Ceilings fans with lights are in our opinion, the best kind of ceiling fans! Why not combine two things in one? We looked at dozens of ceiling fans to find the very best ones that came with lights. Be sure to also check out our extensive buyer’s guide at the bottom. It will cover everything you need to know about buying a ceiling fan.

  • Airflow: 7284 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.28 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 Speed DC Motor
  • 60” Blade Span
  • 47 - 155 RPMs

The Minka Aire 60” Shyhawk LED has it all. With its dependable wooden blades, excellent design, and a super-efficient DC motor, this fan ranks conveniently higher against its peers in the same price range. With remote control integration, you don’t have to walk across the room to control your fan. You now have complete control in your hands.

Enjoy an integrated LED light with the capacity to provide over 1649 lumens and with a Color Rendering Index of 92. Not only is it physically impressive to look at, the Skyhawk is also a powerful fan with LED rated to last 30 times longer than a typical incandescent bulb. The Minka Aire is a beauty to behold and to own.

If you want to make a statement with quality, the Minka Aire 60” Skyhawk LED is top tier, with a quality rating of 5 (above the average 3). It’s windspeed is 3.28 MPH. This fan comes with an efficiency rating of 164 CFM/Watt, while consuming only 44 Watts of electricity per hour.

The manufacturer, Minka Aire, is considered one of the finest manufacturing companies when it comes to ceiling fans. They offer the best ceiling fans in the market, focusing on efficiency, durability, and quality. This is a fan brand that absolutely considers style as you can see from their fan designs.

  • Airflow: 7157 CFM at high speed Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.42 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 blades, 6 speeds DC Motor
  • Integrated Dimmable Led Light
  • Smart Control

The Artemis LED DC Smart Ceiling Fan features a unique design adding an antique appearance to the room. It comes with three blades structured to portray a classic style. It with an energy efficient LED light. Other accessories can be added to it, including a downrod and other controls.

The Artemis DC LED Smart Ceiling Fan Model F803DL-DK was designed by Minka Aire in a distressed Koa color. A fascinating feature about this lovely ceiling fan is the contemporary style it portrays. It works silently and efficiently due to it’s DC motor.

You can also control this ceiling fan model with your mobile phone using Alexa, or Google Voice commands. It has built-in Wi-Fi and upgraded LED light. The Artemis DC LED Smart Ceiling Fan Model F803DL-DK also comes with handheld remote control. It was designed with 6 speeds for only indoor use.

  • Airflow: 10343 CFM at high speed. Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 4.66 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 5 blades, 6 speed DC Motor
  • No reverse function
  • No light fixtures

Save some power with this high-performance modern ceiling fan. It is operated with an RC400 Remote Control and also features a 6 speed DC Motor. Minka Aire Clean LED in Polished Nickel is a classic ceiling fan model incorporated with super-efficient functions.

It comes with a fully integrated range and dimmable led light. It has a 5 out of 5 quality rating, is eco-friendly, and is used indoors. The DC motor is quiet, efficient, and will save you money on your energy bills.

Minka Aire Clean LED in Polished Nickel comes with five blades, featuring a 60″ blade span, 14-degree blade pitch with silver finish. It cannot be used outdoors. Minka Aire is the market leader in ceiling fans. They make a variety of different types but focus mostly on modern designs with a 21st century look.

  • Airflow: 9077 CFM at high speed Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.65 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 Speed AC Motor
  • Rated for indoor use
  • Reverse function

The Monte Carlo 64″ Avvo Max ceiling fan model is a great indoor ceiling with a unique and elegant design. It contributes to the beauty and appearance of your home with lovely blade structures. It has an integrated 15 watts led downlight with 1130 net lumens of output.

It comes with three blades, which doesn’t reduce its speed or performance. It features a 4 out of 5 breeze rating and a wind speed factor of 3.65 MPH. It is a fantastic ceiling fan model that can be operated with handheld remote control. It works smoothly, efficiently, and quietly without causing any nuisance.

The Monte Carlo 64’ Avvo Max Ceiling Fan model is an excellent indoor option for individuals who work from home. It also consumes lesser energy with its 6 speed DC motor.

