Did You Know Different Rooms Require Different Fan Wattages?
When it comes to shopping for ceiling fans, there are so many different options on the market and finding the right one for your space can sometimes be a significant challenge. There’s so much to consider, such as style, size, airflow, motor quality, energy efficiency and more. It’s easy to want to select a ceiling fan based on your style preferences alone. While you want your ceiling fan to complement the style and decor of your space, choosing the right size ceiling fan for the size of your room will ensure its maximum performance, style and comfort. The right size ceiling fan will do a lot more than just keep you cool. It will also help you save money. When used alongside your HVAC system, it will help keep you comfortable while allowing you to increase the temperature on your thermostat, saving you money on your monthly electricity bill.
Pictured: Emerson Midway ECO LED
You know now that establishing the right ceiling fan size for your room ensures its performance and longevity as well as your comfort, but did you know that different rooms require different ceiling fan wattages?
Understanding Ceiling Fan Power Consumption
Even though the ceiling fan is one of the most commonly used household appliances, many people don’t understand the energy consumption of a ceiling fan. How much energy a ceiling fan uses depends on its size and the type of motor it uses. Most people try to cut down on their lighting consumption in an attempt to save money, but if you don’t select the right size ceiling fan for your room, it can actually consume more power. For example, a small ceiling fan in a large room will have to work twice as hard to keep you cool, which will use more energy and deteriorate the motor faster. Unless you want your energy bills to increase and to replace your ceiling fan every few months, then choosing a ceiling fan that’s proportionate to your room size and required wattage is key. There are literally hundreds of different brands and models available, and the range of wattage of standard ceiling fans (without lights) is anywhere from 15 watts to 120 watts per hour. This depends on the size of your room and how hard your ceiling fan needs to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Pictured: Emerson Carrera Grande ECO 60
Choosing a Ceiling Fan for Each Room in Your Home
The size of a ceiling fan is determined by the size of the room or the area in which you are looking to install it. In order to determine the square footage of a room, multiply the length of the room by the width in feet. The total of this calculation is the size of the room in square feet. In other words, if your room is eight feet by eight feet, then the square footage is 64 square feet.
While browsing for the perfect ceiling fan for your room, there are four common sizes you’ll encounter. For rooms under 144 square feet, we recommend a ceiling fan blade span of under 42 inches; rooms between 144 and 225 square feet require blade spans between 44 and 50 inches; rooms that are between 225 and 400 square feet require 50-inch blade spans; and rooms larger than 400 square feet need ceiling fans with blade spans larger than 62 inches.
Ceiling Fans for Bedrooms
One of the most important places in a home to have a ceiling fan is the bedroom. The right size ceiling fan can help circulate the air in your room and keep it cool, but it can also work to create a quiet hum that will block out some of the noises that are often a distraction as you’re trying to sleep. In terms of sizing, there are two common options for bedrooms. Most standard bedrooms are anywhere between 144 and 225 square feet, so a medium-sized ceiling fan with a blade span of 44 to 50 inches will fit perfectly. When shopping for fans, make sure to check that the CFM rating is between 1,600 and 4,500. The higher the CFM rating on your ceiling fan, the more air it will move. You can read more about CFM ratings and calculating wind speed here.
Ceiling Fans for Living Rooms
The living room is one of the most common places to relax with family and entertain guests. When shopping for a ceiling fan for the living room, most people tend to emphasize style to make sure it complements the decor and makes a lasting impression on visitors. While style is important when it comes to selecting a ceiling fan for your living room, it’s more important that you account for its size and the CFM rating required to cool the space. Living rooms, family rooms, great rooms—all of these rooms tend to vary in size greatly. Most living rooms are between 225 and 400 square feet, so large fans with blade spans more than 50 inches will work great. Large family rooms and great rooms can sometimes be more than 400 square feet in size, requiring ceiling fans with blade spans that are more than 62 inches. To find the right size ceiling fan for your living room, focus on the square footage and select a ceiling fan size accordingly to ensure your room is cooled effectively.
