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Easy in-store ReturnsCeiling fan buying guide: How to choose the right one for your home
How fans work indoors
Most ceiling fans are designed for indoor use. There are three general ways that they work to keep you cool.
- The extra airflow helps perspiration evaporate, even if you are not particularly sweaty.
- A fan forces air to circulate in a room, moving air that is warmed by your body further away from you and replacing it with cooler air.
- Fans also displace air that is warmed by hot objects, and propel cooler air around the room.
Outdoor ceiling fans
In a space such as a covered courtyard that’s sheltered from natural breezes, a ceiling fan can be very effective. A fan mounted outdoors needs to be sturdy enough to survive any wind that is passing through, and must have an adequate IP (ingress protection) rating to withstand the elements.
Fans suitable for outdoor use often have blades made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a type of tough plastic). The best bet is to choose a fan that is explicitly described as being suitable for outdoor use.
What size fan do I need?
A good rule of thumb is to match the optimal recommended diameter with the area of your room. For an approximate guide, a small room of 4m x 4m or less is best cooled by a fan of up to 120cm (48in) in diameter, while larger rooms up to 6m x 6m will require a fan with a blade span of at least 132cm (52in).
For bigger spaces, such as an open-plan kitchen/dining area, two fans might be needed, or you might opt for an extra-large 178cm (70in) fan. A fan of this size can also be well-suited to an outdoor area.
What makes a ceiling fan quiet?
There are five common factors that cause fans to be noisy, so keep these in mind when choosing and using your fan. Here is how to make a ceiling fan quiet.
1. Number of blades
The more blades a fan has, the quieter it is as it doesn’t have to turn as fast as one with fewer blades to move the same volume of air.
2. Shape of blades
A fan with ordinary rectangular blades disturbs the air more and therefore creates more wind noise or ‘whooshing’ sounds than one with contoured and rounded blades that are designed to glide more cleanly through the air.
3. Balance
A build-up of dust and dirt can throw the blades out of balance, meaning the quietest type of ceiling fan is a clean one.
4. Loose components
If your fan is making a creaking or rattling noise, there’s a good chance something is loose. Tighten the blade mounts, light cover (if the fan has a light), motor cowl and anything else that might be moving.
5. AC motor
In general, DC fans are much quieter than their AC counterparts (see below).
The difference between AC and DC fans
AC (alternating current) is the type of electricity supplied by mains power at 240V, while DC (direct current) is what comes from batteries, USB and laptop power adaptors, to name three common sources.
DC voltage can vary widely; in domestic applications it is almost always lower than mains voltage. DC fans use a power adaptor to transform AC mains to DC voltage; they are more energy-efficient because they draw the minimum amount of power they need to operate. AC-powered motors need a larger current to turn without necessarily providing a stronger cooling effect.
Style options for ceiling fans
There is a remarkable variety to choose from, including fans with plywood, timber, steel, aluminium and ABS blades. Polymer (plastic) and ABS blades can be made to appear just like real timber, while aluminium fans normally come in a brushed or coloured finish (such as white). The body of the fan can be white, black, steel, brassy gold or other colours, even timber finish, to match the blades.
What extras do you need for your fan?
A built-in light is a popular option, allowing the fan to illuminate your room in place of an existing fixture. The fan (and light, if fitted) can be operated either using a remote control, which comes with a bracket for securing it to the wall, or a speed/on-off dial which must be hardwired by an electrician.
An increasingly popular option is smart control that lets you adjust a fan’s speed and switch its light on and off using your smartphone or smart home device. Check the packaging to choose the right fan to work with your existing smart home system, for example Grid Connect.
In winter, most fans can be set to turn in reverse, pulling air up to the ceiling and letting it drift down again as it cools. This enhances the convection of existing room heaters and helps warm up your space.
We can install your ceiling fan for you
Once you’ve chosen your preferred fan, book in your installation via our services page.
Photo credit: iStockphoto and Getty Images
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Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.