It was designed by Monte Carlo with ABS blades with a motor size of 120mm x 25mm, 16-degree blade pitch, and 64′ blade span. Monte Carlo derived their inspiration from antique ceiling fans to provide high-end performance, efficient and reliable ones.

  • Airflow: 7397 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.76 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 4 Blades, 3 Speed DC Motor
  • 56” Blade Span
  • 52 - 169 RPMs

Everything about this fan is specifically designed for efficiency and for your absolute comfort. From the wind speed factor to the electrical usage, the Minka Aire Swept LED is one of the finests in the market. This 4-blade ceiling fan comes with an airflow of 7397 CFM guaranteed to help you really cool off.

The Minka Aire Swept LED is designed for energy efficiency. Consuming just under 30 watts per hour, this ceiling fan will cool you off without burning up your electricity bill. Standing above the average 3 MPH, this ceiling fan comes with a wind speed factor of 3.76 MPH.

When it comes to the quality ratings of this ceiling fan, the numbers are wonderful. A fan so smooth and quiet, it can run for 24 hours everyday for several years, this product will prove to be your finest purchase decision.

The Minka Aire Swept LED in Distressed Koa comes with an efficiency rating of 244 CFM/watt, placing it way ahead of the average rating. If you choose this fan, you also get to enjoy its other exciting features.

Minka Aire is reputed as one of the leading companies in the ceiling fan industry. Their products offer best, most efficient, and cost-friendly results, while also delivering on quality and comfort. With this ceiling fan brand, you can easily fit in a fan of your choice with your interior

  • Airflow: 9540 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.63 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 8 blades, 6 Speed DC Motor
  • Rated for indoor & outdoor use
  • Includes WiFi and Bluetooth

With the 66” Renegade, you can operate your fan from anywhere in the world using the WiFi smart app. It includes an app that has learning capabilities to adapt to your daily routine. How cool is that?

It is a modern design that enables you to use voice commands to control your fan. It includes a wall or remote control featuring 6 speeds in forward and reverse with a full range light dimmer.

The fan can be installed indoor or outdoor including in the rain or snow as it features a Wet Rated weather-resistant aluminum finish. For outdoor usage, a hose can be used for washing off the fan.

With a 165mm x 30mm DC Motor, it uses 70% less electricity than a typical AC motor fan. 66” Renegade has an 80” lead-wire length and a 13 degree blade pitch. It includes bottom cap for installation with or without a light fixture.

The 8-bladed ceiling fan has a wind-speed factor of 3.63 MPH and Airflow of 9540 CFM that enables aesthetic yet functional air movement keeping you cool in style

To top it off, Modern Forms produces fans that are top notch with styles that are quite impressive. With Modern Forms, you experience the new age of ceiling fan technology.

  • Airflow: 7074 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.83 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 Speed AC Motor
  • Rated for indoor & outdoor use
  • Includes Reverse function

The modern forms aviator 54″ Ceiling Fan is a multipurpose ceiling that works efficiently in all weather. It comes with distressed Koa colored ABS, all-weather blades, eco-friendly and durable.

It is a high-quality creation of modern forms fan company that combines a vintage appearance with modern functions. The modern forms aviator 54″ ceiling fan has a high breeze rating with 5 out of 5 quality ratings. It can be customized with led lights and a downrod.

This wonderful ceiling fan was created for both indoor and outdoor use. It was designed with flawless functions that run smoothly and silently with less electricity. If you are looking for a ceiling fan model that uses less electricity, this is an excellent option.

The Modern Forms Fan company designed this ceiling model to outshine other types with smart Wi-Fi controls, F-WC-WT Full Function RF Wall Control and reverse functions. They are known to come up with beautiful designs with a high-quality rating and efficiency.

  • Airflow: 5779 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.34 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 5 blades, 6 speed DC Motor
  • Less energy consumption
  • Dark Walnut blade design

The Minka Aire Sabot in Oil Rubbed Bronze is a fan model embedded with numerous features including smart control, additional accessories, and long-lasting materials. If you are looking for a ceiling fan with a sleek and elegant design, the Minka Aire Sabot ceiling fan is a nice choice.

