the proper size ceiling fan for your room or outdoor seating area.

Outdoor ceiling fans should typically be at least 52 inches in diameter. Anything smaller than that may not have the capacity to move enough air around. Outdoor fans can even measure up to 96 inches in diameter.

NOTE: Ceiling fans should be at least 7 feet from the floor.

Motor Size Guide (MM):

  • 153 x 10mm: Light Duty
  • 172 x 14mm: Medium Performance
  • 188 x 22mm: High Performance
  • 212 x 25mm: Super High Performance

Ceiling Fan Terms

Ceiling Fan Terms

CFM – Cubic Feet Per Minute: This is the measure of total airflow that the fan produces usually at top speed

RPM – Revolutions Per Minute: This is the number of times the fan rotates in 1 minute. It will vary depending on speed.

Blade Pitch – Angle of blades: Fans are always pitched at the most efficient degree for all fans. A higher pitch requires a stronger motor and therefore moves more air.

Amps – The amount of electrical current the fan uses: Wired controllers can only handle what amp rating it has (a 3 amp controller can control 3-1 amp fans).

SCA – Sloped Ceiling Adaptor: Most fans are compatible up to 30 degrees. A sloped ceiling adaptor will typically increase this for greater ceiling slopes.

LCA – Low Ceiling Adaptor: Any fan with an up-light kit can not be low ceiling mounted.

Indoor versus Outdoor

Indoor versus Outdoor

Indoor Ceiling Fans

  • Pick from any of our style fans: Indoor, Outdoor, LED, Fandeliers, Dual Ceiling Fans, etc.
  • Keep in mind that you can use both Indoor or Outdoor fans inside
  • No UL-listing required

Outdoor Ceiling Fans

  • Many outdoor-themed fan styles avaliable
  • Requires a UL-listing of damp or wet
  • This is a great option for outdoor living spaces
Shop Outdoor Ceiling Fans