Looking for the best pull chain ceiling fans? You are in the right place. Ceiling fans are generally operated four different ways. They are operated with a pull chain, a wall switch, a remote, or through a smart home device. For this article, we focused on the best fans that can be operated by a good ol’ fashion pull chain. We hope you enjoy it!

  • Airflow: 6868 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: 3.09 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
  • Durable motors
  • UL Rated for indoor use only

The Emerson Carrera features five reversible blades that fill any room with a fresh breeze. The blades have a 60 inch span to appear bold in any room size without overpowering.  The sleek ventless design along with adaptable light fixtures makes customization easier. A 3-speed pull chain speed control fancies over other control options.

The best part about the fan is its large heavy duty motor. This drives the device at a higher RPM with less torque on the motor.  The AC motor may produce noise but it’s easy to overlook under its massive airflow of 6868 CFM. There’s no doubt that this fan will keep you cool during the warm months of the year!

Emerson fans are engineered to perform better even after years of usage. When you get an Emerson fan you are guaranteed to have both functionality and durability. The motors make the device give out the swiftest cooling without using too much energy.

  • 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 Lighting and blade nu
  • UL Rated for indoor and outdor

The Fanimation Windpointe comes with optional blades and light fixtures. You can customize the number and color of blades as per your needs. You can also change the light fixtures to suit your brightness requirement and décor. The optional parts give you versatility in design as well as function.

The model is unique as the blades are carved from real bamboo and wood. The overall impression gives a more organic and earthy look to your interior. The model comes with a close-to-ceiling kit to adjust the fan height according to your room area for a better distribution of air. However, don’t expect much breeze as it has an average wind speed factor of two out of five. It’s airflow is also only 3468 CFM which is well below average. That being said, we selected this fan for its elegant beauty and customization that it offers.

Fanimation creates ceiling fans for visual appeal and better performance. The designs are made to be customizable so that each piece can be a unique creation, just like the Windpointe.

  • Airflow: 5450 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: 3.45 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
  • Operates forward and reverse
  • UL Rated for indoor use only

This Minka Aire Fan is Energy Star qualified which will save you a lot on your energy bill. The AC motor used is built to run at a maximum efficiency of 183 RPM. This device is appropriate for both small and large settings. The wind speed factor of 3.45 MPH is above average, so expect a strong breeze under its blades.

This model is an excellent choice for places where you need several fans running at a time. It comes in a low budget range (below $100) yet the simple traditional design gives it an elegant look. The blade holders make this fan blend in with most types of interior decors. With a 3-speed pull chain, it switches speeds quietly and with ease. This particular fan is rated for indoor use only.

Minka Aire is known to produce affordable but high quality ceiling fans. If you are on a budget but want to get a fan that will last for years then this is the brand. They have been constantly producing timeless designs that are easy on the pockets and give better performance.

  • 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.
  • 5 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Optional Lighting
  • UL Rated for indoor use only

The Craftmade 52” ceiling fans are simple,  inexpensive and thus appropriate for people on budget. It is designed for small spaces that require little airflow. If you have limited space then this will give you solid performance without spending a fortune.

The blades are sold separately so you can customize the fan as per your décor. The lighting fixtures are also optional so you get a maximum liberty of customization. It operates on a simple 3 speed pull chain but is flexible to integrate with other controlling options. With 5 blades and an AC motor, the fan can be a bit noisy at top speed. Those looking for quieter fans should opt for DC motors.

Craftmade always ensures that they provide a range of products for their varied customers. They not only provide simple high-end designs but also budget friendly ones.

  • Airflow: 2999 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: 1.74 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
  • Lifetime Limited motor warrant
  • Reversible composite blades

The Hunter 52” low profile fan is made to fit almost any large space of your house. It comes with brazilian cherry/harvest mahogany composite blades. They amplify your existing room decor with ease. The body has three light fixtures containing dimmable LEDs with 15,000 Hrs of bulb life.

This best-selling fan runs extremely smooth and quiet at medium speed. With a minimal wind speed factor of 2999 CFM, it provides a light breeze when you’re directly beneath it. Thus it is specifically made for small rooms. If you are looking for a very powerful fan, this might not be best suited for your needs.

