Making your home "smart" is all the rage right now. Coined the "Internet of things", the extension of Internet connectivity into physical devices and everyday objects is what has fueled the popularity of devices such as Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple’s Homekit. These "smart", Wi-Fi- or App-enabled devices let you connect your lights, your fridge, your doorbell, and even your ceiling fan to a central hub and your cell phone. Which allows you to press a button on your phone or just say, "Hey Google, turn on my ceiling fan" and your ceiling fan will turn on.
Alexa, What Are the Benefits of a Smart Ceiling Fan?
- Energy Savings - Much like having a programmable thermostat, having the ability to program your ceiling fan to work in conjunction with your thermostat can help circulate the warm or cool air that your HVAC is producing. Thus, reducing the amount of energy your home is putting out to achieve the desired temperatures.
- Home Security - Having a Wi-Fi-enabled control and ability to schedule when your fan turns on and off allows you to turn your ceiling fan and light off/on from thousands of miles away. Thus, allowing you to turn your ceiling fan light on when you aren’t home to make it appear as if you are and deter possible home invaders.
- Convenience - There is nothing more convenient than being able to say “Hey Google, turn off my lights” instead of having to roll over or reach up and turn out the light at the end of the day. The convenience level is bumped up from there when you think about having to get up out of bed to adjust the speed of your bedroom ceiling fan to ensure you don't overheat or freeze during the night.
Siri, How Can You Make Your Ceiling Fan Smart
We recommend calling your ceiling fan manufacturer to inquire about whether they sell a remote compatible with your fan. Additionally, the Fanimation FanSync and Emerson Bluetooth remote receivers outlined below are compatible with many different ceiling fan brands, so you could verify with those brands as to whether their universal remotes will work with your existing ceiling fan.
OK Google, Tell Me About Smart Ceiling Fans & App-Enabled Controls
We’ve scoured our site to bring you our current offerings to help you buy a new Wi-Fi-enabled ceiling fan or connect your existing remote ceiling fan to your cell phone.
Here's what we have so far! More options are coming soon!
- Wi-Fi-enbled:
- App-enabled with Bluetooth
Minka-Aire Bond
Google, Alexa, & Homekit Compatible
The Minka-Aire Bond is a smart device that connects to your Wi-Fi network and allows you to control your fan from anywhere. It simply copies the IR or RF frequency coming from your ceiling fan remote and mimics it when you press commands on your smart phone. Just like with your existing remote, the Bond will need to be within the visible area of your ceiling fan in order for it to work as it is sending the IR or RF signals and these may not be able to be sent through thick walls.
Hunter SimpleConnect
Google, Alexa, & Homekit Compatible
Hunter currently has 7 models (over 30 skus) that feature a built-in Wi-Fi control feature, called SimpleConnect. You simply install the fan as you normally would and once the fan has power you are able to connect it to your home's Wi-Fi network. This is the future of ceiling fan controls!
Casablanca Aya
Google, Alexa, & Homekit Compatible
The Casablanca Aya offers a two-blade configuration with Modern style and comes with both a hand-held remote and a push button wall control. Additionally, it has built in Wi-Fi capabilities so you can control the fan with your smartphone or through your in-home smart device. You are able to reverse the fan from the control of your choosing, so it would make a great option for high ceilings. With this fan, you will never have to climb a ladder to flip the reverse switch on the motor ever again!
Fanimation FanSync
App-enabled Bluetooth Control
Check out our "how to" blog which takes you through the entire process of installing the FanSync receiver and setting up the application on your smartphone! The Fanimation FanSync is compatible with most Fanimation ceiling fans and is considered a universal receiver. The fanSync can be used in ceiling fans from other manufacturers as long as they have space for a remote receiver, have an AC motor, and are do not have variable speed controls.
Emerson Bluetooth Remote
App-enabled Bluetooth Control
Another universal option that works with any remote control ceiling fan with enough room in the motor housing or canopy, the Emerson Bluetooth control paired with the Emerson app allows you to control you ceiling fan with your smartphone.
The app enables you to set a timer to start and stop your ceiling fan or turn on and off the light at certain times of day. This is convenient for not only home heating and cooling efficiency, but also home security and convenience. Customers who have purchased this device on Amazon report that it is easy to install and simple to use.
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