We are ceiling fan domain experts. In this post, we put together a list of 10 fans to find you the very best leaf ceiling fan. You should also check out our buyer’s guide at the bottom of this page. In it, we cover everything you need to know about buying a ceiling fan. We hope you enjoy it and find this informative.

  • Airflow: 5580 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: Not Specified 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Tropical palm leaves design
  • UL WET rated

The Fanimation 220 Volt is a beautifully crafted outdoor fan designed exclusively for a 220 Volt circuit. The fan features a 188 x 25 mm AC motor that rotates at a max 163 RPM without any noise. The 20 degree blade pitch produces an average airflow of 5580 CFM. That is better than most ceiling fans in this price range. It is operated by a 3-speed pull chain but has other control options as well.

The fan comes with composite plastic blades designed as overlapping palm leaves. The blades are available in different finishes to suit your décor. The light fixtures are also sold separately. The motor is UL WET rated and comes with a lifetime limited warranty. 

Fanimation comes up with budget-friendly designs to complement any interior. The Volt series  designed with tropical leaves throw a relaxed vibe. Thus, it is an excellent choice for people looking to have a unique style signature even with their outdoor decor. 

  • Airflow: 4834 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: 2.8 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.
  • 4 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • UL WET rated
  • 6” downrod included

The Minka Aire Gaugin Ceiling Fan comes with all-weather ABS plastic UV protected blades. It is ideal for dry, damp and wet locations. The fan comes with a stunning light fixture with 50 W halogen bulb to glow at its full potential. This fan features a 14 degree blade pitch to facilitate better airflow in the room.

This model comes with a 188m x 20mm lightweight AC motor that promises noise-less performance but not as energy-saving as a DC motor. You can operate it from a fully functional wall control. Interestingly, it can replace a normal light switch without any extra wiring.

The Minka Aire Gaugin is the ideal fan for outdoor applications. The full range light dimmer, included in the series, is like eye candy for your guests. Additionally, the palm leaf shaped blades are hard to miss.

  • Airflow: 6149 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: 3.13 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Stylish light fixtures glass
  • TCS Remote Control

The Craftmade Pavilion Ceiling fan comes with a Total Control System (TCS) remote to control its speed, light and direction of rotation. The damp-rated ceiling fan features a heavy duty 3-speed reversible motor that lasts for ages. The 14 degree blade pitch produces a decent amount of cooling breeze at a wind speed factor of 3.13 MPH.

This Pavilion model comes with a single integrated light fixture with a glass shade. With two 60 Watt candelabra bulbs, it fairly illuminates every corner of the room. You get an option to select blades from 44”, 52”, 54” or 56” sizes to customize it as per your room size.  The blades are also available in four universally flattering colors.

The Craftmade fans turn out to be the focal point of any décor. To retain that USP, its Pavilion series fans come with unique designs to promise you the same functionalities of an ideal ceiling fan but without burning a hole in your pocket.

  • Airflow: 4788 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: 2.77 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Oval Palm leaves design blades
  • 6” downrod included

The Fanimation Islander Ceiling Fan accepts newer 1” diameter downrods for better stability and balance. As it uses an AC motor, it may need some balancing when used at its full speed. Otherwise, it runs quiet and smooth within 25 to 141 RPM to offer a decent breeze.  You get various blade options with this tropical-african style ceiling fan to complement your décor.

You can also order it with or without the light fixture. The 20 degree blade pitch facilitates an average airflow without making any wobbling noise. The decent 4788 CFM airflow is ideal for small rooms to get its full benefits.

Fanimation has created hundreds of classic and contemporary designs over the years. The Islander is one of its first tropical style designs in the market. Despite an indoor model, it gives you plenty of options for a fun design customization.  

  • Airflow: Not Specified 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: Not Specified 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.
  • 2 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Gearless drive motor
  • Durable Neoprene belts

The Fanimation Single Brewmaster is designed with wide oval natural palm leaf finished blades to showcase timeless beauty. The belt-driven device uses neoprene instead of the traditional leather belts for more ease in movements. While leather belts need frequent replacement, neoprene belts used here will last for years. The copper and lead babbitt sleeves are also replaced in this model with sealed ball bearings that are more durable. 