Hunter is popular for designing low-budget fans destined to last for a long period of time. This model operates at 55 CFM/watt, which is below average. In this regard, you may also like to read how to save more energy during the summer.

  • Airflow: 4659 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: 2.7 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
  • 12-degree blade pitch
  • 3 speed pull chain

The Craftmade Pro Builder in Brushed Nickel offers a 25-year limited warranty on its motor, which makes it highly sought-after. The body can blend with any custom blade finish to amplify your current room theme. With wide blade spans of 42” and 52”, this ceiling fan is best for large rooms.

It has an AC motor capable of producing air at an AirFlow of 4659 CFM. The fan uses 5 blades with 3-speed settings accessible through a pull-chain for easy usage. If you are looking for a quieter model, you may want to consider something else, as AC motors are known to be a bit louder.

The fan body is capable of supporting Craftmade universal light fixtures, therefore it can be used for both lighting and ventilation purposes. The 4” downrod offers more options for adjustments according to the room size and height.

Craftmade is a reputable name in the ceiling fan industry which does over $100 million in business each year. The Craftmade Pro Builder is one of their toughest, user-friendly, and highly-customizable ceiling fans.

  • Airflow: 4643 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: 2.69 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
  • Includes a 4” downrod
  • Lifetime limitedmotor warranty

The Craftmade Pro Builder 201 in Brushed Nickel targets large rooms and features a lifetime motor warranty. The fan body comes without blades, so it offers you better customization opportunities. You can pick either 42” or the 52” blades per your ventilation needs.

As it runs on an AC motor, expect a bit of noisy performance. However, with a 12 degree blade pitch, it manages to produce an average airflow of 4643 CFM. It also has a 3-speed pull chain offering better control of the fan speed.

The body includes a single bowl fixture for holding two 13W medium base CFL Bulbs. But it can host incandescent bulbs up to 60W. They glow within a white frosted glass to create a visual delight.

Craftmade builds highly-durable ceiling fans with advanced lighting fixtures. The Craftmade Pro Builder 201 is a traditional style ceiling fan with a wide variation of lighting options.

  • Airflow: 5138 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: 2.97 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
  • Lifetime limited motor warrant
  • Features 3 speed pull chain

The Minka Aire Mojo II in Distressed Koa comes with an air quality rating of four out of five. The fan blades feature medium maple/dark walnut finish to easily accentuate any room type. With 4 blades and an AC motor of 82 to 168 RPM (revolutions per minute) capacity, the ceiling fan is best suitable for both small and medium-sized rooms.

It has a 14-degree blade pitch for greater air coverage. The blades offer an AirFlow of 5138 CFM with almost no sound while working. The fan body comes with a pull-chain providing easy maneuvering. It supports a single bowl light fixture enclosed within a tea stained glass for greater durability. The fixture supports three 60W Candelabra bulbs and together, they offer a fair illuminance.

Minka-Aire has been providing greater quality fans at affordable prices for decades. Even the Minka Aire Mojo II comes at a budget-friendly price to beat most other fans under the $200 category.

 

  • Airflow: 2858 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: 3.08 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 WhisperWind
  • Three-position mounting system
  • Quiet performance

The Hunter 36” Loki ceiling fan consists of 4 blades with a 36” blade span to offer a good wind coverage in small rooms. Each blade consists of a premium quality Barnwood/drifted oak reversible finish, which makes them stylish and durable. It’s UL rated for indoor uses only.

The ceiling fan runs on a WhisperWind motor that ensures its quiet performance. Apart from that, the blades are designed with a 13-degree blade pitch to ensure bespoke performance.

It also features an integrated light kit within a painted white glass enclosure. The fixture comes with two 8W LED bulbs to light every corner of your room. It is accessible via a remote, a wall control, or a pull chain. You can dim the LED lights apart from controlling motor speed at the same time. You get the option to choose between a 2” or 4” downrod as per your mounting obligations.

The Hunter ceiling fans are best known for their quality and price. The Hunter Loki ceiling fan comes with a lifetime warranty on the motor which proves how much confidence the company has on its products in the long term.

  • Airflow: 5518 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: 3.19 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
  • Sophisticated and contemporary
  • Lifetime limited motor warrant

The Craftmade Helios LED features a stylish Tri-Mount system to be installed in various positions. As the blades are Oiled Bronze Gilded finish, they are suitable for long use. The 52” blades are available in Reversible Walnut/Oiled Bronze colour, to complement any medium to large size room.

