The Ultimate Guide to buying ceiling fans

In the modern world, where home appliances have undergone a revolution, the ceiling fan is still largely regarded as one of the best solutions for comfort during summer. This blog aims to make you aware regarding general facts and choose the right ceiling fan as per your needs.
Here is a buying guide for those who are looking for a ceiling fan in the market. The tips are given enabling you to unlock the optimum benefit from a fan.

Things to remember while buying a ceiling fan
There is an array of things that must be considered while buying ceiling fans likelike budget, intended usage, sweep size, performance, energy efficiency, aesthetics, technical details and much more. We shall take a look at all these parameters below:

SWEEP OF THE CEILING FAN REQUIRED FOR THE ROOM/SPACE
-What is the Sweep Size:

It is the length of the blade span which is the diameter of the circle that you see when the fan blades are in motion.

-Standard Sweep Sizes of fans available in India –

600mm (approx. 24 inches)

900mm (approx. 36 inches)

1050mm (approx. 42inches)

1200mm (approx. 48 inches)

1400mm (approx. 56 inches)

Some brands also have sweep sizes that are in between the above Standard Sizes. For example, 1225 mm, 1250mm,1300 mm, 1320 mm, etc. Understanding sweep sizes will help you to choose the right type based on room sizes.

Measurement and understanding of the space or room must be assessed beforehand, though.

Start with measuring the size of rooms and height of the ceiling in feet or meters. It is important to measure the distance of the side walls too. Check the ceiling hook, from which the fan is supposed to be hung. It is ideal if it is in the geometrical center of space.

 
Appropriate fan sweep sizes, recommended as per the room sizes:

FOR VERY SMALL SPACES

FOR SMALL SPACES

FOR NORMAL SIZE OF SPACE/ROOM

FOR BIGGER SIZE SQUARE ROOM

-For 160 to 250 sq. ft. room which is of almost square configuration- the sweep size must be 1400mm (56″).

FOR A RECTANGLE OR L-SHAPED ROOM, 2 FANS OF 1050MM (42″) OR 1200 MM (48″) SWEEP SIZE CAN BE INSTALLED

Other Important Criteria including Understanding of down rods lengths and correct distances of fan blades from floor or ceiling for optimum performance.
–Always consider one size larger fan if you are planning to install it on your veranda or balcony.

–While installing a fan in rooms with a higher ceiling, consider sweep size one level higher.

–If more fans are to be installed in a room or hall, then the optimum distance between the tips of the blades should be at least 4 feet. This will ensure no interference of the airflow from both fans.

–If the fan is to be installed close to any wall or partition, ensure that the distance of blade tip and wall or partition is at least 2 to 3 feet. This will ensure zero back suction.

–Length of the down rod is important for optimum air dispersal and maximum cooling comfort. The down rod length required depends upon the height of the ceiling of the room. For safety reasons, a ceiling fan should always hang at least 7 to 7.5 feet above the floor. However, the ideal height of blades from the floor should be 8.5-9 feet. For adequate airflow, there should be at least 9 to 10 inches of air space between the blades and the ceiling.

Different companies have different lengths of down rods. The length of down rods ranges from 220 mm (8.5inches approx.) to 275 mm (approx. 10.8 inches) for different brands. For a standard height of Ceilings, these lengths are good enough. You need to ensure that the distances from ceiling to blade level and blade level to the floor must follow as recommended above.

–For higher ceilings calculate the additional length required and buy a composite length longer down rod to meet these two parameters.

For other parameters, consider the following tips before you buyFan models in all major brands with 1200mm sweep size are generally available in two speed ranges – Normal speed is around 340RPM (Rotations per minute) and Hi-Speed which is 380 RPM and above.

Ceiling fans come in variety of different number of blades, though 3 blades are most popular in India. However, in certain cases you may decide for 4 or 5 blade fans too.

3-bladed Ceiling Fans in India

Again, there are two types of Motor technologies –Induction Motor and BLDC. If compared, BLDC fans are expensive but reduce your energy bills.

BLDC Motor Technology vs. Induction Motors in Ceiling Fans

-There are also large options for LED fans. These have lots of benefits. Know its benefits before you buy.

Ceiling Fans with Lights

-Like most premium appliances some fans also come with remote control. There are of course benefits of same.

Remote Control of fans is now a way of life

-The Star rating on Ceiling Fans given by Bureau of Energy Efficiency will be mandatory in the near future. This rating will give you an indication of which Star Rating fan to go for. You can assess your initial cost plus electricity saved over a period of fans working life and decide accordingly.

A BEE initiative of Star Rating

Ceiling fans are available in various styles, colour shades and different finishes. Take a trip to the nearby store or explore various ranges in brand websites as per your budget and needs.

 

Read more to stay informed and Happy Shopping!