The fan uses a single gearless AC drive motor which can drive up to four fan heads. You can also customize the blades and fan heads as per your décor. The model comes with dimmable light fixtures that can be changed to suit your style. 

The Fanimation has a reputation of producing unusual yet high performance belt-driven ceiling fans. The Single Brewmaster is a classic design from the late 1800’s with a modern operating system. The current model is designed to become more efficient and elegant looking than its peers.

  • Airflow: 5803 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: 3.15 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Wicker Patterned Blades
  • Damp Rated

The Hunter Bayview Ceiling Fan is UL damp rated for outdoor use. It can withstand moisture so it’s ideal for sunrooms, porches and any other outdoor location. The compact fan body makes it ideal for small spaces. Its wicker-patterned blades come in coastal and bronze versions that give your interior a tropical vibe. 

The fan comes with a very smooth and quiet running AC motor which gives it a fairly average efficiency rating of 87 CFM/Watt. The airflow is 5803 CFM to give a decent cooling if the room is not too large. The wind speed factor is 3.15 MPH – so, expect a medium to strong cooling breeze.

The Hunter creates attractive fans that are EnergyStar rated for extra efficiency. The Bayview series, as the name suggests, is designed for people who want to get the tropical vibe in their interior décor. Available in two variants, it will give you that beach ready feel right at home.

  • Airflow: 5580 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: 3.23 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • UL WET rated
  • Wood carved blades

The Fanimation Belleria in Tortoise Shell is an outdoor ceiling fan with composite blades. The tropically inspired blades are sold separately so you can customize its decor as per your needs. This model comes with optional light fixtures that accentuates the overall aesthetics. The fan is operated with a 3-speed pull chain. Other types of controls can be chosen at checkout. This is an excellent choice for outdoor living areas.

The 188mm x 25mm AC motor is smooth running and durable but not as energy efficient as the DC motor fans. The 20 degree blade pitch produces an average rated airflow of 5580 CFM. However, with a 3.23 MPH wind speed factor, you can expect a decent amount of breeze under its blades. 

Fanimation always excels in producing high quality outdoor fans. Moreover, they are made to last even in harsh outdoor conditions. In this regard, this Fanimation Belleria in Tortoise Shell fan is not only top rated but also highly sought-after by customers for its durability and performance.

  • Airflow: 3468 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: 2.01 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Optional close to ceiling kit
  • Fashionable blade options

The Fanimation Windpointe comes with a 5-blade AC motor with a maximum speed of 110 RPM (revolutions per minute). You can choose various blade and light fixture options to match your décor. The Windpointe 5 blade series is Energy Star rated for efficiency. It is also UL rated to be used in both damp and dry locations. 

All the fans from this series can accommodate a ceiling slope  up to 30 degrees. It can operate on three reverse and forward speeds. It is operated by a pull chain system but other options of control are also available. The fan comes with a 6” downrod and also an optional close-to-ceiling kit to accommodate different ceiling heights. 

Fanimation produces both contemporary and traditional looking fans that don’t compromise on quality. The Windpointe series is available with woven bamboo blades or natural palm leaves design. The carved wood blades have cairo purple and samble sand finishes to meet modern decor requirements. 

  • Airflow: 4838 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: 2.8 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.
  • 5 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Two operating controls include
  • Unique motifs

The Craftmade Pineapple ceiling fan comes with a 3 speed non-reversing hand held remote control as well as a wall control to offer ease of use. Both the controls have a full range light dimmer to change the ambiance of the room. The fan features a 172mm x 20 mm AC Motor which is smooth running but does not promise to be as energy-saving as the DC ones.

