What Type of Ceiling Fan Do I Buy for a Screened-in Porch?

Short-neck

• Unless your screened-in porch has vaulted ceilings, opt for a ceiling fan that has a short neck. Typically, a short neck measures approximately 17.5 inches from the ceiling to the bottom of the fan. Some screened-in porches are constructed around the angled section beneath the roof or around the overhang at a front door. As a result, screened-in porch ceilings are often lower than the standard 8-foot room height. If that is the case at your home, you need to mount your ceiling fan with the blades as close to the ceiling as possible. Otherwise, a family member or a guest could bump his head on the fixture.

Light Fixtures

• If your screened-in porch doesn't have any light sources other than natural sunlight, purchase a ceiling fan with single or multiple lightbulbs and globes. If you want to enjoy your screened-in porch once the sun goes down, a ceiling fan with a light fixture is beneficial. If your ceiling is low, less than the standard 8 feet, do not purchase a ceiling fan with light fixtures unless the fan is installed over a table, porch swing or a seating area that does not receive foot-traffic. Because of the additional light fixture, this type of ceiling fan has a deeper profile that extends farther down into the room.

Multiple Speeds

• Variable temperatures during the day and during different seasons of the year make it difficult to control the temperature in a screened-in porch. Choose a ceiling fan that has mutiple speeds, so you can moderate the temperature in your outdoor space. Most ceiling fan varieties have a 3-speed option, but more expensive designs offer flexible speed-control options. Generally, the more revolutions per second, the greater the airflow.

Weather-Resistant Finish

• Even though your screened-in porch is covered by a roof and is protected from harsh weather elements, it susceptible to moderate sun exposure and inclement weather conditions. Purchase a ceiling fan design that is suitable for the outdoors. Avoid untreated painted fans where the paint can fade, flake and peel over time. Opt for sturdy materials like wood, stainless steel and brushed metals, or choose a fan with a weather-resistant finish.