It comes in a Revertible Medium Maple/Dark Walnut blades, 12-degree blade pitch, 52’ blade span featuring five different blades. The Minka Aire Sabot ceiling fan model also includes a reverse function and led light fixture.

This wonderful home accessory was designed for indoor use, only featuring a motor size of 172mm x 12mm. It doesn’t consume much power, saving you some money in the long run.

  • Airflow: 6573 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.8 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 blades, 3 speed AC Motor
  • Handheld remote control
  • LED light available

Here is a lovely ceiling fan design brought to you by Matthews Fan Company. It comes in three blades well-structured, and crafted in 316 marine grade bronze stainless steel. It features a sleek, simple, and elegant design rated for indoor and outdoor use.

The Matthews Atlas Donaire 316 Marine Grade Ceiling fan consists of an integrated dimmable LED light feature with blades made of ABS Plastic. Its blades can thrive in any type of weather condition- winter or summer. It features a 14-degree blade pitch and a 52” blade span with a bronze glossy white finish.

The Matthews Atlas Donaire 316 Marine Grade Ceiling fan is made of stainless steel, which is one of the strongest materials in the world. It can be controlled using a 3-speed handheld remote control. It is a highly rated ceiling with incredible breeze rating, quality rating, airflow, and efficiency.

It was designed by Matthews Fan Company, made in South America, and assembled in the USA. They provide top-rated ceiling fans with varying designs.

As an affiliate partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases made on these products.

A Ceiling Fans with Lights Buyer’s Guide: Everything To Know When Buying Ceiling Fans with lights.

We have a deep love for ceiling fans and live to help others understand these products as well as we do. That is why we took the time to write a ceiling fan buyers’ guide.

Buying a ceiling fan for the first time can be overwhelming. There are many options for fans and each fan has different styles, sizes, functionality, blades, and installation steps. And nearly all fans can come with different lighting options and formats.

This begs the question: why buy a fan with built in lighting?

For many people, placing a ceiling fan in the middle of a ceiling makes the most sense. That is because the fan, when turned on, generates the most air flow. The center of a ceiling is often where central lighting is installed. 

This makes the combination of fan and lighting so compelling. 

The fan acts like the light fixture and you will have the same selection as you would with any fixture. You can use LED, Halogen, or Fluorescent bulbs.

Much like with other light fixtures, fans can offer you exposed or internalized bulbs. For example, in the ceiling fan below, the light bulbs are exposed.

Now compare that lamp with this one:

 

In order to change the light you will need to unscrew the plastic cover. 

Ceiling fans with lights are great for solving two problems with one product. You can save space and energy by having the two products – a fan and lights – integrated. And if you have a smart ceiling fan you can manage the two together.

For example, you can have the light change colors when a certain temperature is reached. Or you can activate the fan and lights together as part of a home automation system.

Ceiling fans with lights not only look great indoors, but they can provide mutl-use functionality for patios and porches that want to centralize cooling and lighting in one place.

In the remainder of this guide we have distilled all of the key variables of buying a ceiling fan with lights down into an accessible and digestible guide. You can read this guide if you want an in-depth understanding of ceiling fans or you can skim it if you only want to better understand certain aspects of the fan itself. 

This includes how to select a fan to buy, the types and angles of a fan’s blades, the pros and cons of the AC and DC motors that power fans, and how to install the fan on your ceiling. 

If you follow this guide you can be confident that you are making a well informed buying decision.

The process to evaluate and buy a fan with lights is similar to buying other types of ceiling fans.

We know all things ceiling fans and want to pass on our learnings and insights to help you. 

Most importantly, we know that once you evaluate, select, and install a ceiling fan it will likely remain in place for many years to come. That is because ceiling fans can be heavy, expensive, and labor intensive to install. 

A central air conditioning system consumes 3 kiloWatts, which is about 36 cents per hour. Running a fan only runs at 30 Watts, equivalent to only a cent per hour. 

