Many homeowners rely solely on style and price when choosing a ceiling fan; however, the most important qualities that form a fan are not visible. Del Mar Fans & Lighting uses industry knowledge and first-hand experience to identify the most important elements for selecting the best ceiling fan. We rate ceiling fans based on motor, airflow, design and efficiency. The grade or performance of each element determines the overall rating in stars with five stars being the best ceiling fan available.
Motor Rating
The motor is the most important component of a ceiling fan. The motor is responsible for proper airflow movement as well as smooth, quiet operation. There is a wide variety of motors in the ceiling fan industry. Higher quality, performance motors earn more stars due to their functionality. See the review for the most common motors below.
Airflow Rating
Ceiling fans circulate air to produce a cooling breeze or airflow. This airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air moved. The CFM is dependent on the motor, blade pitch or angle, and the blades’ shape and size. Large fans with wide, long blades and greater pitch tend to circulate more air and earn higher ratings.
|
Airflow
|
Rating
|
|
6500+ CFM:
|
 |
|
5750 - 6499 CFM:
|
 |
|
5000 - 5749 CFM:
|
 |
|
3000 - 4999 CFM:
|
 |
|
2999- CFM:
|
 |
|
|
Airflow
|
Rating
|
|
5000+ CFM:
|
|
|
4000 - 4999 CFM:
|
|
|
3000 - 3999 CFM:
|
|
|
2000 - 2999 CFM:
|
|
|
1999- CFM:
|
|
|
|
Airflow
|
Rating
|
|
4000+ CFM:
|
|
|
2500 - 3999 CFM:
|
|
|
1500 - 2499 CFM:
|
|
|
1499- CFM:
|
|
|
Check out our Fan Size Guide to help determine the proper ceiling fan size and airflow rating needed for your room size.
Artisan / Design Rating
All of our products start with a base of 3.5 stars. See the design variables below can raise or lower a rating:
Factors that increase a fan rating:
- Good Design Award Recipient (+
) - Award presented by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry since 1957.
- Original Design (+
) - Successful ceiling fan designs are copied by other manufacturers.
- Accredited Designer Fans (+ ) - Fans created by designers like Jessica McClintock, George Kovacs, & Cristina Saralegui.
- Decorative Motor Housing (+
) - Unique ceiling fans with decorative touches on the motor encasing.
- 3/4" Downrod and Canopy (+ ) - A larger downrod and canopy system that ensures optimal support and ease of installation.
- Matching Canopy (+ ) - Fans with matching ceiling covers that create an overall harmonious look.
- Premium Finishes (+ ) - Fand that are dipped, plated, painted, and finished with a clear coat for exceptional quality and durability.
- Furniture-Grade Veneer Blades (+ ) - Blades made from laminated, high-grade veneer or hardwood that prevent warping.
- Hand-Carved, Woven and Rattan Blades (+ ) - Unique, handcrafted blades made from the finest grade materials.
Factors that decrease a fan rating:
- Builder Grade Fans (- ) - These fans are comprised of the basic, universal design characteristics of a standard ceiling fan.
- Standard Finishes (- ) - Standard whites, blacks, antique and polished brasses lack the overall luster of a premium finish.
Efficiency Rating
The efficiency is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the amount of air a ceiling fan moves divided by the cost of operating the fan, or CFM/Watts. Homeowners can use this rating a comparison guide between using the fan and the level of comfort they expect to receive when using the ceiling fan. More Energy Star ceiling fans earn higher ratings.
|
Efficiency
|
Rating
|
|
99.0+ CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
85.0 - 98.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
75.0 - 84.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
50.0 - 74.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
49.9- CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
|
Efficiency
|
Rating
|
|
80.0+ CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
60.0 - 79.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
40.0 - 59.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
39.9- CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
|
Efficiency
|
Rating
|
|
70.0+ CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
50.0 - 69.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
25.0 - 49.9 CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
24.9- CFM/Watt:
|
|
|
