Which outdoor ceiling fan is best?
Finding the best outdoor ceiling fan for your space can be tricky, especially if you aren’t exactly sure what you’re looking for. While a number of ceiling fans may work for your outdoor space, it can also be tough to match aesthetics with airflow capacity and additional features like lighting or remote controls.
Individuals looking for a simple, yet powerful outdoor ceiling fan are usually happy with the top choice Hunter Fan Company 59262 Cassius 52-Inch Three-Blade Wooden Outdoor Ceiling Fan.
What to know before you buy an outdoor ceiling fan
Exposure to moisture
Most of all, the best outdoor ceiling fans must be rated for exposure to some moisture, even if they will be in a covered place. While most ceiling fans that are for indoor-outdoor use are rated “damp,” meaning they can get wet from moisture in the air but not rain or other environmental sources of water, others may be rated “wet” if they’re suitable for use in uncovered gazebos, or other areas where the motor will need to be protected from water.
Ceiling fan size
Another major factor to consider when looking at outdoor ceiling fans is how large the space is where you’ll install the fan. The standard ceiling fan features 52-inch blades, though a wide range of fan blade sizes exist if you need one that’s smaller or larger.
Ceiling fan CFM rating
The point of having a ceiling fan is to increase airflow, which is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. Outdoor ceiling fans are often advertised with a certain amount of airflow capacity in CFM. They range from as low as 1,000 CFM for small fans, or as much as 5,500 CFM for high-quality residential fans. Some industrial and commercial fans offer even more airflow.
What to look for in a quality outdoor ceiling fan
Motor with multi-speed control and reverse
A ceiling fan’s motor is one of the most important pieces of hardware, as it determines how quickly the blades spin and in which direction. Most standard ceiling fans offer the ability to use multiple speeds, usually as many as three, though some also have fewer or more speeds. Outdoor ceiling fans sometimes include reverse functions, particularly useful in regions with changing seasons.
Remote control
While most ceiling fans at least include a pull-chain, some find it useful to buy a model with a remote control. These can sometimes offer more options for controlling the fan’s airflow, or if they don’t, they’re simply more convenient to use.
Lights
Many people prefer to buy outdoor ceiling fans with an attached light, or a light fixture mounting kit that will allow them to put a light in after purchase. While it certainly isn’t a necessity, it can be especially helpful to have an outdoor ceiling fan with a light in places that are particularly small since there is no need to find space for additional lighting.
How much you can expect to spend on outdoor ceiling fans
Outdoor ceiling fans span a wide range of prices …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
