Del Mar Designs Ceiling Fan Rating System
The below ceiling fan rating system should help you review the most important qualities of a ceiling fan. We have identified four main elements of a ceiling fan: Motor, Airlfow, Design, and Efficiency. The grade or performance of each element determines the overall rating in stars. Five stars is the best rated ceiling fan available.
|
|
| Item |
Description |
Rating |
Motor |
172 x 20 mm Motor (Large Standard Direct Drive Motor = 4.0)
|
 |
Airflow |
6300CFM (between 5750 - 6499 CFM = 4.5) |
 |
Design |
Base Score = 3.5 Original Design (+1.0), 3/4" Downrod and Canopy (+0.5) Standard Finish (-0.5) |
 |
Efficiency |
107 CFM/watt (Over 99 CFM/Watt = 5.0) |
 |
|
|
Overall |
Average of other elements |
 |
|
Motor Rating
There are many fan motors that are used in the ceiling fan industry. Higher quality / performance motors earn more stars.
(5 stars) |
|
Flywheel - The flywheel is a high performance motor that has been in production since 1979.
- Built around thick steel laminations, surrounded by copper wiring
- Some of the largest sealed precision ball bearings in the industry
- Quiet operation, due to the rubber flywheel disc absorbing shock
Example fans: Stealth Fan by Casablanca Fans, Premium Fan by Emerson Fans
|
(5 stars) |
|
Oil Bath - The oil bath motor is the first ceiling fan motor technology used.
- Created by Hunter Fan Company
- Iron is heavy, but sway and vibration is reduced
- Oil check is required every 1-5 years
Example fan: Hunter Original series by Hunter Fan Company.
|
(5 stars) |
|
DC - DC motors are the most energy efficient motors available in the industry.
- Magnetic field is stationary, unlike AC motors
- Up to 300% more efficient than standard fans
- Most fans with this motor have six speeds instead of the standard three speeds
Example fans: DC60 by Monte Carlo Fans, Midway Eco by Emerson Fans
|
(4.5 stars) |
|
Ball-Bearing - The ball bearing motor is a shaded four-pole motor that contains permanently sealed bearings.
- Usually moves in one direction
- 1/15th - 1/10th horsepower
- Made in the USA
Example fan: Acqua by Matthews Fans
|
(4.5 stars) |
|
Ultra-Performance Direct Drive - The ultra-performance motor is a type of direct drive motor.
- High quality bearings and copper wiring
- The largest stacks of laminated steel in any direct drive motor
- Provides excellent airflow
Example fans: Maxima by Monte Carlo Fans, Edgewood Deluxe by Fanimation Fans
|
(4 stars) |
|
Stack Motor - The stack motor is a type of direct drive motor
- High quality bearings and copper wiring
- Taller stack of laminated steel than standard direct drive motors
- Quiet operation
Example fan: Altus by Modern Fan Company
|
(4 stars) |
|
Large Standard Direct Drive Motor - The large standard direct drive motor contains a wide stack.
- High quality bearings and copper wiring
- Produces more torque than standard motors
- 172mm or bigger size motor
Example fans: Los Lunas by Minka-Aire Fans, Meadow by Hunter Fan Company
|
(3.5 stars) |
|
Standard Direct Drive Motor - The standard direct drive motor is a common ceiling fan motor.
- High quality materials
- Mainly used in contractor / builder grade ceiling fans
- Produces great airflow
Example fans: Micro by Monte Carlo Fans, Builder Specialty by Savoy House Fans
|
Airflow Rating
Ceiling fans produce airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air moved. Ceiling fans that circulate more air 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. Many design variables can raise or lower this rating.
Things that increase a fan rating:
- Good Design Award Recipient (+
) - This award is given out by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, starting in 1957.
- Original Design (+
) - Some fan designs have become so successful that they are copied by other ceiling fan manufacturers.
- Accredited Designer Fans (+
) - Premier designers such as Jessica McClintock, George Kovacs, & Cristina Saralegui design these fans.
- Decorative Motor Housing (+
) - Precision measurements will complement attention to detail, making these fans unique.
- 3/4" Downrod and Canopy (+
) - A larger downrod and canopy system ensures optimal support and ease of installation.
- Matching Canopy (+
) - Engineering is involved in creating the fan while maintaining standards and complementing the fan with decor.
- Premium Finishes (+
) - These are usually dipped, plated, painted, and are finished with a clear coat for their exceptional quality and durability.
- Furniture-Grade Veneer Blades (+
) - The finest grade veneer is laminated to cross laminated hardwood layers, which prevents blade warping.
- Hand-Carved, Woven and Rattan Blades (+
) - Hand crafted from only the finest grade materials, giving these blades unique characteristics.
Things 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 airflow efficiency is the "bang for the buck", in watts, that you are getting with your ceiling fan. More efficient 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:
|
|
|
Check out our How to Buy a Ceiling Fan Guide for other important qualities to consider when buying a ceiling fan for your home.
Ceiling Fan Reviews
Visit our Blog CeilingFan.org for Ceiling Fan Reviews.