When it comes to home renovations there is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Nowhere is this more evident than ceiling fans. It is easy to see the benefits of a ceiling fan in your space. They are an eco-friendly way to cool your home, they add aesthetic value, and can even cut your monthly energy bills. While there are many different styles and performance levels of ceiling fans, by far one of the most important aspects is size. Customizing the size of your fan to the room you are hoping to cool will have some additional benefits.
4 benefits of choosing the right size ceiling fan:
- Maximizing efficiency: If you choose a ceiling fan that is too small will not circulate your air enough to cause a cooling effect. This will cause you to run the fan more often and for longer.
- Increasing durability: Ceiling fans can be quite an investment, and the last thing you want is for your system to wear down quickly. A small fan will become overworked if the space is too large, cutting its usable lifespan short.
- Reducing cooling costs: A properly sized fan will cool your space enough to minimize the amount of time you need to run your AC unit. Keeping your HVAC systems run time to a minimum can cut your monthly energy bills, potentially saving you big.
- Increasing property value: Beyond the cooling effects of a properly sized fan, these items also add aesthetic value to a space. Something as seemingly small as adding a beautiful and efficient fan can add value to your property.
Sizing Your Ceiling Fan
There are typically four categories of ceiling fan size: small, medium, large, and great or extra-large. These categories are determined based on the diameter of the blades and the length of the fan. To establish the size of ceiling fan you need, you must attain the square footage of the space you are planning to cool. To do this, simply multiply the length of the room by the width of the room. Make sure you do this measurement in feet. In addition to the square footage of the space, it is helpful to know the height from the ceiling to the floor, so you have a better idea of how long your fan can safely be. Remember that ceiling fans are measured from blade tip to blade tip, so you have a clear understanding of the diameter.
Size guide:
- Small rooms: Spaces like small bedrooms, bathrooms, or breakfast nooks don’t require huge systems, and blade fans around 42” will work great.
- Medium/Standard rooms: For spaces between 144-225 sq. ft, like your kitchen or dining room, a fan between 48” – 58” is the best choice.
- Large rooms: Larger rooms like a family room or large master bedroom require larger fan blades to maximize comfort. Consider fans between 55” – 70”.
- Extra-large spaces: When trying to cool unusually large spaces like combination rooms or basements, you are attempting to cool over 400 sq. ft. You can either pick a single fan that is over 65”, or experiment with multiple smaller fans.
This size guide should be used as a starting point, but there are some exceptions. If you are attempting to cool an unusually tall or angular space, you should contact a ceiling fan professional to get a customized solution that works perfectly.
Our team at Knee’s Electrical Services will happily walk you through the ceiling fan installation process and find the perfect solution for you. Call us today at (765) 201-7220 or contact us online.