This makes fans affordable and energy efficient alternatives that many people love as they are good for you, your wallet, and the environment.

Running a smart fan that turns off when a certain temperature range is reached is even more affordable.

Take the time to do research now before buying because the switching costs of changing your mind can be high.

Go through this evaluation check-list so that you better understand the types of motors, blades, installation units, and fans exist. We encourage you to optimize for:

  1. Overall quality: in particular the speed of the motor to optimize for cooling efficacy and quietness.
  2. Aesthetics: in particular ensure that you are happy with how the fan looks, its color, shape, design, and blade count.
  3. Size: select the right size fan for the room you will be placing it in. Larger rooms require larger fans to create strong air flow.

Selecting the location of a ceiling fan: Inside or Outside

Most ceiling fans are used within the home. Others are for outdoor structures. Before deciding which type of fan to buy, determine where you will place it. Understanding the placement of a ceiling fan will help you select other attributes – like size, speed, and sound – that will enhance your experience with the fan.

Outdoor fans require different electrical strategies and water-proof finishes. Please keep this mind throughout the guide as we largely focus our attention and advice to those people who want to install indoor fans.

If placing the ceiling fan in an indoor room, measure the size of the room.

Bathrooms tend to be smaller than bedrooms which tend to be smaller than living rooms or kitchens. 

Knowing the approximate size of the room in which the fan will be placed is important. 

Larger fans are best suited to larger rooms as their blades and motors move greater volumes of air.

Ceiling Fan Size Chart

Room (in feet) Cubic Feet/Minute Fan Size
6′ x 6′ 3,000 – 4,500 Shop: 24″ to 36″
10′ x 10′ 4,000 – 5,500 Shop: 37″ to 48″
12′ x 12′ 6,200 – 7,500 Shop: 49″ to 56″
15′ x 15′ 7,000 – 9,000 Shop: 60″ to 72″
Larger 9,000 – 11,000 Shop: 80″ to 99″

The length of the blade of the fan and the size of the room go hand in hand.

In short, if you have a large room, buy a larger fan. The bigger the fan the better.

The common sizes for ceiling fans are 36, 44 and 52 inches, with the largest having a blade wingspan of 60 inches. 

Measure the height of the ceiling and allow at least 7 feet and 6 inches of space.

It is wise and safe to place your fan at least 7 feet above your flooring. 

Placing a ceiling fan high up protects tall individuals from hitting their head or having their hair caught while the fan is in motion. Fans need to be installed on ceilings and these installation bases take space as well. 

An installation base is adjoined to a downrod, which is a simple piece of metal that the fan is connected to and hangs from. 

The average American ceiling height today is 9 feet (2.7432 meters). This means that the average room can support a fan but with a shorter downrod. 

If you have average sized ceilings you can afford to install no more than 1 foot and 6 inch downrods.

How to measure downrods and base mounts

A ceiling fan is composed of fan blades, a downrod, and an installation base. 

The installation base attaches to the ceiling. The downrod connects to the base. And the fan itself hangs from the downrod.

Per the measurements mentioned above, the fan must be at least 7 feet and 6 inches above the ground if you have a standard 9 foot ceiling.  

There is one exception: fans placed above beds, where you will not walk, require less height.

Many people enjoy selecting the fit and finish of the downrod as these pieces of metal or plastic come in different colors, shapes, and sizes and compliment the overall fan’s aesthetic.

As a general rule, more expensive ceiling fans enable you to have longer and more customizable downrods. The downdrods tend to be longer – between 6 and 18 inches.

This is for functionality and aesthetics. Cheaper ceiling fans sometimes have very short – or almost nonexistent downrods – because the base and the fan are fused together.

Design and Look: What to Think About the fan’s general aesthetics

A hugely important aspect of a ceiling fan is what it looks like. If you see the fan while lying in bed or while in your living room you will want it to look great.

The base and downrod are not nearly as important as the blades for how a fan looks in a room. 

Blades come in different cuts, lengths, seizes, finishes, colors and of course quantities. 