The 14 degree blade pitch with 4838 CFM airflow quality produces concentrated airflow under its blades. It is appropriate for small rooms or open spaces with less cooling requirement. The fan is designed to be used either in damp or dry locations both indoors and outdoors. The model also comes with an optional blade and light fixtures.

Craftmade always excels in creating Tropical style outdoor fan models. The Pineapple series is known for its feathery blades like palm leaves. The textured pineapple motif on the motor surrounded by leaf shaped blades definitely gives it a tropical beach vibe.

  • Airflow: 5255 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: 3.04 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Weather resistant blades
  • UL rated for WET location

The Emerson Batalie Breeze Ceiling fan features ABS Plastic blades. They are weather resistant and extremely durable. As the blades flaunt an antique stain wicker leaf shape, it adds extra charm to your existing room decor. The light fixtures are also optional, in case you want to keep its design highly minimalistic. 

The model is UL listed for wet outdoor locations. Thus, it is appropriate for outdoor kitchens, porch and anywhere outside of your house. You can expect a decent cooling breeze from the fan owing to its 3.04 MPH wind speed factor. However, it has an average airflow of 5255 CFM – the area of wind distribution is limited. The efficiency rating is 70 CFM/Watt which is pretty average but also expected from a typical AC motor ceiling fan.

Emerson has been in the market for years creating world class ceiling fans. Its Batalie Breeze in Venetian Bronze is a tropical fan designed to enhance the décor of any outdoor or indoor settings. 

  • Airflow: Not Specified 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: Not Specified 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, 3 speed AC motor
  • Tropical inspired dual motor
  • Hand carved wooden blades

The Fanimation Palisade in oil-rubbed bronze faluants tropical-African palm leaf blades to amplify your room decor. The blades are made with hand carved Cairo Purple wood. Both the blades and the light fixtures are customizable as per your décor. The AC motor comes with a 40 degree blade pitch to produce high rated airflow. However, the fan is appropriate for indoor use only.

The fan is designed with dual-vertically rotating motors. The Palisade fans don’t come with an optional scroll accessory or a downrod. The downrod and other accessories have to be purchased separately to install the fan. The 18” blades can only be installed on a ceiling of at least 11 feet high. It comes with a 3 speed wall control for an easy remote operation.

The Fanimation always offers unique and innovative fan designs to please its consumers. The Palisade series is one of their most popular additions to tropical style fans. The designs look good in any space – be it your home or workplace.

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A Ceiling Fan Buyer’s Guide: Everything To Know When Buying a Leaf Ceiling Fan.

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 leaf 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.

Fortunately for you, we have distilled all of the key variables 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.

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

What is a leaf ceiling fan?

If you are searching for a leaf ceiling fan perhaps you are well aware of the shape of its blades. If not, it is worthwhile to level-set. A leaf ceiling fan is a fan that has at least three blades, but usually four or five, and that are arranged in the form of a flower.

Each fan blade is one leaf petal and together the leaf blades make the formation of either multiple leaves or a budding flower.

A leaf ceiling not only can resemble a flower when it’s stationary, but each blade usually looks like a leaf and has jagged or pointed sides. 

Pretty simple, right? Well even within this category of fan there are many nuances, including how many “leaf” blades you want and their shape, size, and color.

How much energy does a leaf ceiling fan consume?

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 leaf 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 that 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 leaf 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 leaf 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 leaf fan. The bigger the fan the better.

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

Of course you can technically go even larger, with the largest recreational home fans having up to 99 inches of wingspan.

99 inches is 8.25 feet. That is a large fan indeed.

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 leaf 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 for a leaf ceiling fan

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 a leaf ceiling fan and its 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 leaf fan have?

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

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. 

Leaf 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. 

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 a leaf ceiling fan simply to cool or heat a room. Others buy leaf 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

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

If you want a quieter leaf 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 not 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 produces. 

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 Leaf Ceiling Fan and Your Energy Output for Efficiency

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

Leaf 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 leaf 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 Leaf Ceiling 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 naturally well lit 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 – like 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.

  • 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 leaf 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 leaf 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 leaf 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.