Ceiling Fans for Offices
You may be wondering whether or not you should even install a ceiling fan in your office. Why not? Having a ceiling fan in your office will not only circulate the air and make your space feel comfortable, but it can also provide a sense of style that really ties your office together. Determine the size of your office in square feet and what CFM rating you’ll require to cool your space–then select the style and other options you need. You may want to consider ceiling fans with lights for your office, as they can illuminate your space and keep you comfortable while you work.
Ceiling Fans for Bathrooms
The bathroom is where most of us begin and end our days. It’s where we remove our make-up, shower, brush our teeth, prepare for bed and more. It’s an important space, for sure, and plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It may seem strange to install a ceiling fan in your bathroom, but doing so can actually provide you with style and function. Adding a ceiling fan to your bathroom can add a touch of elegance to your space, while also providing circulation to help cool things down after a hot shower. Bathrooms can vary greatly in size, from half-baths to large, spa-style bathrooms, so it’s important to measure the square footage of your bathroom to determine the best size for your space. When shopping for a ceiling fan for your bathroom, you’ll need to consider more than just size and style. Hot showers produce plenty of moisture, so you’ll need to select a fan that’s UL rated for wet or damp conditions to ensure you get the most use out of it. If you install a ceiling fan in your bathroom that’s not designed to stand up to moisture, it won’t last as long and you’ll likely have to replace it.
Ceiling Fans for Garages
If you have a garage with no windows, then you probably know it can be difficult to keep it cool during the hot months of the year. Windows provide valuable natural light and opportunities for cross-ventilation. Unfortunately, not every garage comes with windows—and that’s where ceiling fans come in. Whether you’re using your garage for storage, to work on projects or as an at-home gym, you want to be as comfortable as possible. Most garage sizes will require a large ceiling fan with a blade span of 50 to 60 inches. For large garages that are more than 400 square feet, we recommend ceiling fans with blade spans of more than 62 inches. Once you determine the size of your garage, you’ll be able to select a fan that will be able to circulate warm, stagnant air and stay comfortable. Like your bathroom, laundry room and other rooms that are exposed to moisture, you’ll want to make sure you’re searching for ceiling fans that are UL rated for wet or damp conditions.
Ceiling Fans for Outdoor Living Spaces
Whether you have an outdoor kitchen or covered patio, outdoor living spaces provide a great place to relax and entertain with family and friends. There’s no need to go on a run to get a sense of release—simply step outside and enjoy the fresh air, sights and sounds right from the comfort of your own home. You can enjoy your outdoor living space no matter what time of year it is—even during the hot summer months—if you have an outdoor ceiling fan installed. An outdoor ceiling fan can significantly improve your experience, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable, while also helping you avoid pesky mosquitoes, wasps and other flying insects.
Pictured: Matthews Fan Company Donaire
To determine the right size ceiling fan for your outdoor living space, calculate the square footage. Outdoor living areas can vary in size. Smaller porches that are under 144 square feet may only require a small ceiling fan, while larger spaces between 225 and 400 square feet will need a large ceiling fan and a higher CFM rating. Again, because your ceiling fan will be installed outside where it could be exposed to moisture, you’ll need to select a ceiling fan that’s rated for outdoor use. Depending on whether your outdoor living space is covered or not, you’ll also need to determine whether you’ll require a wet-rated ceiling fan or can get away with using a damp-rated ceiling fan. Damp-rated ceiling fans can only be installed in covered areas where they won’t be directly exposed to rain. Wet-rated fans, on the other hand, can handle direct rain exposure and can even be washed off with a hose without becoming damaged, making them perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
Trust the Experts at Hansen Wholesale
If you have questions or need personalized advice on selecting the right ceiling fan for each room in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! The ceiling fan experts at Hansen Wholesale are happy to assist you. When it comes to shopping for ceiling fans for your home, our best advice is to work with companies like us who are knowledgeable about our products and prioritize customer service. Contact us or use our “Shop with an Expert” feature for a shopping experience that’s designed to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.