Ceiling fans are a practical and stylish addition to any home, providing a comfortable and refreshing breeze throughout the year. With so many options available, picking the right one can feel daunting. Don't sweat it! In this blog, we'll guide you through the key considerations to help you choose the right ceiling fan for your home.
Assess the Room Size and Ceiling Height
The first step in selecting a ceiling fan is to assess the size of the room where it will be installed. The larger the room, the bigger the fan blades should be to achieve optimal air movement. We have an extensive ceiling fan size guide but as a general rule of thumb, for smaller rooms up to 6-9 square meters, a 35-48 inch blade span is ideal. For larger rooms, a blade span of at least 52 inches is recommended. We also suggest sizing up a little in open-plan or outdoor areas to get the most out of your fan.
Another thing to consider is the ceiling height of the room. By Australian Law, your ceiling fan blades must be at least 2.1 meters from the floor which can become tricky for those more traditional homes with shorter ceilings. Luckily, there are plenty of low-profile ceiling fans available that are designed to hug the ceiling and still produce a great breeze, you can shop that range here. Adversely, if you’re working with ceilings over 3 meters (lucky you!) you will potentially want to purchase a ceiling fan extension rod accessory to ensure your fan is effective in your space.
Choose the Right Fan Type
Ceiling fans come in various types, including motor options and outdoor ratings and selecting the right type for your space is essential. One of the most common questions we get asked is what the difference is between DC and AC ceiling fans. Put simply, it just refers to the type of motor in the fan, not dissimilar to diesel vs petrol motors in cars. AC motors are the traditional type of motor found in most ceiling fans and use more energy to operate. In contrast, DC motors are more energy-efficient and consume up to 70% less energy than AC motors, resulting in lower electricity bills. Additionally, DC motors tend to be quieter and have variable speed settings, allowing for more precise control over the fan's speed. While DC ceiling fans are generally more expensive, their energy efficiency and quiet operation make them a popular choice among Aussie homeowners. If you’re looking for a deep dive into this, read our blog on DC vs AC ceiling fans here.
Consider the Fan Style
Long gone are the days when you have one or two styles to choose from when selecting your new ceiling fan, due to innovation and advancement in the market, fans now come in various styles to suit different interior design aesthetics. From coastal to contemporary, you'll find a style that complements your home decor.
When it comes to ceiling fan style, start by looking at where you’re installing it. If you are renovating an old Queenslander, you may be looking to honour the original design with a traditional-style ceiling fan. Alternatively, if you’re wanting to update your home to feel more modern, you’ll be pleased you went with one of the more contemporary options on the market such as the CloudFan or Storm ranges by Calibo or the devastatingly unique and award-winning Aeratron ranges. Additionally, most ceiling fans come in numerous colour and finish variations meaning you can make a statement or more cohesively integrate your new fan with other elements in your space.
Look for Energy-Efficient Features
With power prices on the rise, there has never been a better time to switch to a more efficient ceiling fan. Ceiling fans are an energy-efficient way to keep you cool and can even be used in harmony with air-conditioners to circulate the air, so selecting a fan with energy-saving features can save you money in the long run. There are a handful of ways you can enhance energy efficiency in your home with a ceiling fan including upgrading to a DC motor and investing in smart home technology.
Smart ceiling fans are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, and they are an excellent option for homeowners who want a fan that can be controlled with a smartphone or voice commands. Smart fans use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to connect to your home network, allowing you to control the fan's speed, direction, and lighting from not just anywhere in the room but anywhere in the world.
One of the benefits of a smart fan is that it can be programmed to turn on or off at specific times, making it an energy-efficient option. Smart fans also offer a range of additional features, such as integration with smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to control the fan with voice commands, giving you even greater convenience and control.