Ceiling Fan Buying Guide

Fan Size

• The size of the ceiling fan's blades affects how much air it can circulate. The bigger your room -- and therefore, the more air that needs to be circulated -- the bigger your fan needs to be. For rooms that measure 75 square feet or smaller, your fan should measure at least 36 inches across; for rooms 144 square feet or smaller, the fan should measure 36 to 42 inches across; for rooms 225 square feet or smaller, the fan should measure 44 inches across; and for rooms measuring up to 400 square feet, the fan should measure 54 inches across.

Fan Design

• The ceiling fan will take up a very visible portion of your room's upper space, and should thus match your home's overall design aesthetic. However, design doesn't just play a role in how pleasing the fan looks to your eye, but also how it sounds to the ear. Inspect the fan's blade designs. Blades that have decorative ridges and bumps may look cool, but will emit a louder noise than non-textured, smooth blades. You may wish to choose plainer design styles for rooms where quiet performance is critical, such as the bedroom.

Energy Star Certification

• If you wish to operate your ceiling fan at a lower energy cost, pick a model that's been certified by the Energy Star program. Such appliances come emblazoned with the Energy Star logo. Energy Star-certified ceiling fans use up to 20 percent less energy than traditional fans.

Blade Motion

• Some ceiling fans come with reversible operation mechanisms. Thus, you can flick a switch and the ceiling fan will turn from running clockwise to running counterclockwise. When running counterclockwise, the fan forces air down, which is perfect during the summer months when you want to cool down the room. When running clockwise, the fan pulls air upward, which is ideal during the winter when you want to circulate heat.

Wet and Damp Ratings

• If you live in a very humid location, such as central Texas or Hawaii, get a fan that has a "damp" rating on its label. This means the ceiling fan's housing and construction is resistant to moisture. If you're setting the ceiling fan up outside where it can get rained on, get a fan that has a "wet" rating. That means the fan's housing and other components have been sealed against water intrusion.