Buying ceiling fan online can be easy, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for when you go shopping. The features of each fan are different, which means you need to consider their physical size and capabilities. If you know how to look at the features and specifications of each fan, you’ll be able to buy just the right one, regardless of whether you’re looking at it online or in person. Read on to learn more about what to look for when you buy fan online.
Fan
When you buy fan online, there are two key components to look for. First is blade pitch, which determines how much air is pushed by each fan blade. Lower pitch means more wind speed and higher pitch means less wind speed. The second component is blade diameter or fan diameter. Some fans have big blades that move a lot of air but don’t have a small footprint in your room. Other fans have smaller blades that can take up less space but may not move as much air. By selecting fans with just the right combination of these two components—blade pitch and blade size—you can find one that moves just enough air through your room without taking up too much space in it.
CFM
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, indicates how much air a fan will move at full speed. In general, more giant fans move more air. In terms of CFM per dollar spent, bigger isn’t necessarily better: You get diminishing returns on airflow as you increase fan size. Rule of thumb: Think about ceiling height and room shape when deciding between smaller and larger models. If your ceiling is low and rectangular-shaped, go with a smaller model that moves enough air without spending too much money or consuming too much energy. If you have a cathedral ceiling with ten-foot-high walls, go with one that produces higher CFM ratings at lower RPMs for quieter operation.
Motor
While ceiling fans typically use less energy than an average light bulb, you’ll want to make sure that they also aren’t using up more power than necessary. The most efficient motors are those that run on low revolutions per minute (RPM). You can look for them by looking for wind velocity or airflow efficiency ratings. If you don’t see any such rating, look at how many watts it takes to operate each fan; higher watts equal higher cost and more energy usage.
Blades
The size of your ceiling fan will determine how big or small you can go with your blades. You don’t want your fan blowing around your head, but you also don’t want it disappearing from view either. For most fans, going under 80cm for a three-blade ceiling fan is ideal. The fourth blade should be between 110 and 120cm in size. If you have a vaulted ceiling or high ceilings overall, consider going up to 135cm or 145cm for a fourth blade instead.
Efficiency
To save on energy costs, look for ceiling fans that are Energy Star rated. Be sure to select fans with LED light kits; they’re dimmable and use less energy than traditional lighting fixtures.
Airflow
There are three types of blades (feather, hugger and downrod), each serving a specific purpose. Feather blades hug close to the ceiling, while downrod blades suspend closer to the floor. Hugger blades fall somewhere in between. To decide which is best for your room, consider how much airflow you want from your fan and how high you have ceilings.
Final Word:
There are lots of factors that go into finding an ideal ceiling fan. How much space do you have? How do you envision the look? Is there anything special about your environment that makes certain features more important than others? Take your time to think it through—your investment in lighting is well worth it! There’s nothing worse than settling for less-than-ideal lighting. Be methodical, be thorough, and you’ll find yourself with great new lighting in no time. Happy searching!