The fan works with an AC motor coupled with blades with 13-degree blade pitch for a swift performance. It performs at an AirFlow Rating of 3 out of 5 and is accessible with a 3-speed settings pull chain to control its rotation. A universal remote control is also available, but is sold separately.

It comes with an integrated profile light fixture enclosed within a tough white glass. The fixture supports 1-12W LED bulbs of 3000K color temp for creating a perfect ambience in a room. Craftmade is known for creating ceiling fans with advanced features. The Craftmade Helios LED is a perfect example that flaunts multiple positioning and easy accessibility features to impress users. You can read here to know more about how to maintain and clean your ceiling fan.

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A Ceiling Buyer’s Guide: Everything To Know When Buying a Ceiling Fan with a Pull Chain.

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 with a pull chain 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. The chains, which are used to turn the fan on or off, come in different lengths, materials, and sizes.

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. 

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. 

What is a ceiling fan pull chain?

Simply put, a pull chain is pulled in order to operate a fan. That’s it.

To start the fan you pull the chain down. To turn the fan off, you pull it again.

This approach is simplistic and enjoyed by many ceiling fans. Gone are fancy remotes or switches or apps to control the fan. 

A ceiling fan with a pull chain is just like any other fan: it has a motor, blades, and generates air flow. But what makes it unique is how you turn it on or off.

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 ceiling fans with pull chains affordable and energy efficient alternatives that many people love as they are good for you, your wallet, and the environment.

As long as you don’t remember to pull the chain to turn the fan off, you should be good to.

Running a fan that turns off when a certain temperature range is reached is even more affordable. With a pull chain you won’t have this automated luxury. You will need to power the unit off yourself.

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 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 pull chain 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 with a pull chain 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 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 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.

Also factor in the length of the pull chain. Most are around 12 inches in length and 305mm. 

How to measure downrods and base mounts

A ceiling fan is composed of fan blades, a downrod, and an installation base. If you have a pull chain that is one more variable that your fan will have.

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. It is uncommon to have pull chain fans above beds because you likely would be required to stand on your bed in order to start or stop the fan.

Most people, myself included, don’t like this.

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.

What to Think about the fan’s general aesthetics and how a pull chain looks

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. 

As do pull chains. Some are metal, others are plastic. They vary in length and quality. Some are simple metal while others have buttons or hooks made of wood at the bottom of the chain.

How many blades should the pull chain 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.

Every type of fan (except usually a smart fan) can be controlled by a pull chain if so desired.

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. 

The pull chain is always visible, even if the fan is on.

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.

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 with a pull chain 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.

Some ceiling fans with pull chains have two settings: on or off. Other more sophisticated models have the ability to pull the chain once to start the fan and then a second pull turns on the lights. A third and final pull resets the cycle and the fan and the lights are powered off.

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 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 Fan and Your Energy Output for Efficiency

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? If you want to automate your fan, a smart fan is likely a better option for you than a pull chain unit.

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 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.

  • What type of pull chain do you want?

Pleastic? Metal? With wooden ends? The cheapest pull chains are about $9. More expensive pull chains can cost upwards of $40. More expensive ceiling fan pull chains are made of quality wood with exquisite workmanship, cutting and polishing process, and are sturdy and durable.

  • 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 with a pull chain?

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.

If you want a pull chain fan, you are likely either buying a new ceiling fan or are replacing the pull chain on an old model in your home. If you need to replace a pull chain you will need some basic tools and mechanical know how.

For all new fans that you might be considering for purchase, the pull chain will come installed in the fan’s motor so that you can pull it to turn the product on right out of the box.

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

Ceiling fans with pull chains range in price from $75 on the cheap-end to over $1,300 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. Likewise, a cheaper pull chain will be made of simple plastic of metal.

A nicer pull chain is like an art piece. Everytime you turn the fan on or off you get to experience beautiful design. But that will cost you more.

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. These technological solutions will complement the old fashioned “pull the chain” approach that you might value.

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 with pull chains (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.

Ceiling fans with pull chains, as noted earlier, are uncommon over beds simply because they are hard to reach. 

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 with a pull chain 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, that is priced according to your budget, and that you can reach.