An outdoor ceiling will bring a nice breeze to your patio or deck during a hot summer evening. A ceiling fan can also help repel bugs and mosquitos, increasing your comfort outdoors.
Outdoor ceiling fans are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices, but generally divided into two main categories.
- Standard outdoor ceiling fans
This type of fan is the most popular and has a downrod that connects the fan motor to a mounting bracket. When shopping for a standard outdoor ceiling fan, it’s important to make sure it’s equipped to fit your type of ceiling, whether flat or sloping. The fan’s blades should be at least seven feet above the floor for maximum efficiency.
- Low profile ceiling fans
Low profile ceiling fans don’t have a downrod because they’re designed to cool small spaces with low ceilings, like gazebos, pergolas, and screened porches. Also known as hugger fans or flush mount ceiling fans, low profile fans are installed directly on the ceiling using brackets.
How To Choose An Outdoor Ceiling Fan
When shopping for a fan, it’s important to consider the following characteristics.
– UL listing
The UL listing identifies whether a fan is dry, damp, or wet. Damp outdoor ceiling fans can withstand moisture and humidity, while wet fans are designed to function in rain, snow, and a dense ocean breeze.
Damp fans can be installed in a covered patio, sun room, or screened porch. Wet fans can be installed in open decks, pergolas, patios, and verandas. Dry rated ceiling fans, however, cannot be used outdoors or in high-humidity environments.
– Size
The number and design of the blades will affect the rate of air flow and overall performance of the fan. The right fan size should be determined based upon the square footage of the space.
– Style
Ceiling fans are made in a variety of finishes, including bronze, brushed nickel, copper, rustic, black, white, antique, and off-white. Styles include contemporary, traditional, ornate, transitional, tropical, windmill, lantern, craftsman, and sports.
– Features
A few features you might like for your ceiling fan include lighting kit, remote control, adjustable speed, and reverse spin. You may also consider exploring fans with different types of bulbs, from incandescent and halogen, to xenon.
– ENERGY STAR ratings
An ENERGY STAR rated ceiling fan can help you save money on electrical costs in the long run. They’re equipped with efficient motors and aerodynamic blades that require less energy to cool a room.
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