Ceiling fans: Review specs for choosing the right size and ceiling fan functionsIn ceiling fans the number of blades and overall diameter are the keys to air-circulation capacity. Also consider the benefits of ceiling fans with reversible motors, light kits and Energy Star rating.

Homebuyers love ceiling fans. And if that's not enough motivation to spec them, consider this: Ceiling fans save energy. In summer, ceiling fans blow down cooling breezes, so air conditioners can be lowered or turned off. In winter, ceiling fans can be reversed to draw room air gently upward, forcing warm air trapped at the ceiling downward along the walls so it produces no perceptible drafts. And if you install a light kit, a ceiling fan will also serve as the room's primary light source. It's worth noting that ceiling fans aren't much more difficult to install than standard ceiling-mounted light fixtures.

Casablanca Fan Co., Malibu Star

More good news: Ceiling fans come in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and prices to satisfy virtually every room, decor and budget. Major ceiling-fan manufacturers include Broan/NuTone, Casablanca, Emerson , Sea Gull, Hunter Fan Co., Emerson and Monte Carlo Fan Co.

Hunter Fan Co., Fellini

Ceiling Fans: Key Specs
The first two specifications to consider when choosing a ceiling fan are style and blade diameter. The fan's style (including its color and finish) must complement the interior design motif of the home, and the fan must be properly sized to the room in which it's installed to provide optimal air circulation. But style and size aren't the only two considerations.

Monte Carlo Fan Co., Mach Two

Motor size Often the price difference between two seemingly identical ceiling fans is directly related to the motor size. Quality ceiling fans have larger, more powerful motors that don't strain under load. Higher-priced ceiling fans also typically have thicker housings that reduce noise and vibration. Less expensive fans with less powerful motors tend to whine, click and hum during operations, especially at high speeds.

Fan blades Depending on the diameter of the ceiling fan, it'll have three, four or five blades. Less costly fans have particleboard blades; better-quality fans have plywood or solid-wood blades. Popular choices include walnut, cherry, mahogany, teak and oak. White, almond and brown are also common. Some fans come with double-sided blades that offer the choice of two different finishes.

The pitch or angle of the blades may vary from one fan model to the next. That's important because the greater (steeper) the blade angle, the better the air movement. The optimum blade pitch is 14 degrees, which will move about 8,000 to 9,000 cubic feet of air per minute.

Reversible motor A ceiling fan with a reversible motor allows homeowners to use the fan all year round. Running the ceiling fan in reverse sends air up toward the ceiling, which pushes warm air trapped at the ceiling back down into the room along the walls.

Light kit Most ceiling fans will accept a light kit, so the fan can serve as the room's ambient light source. Light kits generally consist of a single socket fitted with a large glass shade or multiple sockets with smaller shades. The light and fan motor can be operated independently either from wall switches or from pull chains hanging from the fan motor. It is popular to wire ceiling fans with light kits to a dimmer switch for the light, and a five-speed switch for the fan motor. That setup provides the homeowners with the greatest control and flexibility. Note that some ceiling fans come with a remote control for ease of use.

Style Ceiling fans are available in a seemingly unlimited number of styles. From contemporary to Colonial or from rustic to refined, there's a style to match every imaginable interior design, home decor, architecture or personal taste. The style is often dictated by the finish or color of the fan. Common choices include antique brass, bright brass, bronze, iron, nickel, white and black.

Blade diameter A ceiling fan's size is expressed by the overall diameter of the blades. It's important to match the fan to the area (square footage) of the room. Use the table below as a guideline for sizing ceiling fans.

Ceiling Fans: Mounting Options
Ceiling fan installations must adhere to building codes. Standard ceiling boxes, the kind used for light fixtures, aren't strong enough to support the added weight and vibration of a ceiling fan. Only code-approved, fan-rated boxes provide the necessary support.

Pancake boxes--so named because of their shallow profile--are the most commonly used fan-approved boxes. The box is simply screwed to the underside of a ceiling joist with the No. 10 hex-head screws provided. The ceiling fan is bolted directly to the box.

When mounting a ceiling fan between joists, use a code-approved fan brace. It has an expandable threaded rod equipped with sharp-pronged metal feet. Slip the brace into position and expand the rod until the feet dig into the sides of the joists. Once the brace is secured, attach the electrical box and mount the ceiling fan motor. Note that most ceiling fan braces can support up to 70 pounds when installed between 16-inch on-center joists. When installed between 24-inch on-center joists, the brace will only support 35 pounds.

Considering Ceiling Height in Ceiling Fan Installation
For safety's sake, the blades of a ceiling fan should be at least 7 feet above the floor. So, for rooms with 8-foot ceilings, you must install a "hugger" fan model that mounts flush against the ceiling.

For ceilings that are taller than 8 feet, use a down rod to extend the fan motor away from the ceiling. As a general rule, air circulation improves with greater distance between the fan and the ceiling. Use the following table as a guideline when determining the length of the down rod.

Additional Resources
American Lighting Association
Energy Star
Federal Trade Commission
National Association of Electrical Distributors