As the days get longer and warmer, we are quickly reminded of the importance of having a good ceiling fan! Not only are fans an essential, staple fixture for your home, but the world of ceiling fan design has evolved immensely over the last few years, leading to an eruption of new styles and technologies! We’re giving you a crash course on everything you ever wanted to know (and more!) about ceiling fans:
Ceiling fan controls
The days of standing on your tippie-toes, reaching with all your might to pull a metal cord are over (thank goodness, right?). Any fan can be programmed to work with a variety of controls that are simple and easy to use. There are wall-mount switches that control both lights and fan speed, cordless remotes that give you the ease of control from anywhere, and some fans even come wired and ready to connect with your smartphone or smart home devices! (Scroll down to check out our highlight on the ultra-smart Haiku fan, it’s pretty neat!)
What makes a good ceiling fan?
We’re glad you asked! When considering your ceiling fan options, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:
- CFM: You’ll see this abbreviation a lot when browsing ceiling fans, it stands for cubic feet per minute. Essentially, this is a measure of how much air the blades of the fan can move and is an indicator of how strong of an airflow the fan can create. Look for a fan with high CFM to make sure it can effectively cool your home!
- Damp-rated vs. wet-rated: Many fans are made for both indoor and outdoor use, but pay attention to these terms to determine if an outdoor fan can withstand your environment! Damp-rated fans can hold up against mist or light amounts of water, whereas wet-rated fans are hardier and are waterproof for any type of weather.
- Energy efficiency: Quality ceiling fans have the potential for big savings on your electric bill, especially if they’re energy-efficient themselves! Look for the EnergyStar certification to see if the fan you love will show your wallet a little love too.
Installation and repair
While many ceiling fans are DIY-friendly, it can get a bit dicey when you’re dealing with high ceilings, large fixtures, or more complex wiring systems that can complicate the installation process. To save you time and frustration, The Light Center offers fan installation service to our customers in Northern Colorado from our trained installation experts and electricians to make upgrading your fans simple and seamless. If you are going the DIY route, make sure to read (and re-read) ALL directions before you get started to avoid any wiring or equipment installation mistakes – nothing is worse than spending all that time installing a fan only for it to not work when you flip the switch!
Ceiling fans are typically pretty sturdy pieces that rarely need repair over their lifespan, but in the off chance that something goes wrong, we offer one year of free fan repair service to any of our local Northern Colorado customers. If you’re not local to us here, try contacting your local electrician or, if your fan is more than 8 years old, it might be time for an upgrade!
Ceiling fan direction
The simple hack of changing the direction of your ceiling fan seasonally can not only make your home more comfortable year-round but can also save you some serious money on your electric bill!
In the winter months, your fan should spin clockwise, as this creates an updraft that moves warm air trapped up near the ceiling down into the room. Keep the fan at a low speed, as anything too fast will create a slight breeze that won’t feel too cozy in those colder months. In the summer, switch your fan to rotate counter-clockwise instead! The counter-clockwise motion creates a downdraft that pushes air down and creates a breeze throughout your home, keeping it cool and comfortable.
Our favorite new styles
Monte Carlo – Maverick
The “Maverick” series by Monte Carlo is this year’s hottest new fan. Hand-carved real balsa wood blades, a selection of modern color finishes, sleek designer style, and a high CFM all come together to create this functional yet gorgeous fixture for your home. Despite only having 3 blades, the Maverick packs a serious punch with its breeze-creating power from its special sleek silhouette and aerodynamic design. Available with or without an integrated LED light, this energy-efficient fixture is a must-have in any new home design.
Modern Forms – Roboto
The “Roboto” collection by Modern Forms is another set of indoor/outdoor fans we’re going gaga over! It’s a wet-rated smart fan that is perfect for your deck, pergola, or living room. The Roboto has a quiet DC motor that is 70% more efficient than AC, and it can be controlled via Modern Forms free app that lets you control fan speed, set schedules, and integrate with smart home devices to cut down on energy costs.
Minka-Aire – Artemis
Minka-Aire’s “Artemis” fan is another show-stopper when it comes to unique shapes. Curved blades surround a tinted opal glass LED light that provides warm, natural-looking light while keeping the room cool and comfortable. This energy-efficient smart fan comes in a variety of colors and finishes that meld together the worlds of modern design and boho-chic!
Big Ass Fans – Haiku
The “Haiku” from Big Ass Fans is the ceiling fan you’ve undoubtedly seen all over the internet this year. This fan’s blades are hand-balanced and sound tested to provide silent airflow without wobbling, rattling, or clicking. It even has built-in motion sensors that alter fan operation based on environmental changes. The Haiku has a proprietary technology using UV light that has been shown to kill 99.99% of airborne pathogens while safely neutralizing allergens, odors, and fumes.
Need help selecting the best ceiling fan for your home? Book an appointment with one of our designers to talk through options and get your fan installed by our team of experts!