How many blades should the fan have?

At a minimum, a ceiling fan will have two blades though four or five are certainly more common. 

A two blade fan can be made of one long piece of metal connected at the mid-point or two distinct blades.

One type of ceiling fan, called a windmill fan, can have upwards of 20 blades packed tightly together.

Blades add functionality and impact the air flow.

When you look at a fan that is turned on, the blades are hard to see. When the fan is stationary, however, the design and color of the blades will need to align with your preferences for style and decor. 

Fans with four to six blades produce a lower pitch, softer volume noise output. Three blade fans use the air surrounding the fan most efficiently and require the least effort to clean as you have fewer blades and surface area to collect dust. 

Windmill fans, always popular in kid’s rooms, have the most surface area of blades. This increases the effort to clean and dust these fans.

A popular 15 blade Windmill Fan

The color, material, and quantity of the blades impact how the fan looks and performs. 

Another subtle variable is at play too: the angles of those blades. If the blades are too flat, they won’t whisk through the air and create air flows. We highly advise blades with angles between 12 and 14 degrees. 

Nearly all of the fans we provide you here have angles in that range for optimal air circulation and air flow efficacy.

More than a fan: how a fan provides lighting, symmetry, and aesthetic benefits.

Some people buy ceiling fans simply to cool or heat a room. Others buy ceiling fans because they can be elegant and add character to a home. Some fans have lights and others do not.

If you are going to place your fan in the center of a room – for example, your living room – you might do so at the expense of a central lighting system. 

For this reason, adding lights to fans is popular. If you add lights you will want to also consider how easy it is to change the bulbs, especially if the fan is very high above your floor.

LED, Halogen, and Fluorescent lighting options are available on all fans that have integrated lighting.

Control Your Environment: Noise and Air Flow

Fans without lights produce two types of energy outputs when they are on: noise and air-flow. Both will impact your experience with the fan. Fans with lights also produce illumination as an energy output.

Firstly, noise is a byproduct of any fan. The rotation of the blades and the motor can cause distinct sounds. Larger motors produce more power and, as a result, can generate more noise.

The good news is that noise can be mitigated. 

Motors that are built from higher quality and durable screws, armature, bearings, windings, and rotors are more expensive. 

Cheaper fans have motors that usually produce more noise as a byproduct. 

If you want a quieter fan, buy a more expensive one. You won’t regret it.

Please pay particular attention to this when considering which type of fan you will place in different rooms in your home. If you are considering a bedroom ceiling fan, it is prudent to optimize for minimal sound. 

People tend to care less about noise when a fan is in a garage or bathroom.

The second type of energy output is air-flow.

Fans can only cool rooms, they can also heat rooms and reduce air moisture.

They substitute central cooling or work in conjunction with air conditioning. 

Fans do not lower air temperatures. They produce air flows and circulation which can in turn create the effect of a windchill. 

The wind chill temperature is how cold people feel. The air flow, which leads to evaporative cooling (deratification), is generated by the ceiling fan.  

If you are using a fan for general room cooling, you will want a fan that accelerates the heat loss from exposed skin. 

Put simply, you will want a fan that generates significant air-flows point downwards and towards the center of the room.

Air Flow Deep Dive: Cubic Feet per Minute

Air flow is the volume of air that is produced by the fan. 

The most common way to measure air flow is Cubic Feet per Minute (or CFM). 

All of the fans we review have a CFM rating so that you can easily compare how much air that each fan productes. 

The average CFM is around 5,000. 

For nearly all non-industrial use-cases, like your home bedroom, kitchen, living room, or garage, a CFM of 6,000-7,000 is optimal. 

At this rate you will be left feeling cooler without greatly enhancing your energy bill or having papers strewn all over the place from the powerful wind currents that larger fans produce.

You might also see a measurement similar to CFM which is air (or wind) Miles Per Hour. 

Much like measuring the speed at which one drives, a fan can have its air speed measured too. 

Nearly all fans produce between 3 and 5 Mile Per Hour air flows. Naturally, the higher the MPH, the stronger the air flows.

