From aviation-themed to Tuscan-inspired, fans come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. Choosing the right fan for your home depends on all these factors – and more. You must also consider the ceiling height, room lighting, and location. Knowing the different types of fans available can help you make an informed decision for any room in your home.
1. Standard Ceiling Fans
Standard fans mount on flat or sloped ceilings with a downrod, a metal pipe that connects the motor housing to the mounting bracket, which allows the ceiling fan blades to hang at least 7 feet above the floor as required by the National Electric Code. These types of fans are intended for rooms with a ceiling height of 8 feet or greater.
2. Low Profile Ceiling Fans
Low profile fans, also known as hugger ceiling fans or flush mount ceiling fans, install directly on the mounting bracket, which secures the fan against the ceiling. Use these types of fans in rooms where the ceiling height is less than 8 feet. This application allows the fan blades to rest 7 feet above the floor.
3. Ceiling Fans With Lights
Ceiling fans with integrated lighting merge two valuable household fixtures, your ceiling fan and your overhead light fixture, into one. Integrated light kits are compatible with incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent light bulbs; and can direct lighting up or down depending on the glass shade’s design. The glass shades come in a range of styles and colors to complement the ceiling fan’s overall style.
4. Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Outdoor fans include moisture-resistant motor housings and all-weather blades that battle warping. Outdoor ceiling fans are classified into two categories, UL-rated damp ceiling fans and UL-rated wet ceiling fans. These types of fans often include natural design elements such as bamboo or palm leaf blades.
Damp ceiling fans withstand humidity and moisture, and are suitable for covered patios, porches, and sunrooms with no direct exposure to precipitation.
Wet ceiling fans hold up to rain, snow, and oceans, and are suitable for exposed spaces such as gazebos, patios, and porches. A wet-rated ceiling fan is appropriate for damp and dry locations; however, a damp-rated fan is not appropriate for wet locations, and an indoor fan is only appropriate for dry locations.
5. Energy Star Ceiling Fans
Energy Star-rated ceiling fans feature energy-efficient motors and aerodynamic blades, which allow the ceiling fan to operate on less energy. These types of fans are at least 20 percent more efficient than standard ceiling fans. Energy Star fans with integrated lights are 50 percent more efficient than standard ceiling fans with lights.
6. Dual Motor Ceiling Fans
Dual motor fans deliver extraordinary style and performance to indoor and outdoor spaces. These ceiling fans feature two adjustable fan heads supported by horizontal rods that extend from the compact motor housing. Two high-performance motors power the unique ceiling fans. Dual motor ceiling fans make a strong decorative statement in a living room, dining room, or patio.
7. Remote Controlled Ceiling Fans
Remote control ceiling fans offers the modern convenience of adjusting multiple fan speeds and lighting with the press of a button. A remote control transmits a unique frequency to the receiver located in the canopy, prompting changes in speed, direction, or lighting. Some ceiling fan remotes can transmit frequency within a 40-foot to 50-foot range. A ceiling fan with remote control is ideal for individuals who cannot reach the fan to make adjustments.
8. Oscillating Desk Fans
Desk fans, also known as tabletop fans, are a portable cooling solution for small spaces. Use these fans in rooms ranging in size from 75 square feet to 120 square feet, such as a cubicle or a home office. A rotary switch adjusts the airflow while a toggle switch allows the fan head to pivot from side to side. Some desk fans include a knob that adjusts the fan head’s angle.
9. Wall Fans
Wall fans are the ultimate space saving fan. These fans mount directly to your wall, freeing up room on your floors and desks. Many wall mounted fans have head tilts and on/off oscillation controls. These fans create low-pressure airflow with a low volume. This means they can be used as both a ventilation and cooling system.
