Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The outdoor ceiling fan can create a nice breeze on those evenings or nights when the heat and humidity would otherwise force you indoors. They’re a decorative, functional piece of equipment used for the purpose of creating a breeze so spending time on one’s deck or patio can be done without any discomfort.

Any ceiling fan for outdoor use must meet rigid specifications with regards to electrical safety. Therefore, you can opt for one of two UL listed fans—the damp fan that can hold up under humidity or weather conditions that are damp or muggy and the wet fan that can function in similar types of weather as well.

Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The indoor outdoor ceiling fan can be placed in the home to provide a cooling breeze indoors or outdoors and comes in many styles, materials and colors to accommodate the area in which it’s used to complement the surrounding décor or motif.

Styles

Because of the vast assortment of styles, ceiling fans can be placed about anywhere inside as well as outside the home. You can choose from models that are Victorian, tropical, traditional, rustic, designer, and contemporary or are made of carved wood. Some have dual motors for more choices with regards to blade speed defined in revolutions per minute or “rpms”. Others are Energy Star rated which means they help reduce gas costs. Then there are the “hugger” model indoor ceiling fans that are used in houses with lower ceilings.

Finishes

In addition, ceiling fans are offered in a great number of decorative finishes. Some finishes include rust, antique brass, black, brown, bronze iron, copper, off-white, white as well as primary colors as red, yellow, blue or green.

Choosing the Right-sized Fan

Naturally, consideration must be given to the size of the fan as this determines the amount of area you want the fan to provide ventilation or air circulation for the interior or exterior of the home. How do you determine this? Base your decision on the following general guidelines.

(1)   If the square footage of your area is 20 to 110 square feet then you’ll need to acquire a ceiling fan with a blade span of 24 inches to 42 inches;

(2)   If the square footage is 110 to 150 square feet, then you need a fan with a 44 inch to 48 inch blade span;

(3)   Square footage of 150 to 280 square feet requires a fan blade span of 50 inches to 56 inches;

(4)   If the square footage encompasses 300 to 400 square feet, then a 58 inch to 62 inch fan blade span is indicated; and

(5)   If your room or area is larger than the foregoing dimensions, you’ll need to use a couple fans to provide the needed coverage of ventilation.

Also, knowing the height of your ceiling is important when picking out your fan. For example, if your ceiling is under approximately 7 ½ feet, you’ll need a hugger type fan. A sloped ceiling requires a sloped ceiling fan if the degree of the slope is about 30 to 45 degrees.

Generally the pole length for a downrod (used for providing better air circulation with regards to the fan’s placement) is about 6 inches for a 9-foot ceiling or 12 inches for a 10-foot ceiling with the length increasing depending on the height of the ceiling where the fan is placed.

Hunter and Hampton Bay Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Hunter outdoor ceiling fans as well as Hampton Bay outdoor ceiling fans offer a wide range of fans that are dependable and reliable. The Hunter Company has been in business for over 120 and is an excellent brand to look at when perusing the Internet. Alternatively, Hampton Bay works exclusively with Home Depot and is a premier company to consider if wish to purchase your ceiling fan at a brick and mortar location.

You will be impressed with both companies’ lines so give them your consideration when deciding on a purchase.

Price

Ceiling fans offer a great deal in the way of energy efficiency as they circulate the air inside the house in order to make better use of the heating and cooling elements. Therefore, the money you spend will be savings in other areas down the road. Most small fans are priced at around $100 while mid-sized models come with a price tag of $200 to $300. Any fans with a width of 58 to 62 inches or more generally are priced past the $300 range. Nevertheless, given their versatility and usefulness, your money will definitely not be wasted by buying one.

Give thought to the above overview. It can save you time when making a ceiling fan choice.

photo credit: agingdragqeen