Controlling Your Fan and Your Energy Output for Efficiency

Mobile apps and the internet have changed how we communicate, manage, and control various technologies. 

Ceiling fans are no exception. 

Ceiling fans are well suited for management by a digital switch, remote, or mobile app because you can power the fans on or off (or even alter the speed) from afar. 

A connected fan is controlled via a remote control or smartphone. In contrast, less expensive and simpler fans are controlled via a manual switch.

Lastly, some ceiling fans are controlled by pull chains.

While chains are usually made long enough for all users to reach them, please keep in mind that this can cause discomfort or annoyance on high ceilings or fans that need to be frequently turned on or off.

If you plan on installing your fan over 9 feet above the ground, you should buy a fan that can be controlled digitally.

All ceiling fans can create air-flows bi-direactionally. 

Usually a simple switch exists on the fan’s motor or external base that enables you to change the direction in which the blades rotate. 

Changing the directional air propulsion is critical during the winter months. 

Rather than have air convected from the center of the room for cooling, you will want air to move from the blades horizontally down through the walls. 

Lateral air-flow is used for heating rooms and maintaining central warmth while reducing your energy bill.

Choosing the right ceiling fan direction

How you control your fan is correlated with how much energy your fan uses. Will you leave it running all the time? Or will you use smart logic to power it down after a certain amount of time?

We have gone above and beyond to think about fans not just as cooling mechanisms but as a tool that can help you save money while lowering your ecological footprint. These efforts will, most importantly, save you money.

Let me explain further.

When you use central cooling or air conditioners, you are physically reducing the temperature in a room. 

An air conditioner sucks air into its ducts through a vent. This air cools the gas in the evaporator and as the heat is removed from the air, it is cooled. Cool air then flows into your room.

This process is energy intensive and expensive.

In contrast, a ceiling fan does not cool the room or remove heat. Rather, it moves air around which creates the feeling of cooling. Actual cooling is not occurring. Less energy out means less energy in. And in total this means a lower energy bill.

What A Fan Looks Like To You and Others

This guide provides ample information pertaining to how a ceiling fan works and things you should be aware of before buying one or many fans for your home. 

What we have not discussed in great depth is how a fan looks and the importance of design aesthetics. 

A fan will need to fit aesthetically into your room and, as a result, you should think about material (wood, metal, plastic), color, and design patterns. Some questions to reflect on:

  • Is the room light or dark? Is it well or does it require lots of electrical light?

If your ceiling fan is going in the center of your living room, for example, you will likely want a fan with built-in lighting. This is because many living rooms have existing fixture hardware and wiring.

  • Do you want a smart fan that connects with your digital applications and services (Google Home, Nest Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa)?

If you control other aspects of your home – the temperature and humidity – via smart apps, you might want to add a ceiling fan as another connected Internet of Things device. Likewise if you have high ceilings and plan to install a fan that you can’t easily reach by hand. 

Smart fans can be controlled via your phone, tablet, or voice, and these controls will make turning them on or off easier.

  • Do you want a windmill fan?

Windmill fans are harder to clean (more blades means more surface area for dust to land and accumulate). On the other hand, windmill fans are quiet and elegant.

This type of fan is also hugely popular in kids rooms and living rooms. 

The windmill fans pay homage to an older design aesthetic.

While this fan is not modern chic it goes very well in rooms with wooden floors or darker walls because it is made of simple plastic or wood finishes, glass fiber reinforced polyester, and thin pulp-plastic infused blades.

  • What color do you want the fan? What style finish do you want?

Sleek and minimalist fans have fewer blades. These fans, made of lightweight metal, have universal white, grey, or black finishes. 

Where to buy a ceiling fan?

Ceiling fans are heavy and can be difficult to fit in a car or to transport yourself unless you have a large vehicle or flat-bed truck. Given this, it makes a lot of sense to have your fan shipped to you so that it arrives ready for home assembly.

You can self-install a ceiling fan. This work requires moderate technical skills and physical strength. This is because you will need to install not only the fan (the blades) but you will need to connect the fan’s base to the ceiling and its electrical fixture hardware and wiring.

