Decorative ceiling paddle fans are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, models and features. Four blades, five blades, long or short blades, painted finishes, metallic finishes, remote kits and light kits make customizing a fan…. a breeze!
Choosing the correct fan blade size is easy. Ceiling fan blade-spans range from 29- to 54-inches - the most popular being the 52-inch model. According to the American Lighting Association, to determine which size fan you need, calculate the area of the room where the ceiling fan will be located and follow these guidelines:
Room Area Suggested Fan Size
Up to 75 SF 29 – 36"
76 – 144 SF 36 – 42"
145 – 225 SF 44 - 48”
226 – 400 SF 50 – 54"
Once the fan and fixture have been chosen it must be properly installed. A ceiling fan should be installed in the middle of the room and at least seven-feet above the floor and 18-inches from the nearest wall. If ceiling height allows, the fan should be installed eight- to nine-feet above the floor for ideal airflow.
Wet/Damp Rating. Placing a ceiling fan in a bathroom or other humid locations? Purchase a fan that has been UL listed with a “damp” rating. For fans that may come in direct contact with water, like on a patio or front porch, look for a UL “wet” rating. These fans include features such as sealed/moisture resistant motors, rust resistant housing, stainless steel hardware, and all weather blades.
Ceiling fan performance and energy savings rely heavily on the proper installation and use of the ceiling fan. Here are a couple of tips to ensure quality and product performance.
• It is important use a metal electric box in the ceiling – metal is the strongest kind. The box should be firmly attached to solid wood framing so that it will hold the weight of the fan. If you are replacing a conventional ceiling fixture, most likely you will need to replace the electrical box. If wood framing is not available in the center of the room, a special “ceiling fan mounting bracket,” with spiked ends, should be installed between joists. Keep in mind that ceiling fans can weigh as much as 50 pounds!
• After installation, check the fan to see if it wobbles. If the fan is wobbly there are ways to repair it. First, be sure that all connections are properly aligned and tightly fastened. Check the alignment of the blades by holding a measuring tape vertically between the ceiling and the blade edges; you may be able to gently bend a misaligned blade holder back into proper place. If all blades are aligned, a balancing kit can then be used to pinpoint the culprit. These kits are usually provided as part of the fan manufacturer’s installation kit.
Ceiling fans range in price from less than $150 to well over a $2,000. If you don't mind wobbling fan blades, a noisy motor and early replacement, the least expensive is the ticket. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quiet, smooth operation, plan to spend at around $300.