How much do ceiling fans cost? What impacts the price of a fan?

Ceiling fans range in price from $75 on the cheap-end to over $2,000 on the high-end. There are several reasons why the range in price is so large.

A ceiling fan, made of plastic instead of more durable wood or metal, is cheaper.

Additionally, less expensive fans have weaker motors. This means that they are capable of producing less air flow or have smaller Cubic Feet per Minute scores.

More expensive fans are akin to those you would experience at a resort or high end hotel. A ceiling fan over $1,200 will likely come packed with high tech solutions built-in. 

These fans will enable you to:

  1. Program the fan based on motion, temperature, or humidity. 
  2. Turn the fan on or off based on preset logic or rules for maximum physical comfort. 
  3. Enjoy very efficient and quiet DC motors that have multi-decade support and lifetime expectations.

Moreover, these pricer fans come with app based (smart phone, iPad) mobile management and remote controls. 

It is common for expensive ceiling fans to come with mount options so that you can install a panel adjacent to your light switch. These wall mounts enable you to control not only the fan (on/off) but also the fan speed and direction. 

Cheaper fans do not come with these in depth level of controls or sophisticated management features. 

And that is ok. Simplicity might be what you crave. 

Cheaper fans cool rooms as well and can be easily turned on/off with pull chains.

Less expensive fans (in the $100-$300 price point) still come with energy-efficient dimmable lightbulbs.

AC vs DC fans: Understanding a fan’s power source

Most inexpensive fans leverage AC motors.

Although AC motors are more powerful than DC motors, they typically are less efficient and are not as good at using their energy output. 

This can cause additional noise (thereby making it harder to sleep if that fan is in your bedroom). 

When buying a fan, please take a moment to see the Power Source listed in the fan’s essential product information that all suppliers provide. If you buy a fan with an AC motor, it will be louder.

As a result, we highly advise buying a DC powered fan if you will be sleeping near it.

AC motors are durable and longer lasting. While this might seem positive, DC motors are better (and therefore more costly). 

DC motors are simpler to install into the fan’s base, have high startup power, and have a faster response time. 

This means that time will be shortened from when you switch the “on” button to when the fan is accelerating to cool your room.

Although more expensive, ceiling fans with DC motors consume 70% less power which will enable you to save money over time as you pay less to power them.

Where to place the ceiling fan: voltage and flush mounting

Many people place their ceiling fans in the center of a room or above a bed. This is to maximize comfort and the impact of the fan’s air flows.

A centrally placed ceiling fan also creates room symmetry.

Voltage is the pressure from an electrical circuit’s power, and the most common electrical outlet in any home is a 110 volt. If you live in the United States, you will need to select a fan that complies with this voltage limit. 

Luckily for you, nearly all off-the-shelf ceiling fans support this standard. 

When installing a ceiling fan you will need to get a few things absolutely right. We have done this many times for ourselves, our family, friends, and of course our clients.

Firstly, some ceiling fans support flush mount integrations. Flush mount fans sit directly against the ceiling and point downwards. These fans are typically useful for cooling a small room. 

Not all ceiling fans are flush mountable. 

This means that they will hang lower from the ceiling. If you buy a fan that cannot be flush mounted, please ensure that the lower point of the fan is at least 7 feet and six inches from the ground.

Additionally, ensure that the weight bearing load of the ceiling can support the fan. 

Similar to voltage, this should be routine in many homes. 

But it is worth investigating because you don’t want to buy a fan just to see it unable to stay upright. 

For most fans that we review and see our clients deploy, a ceiling must be able to support approximately 35 pounds of downward pressure.

Buyer’s Guide Summary: Bringing It All Together

Buying a ceiling fan for the first time does not need to be overwhelming.

Simply follow this guide to evaluate and buy the fan that fits best in your room and adds the most value in your life.

Don’t get bogged down in the details. If nothing else, pick a fan that looks great, fits well within your room, and that is priced according to your budget.

If the fan is going into your bedroom, it is worth spending a bit more for a quitter product – you won’t regret it.