Ceiling fans were a fantastic turning point in the world of electrical devices. They may have been invented hundreds of years ago, but they are still incredibly important in the modern age.
Ceiling fans have become less relevant since air conditioners were created, but despite this, their affordability and simple nature mean that they are still common devices today. Each one may look alike from afar, but each model has their own tasks and ideal applications.
These differences can affect how well each ceiling fan operates in a particular room. If you’re thinking about selecting the best ceiling fan for your home, you’ll find out more about different ceiling fan varieties below.
Standard model ceiling fan
Standard ceiling fan models have a traditional design you may have seen before. This will have a downrod linking the fan’s motor housing to the ceiling. These fans usually have five or four fan blades, but this may differ between each ceiling fan.
They may be known as standard fans, but they are available in several different finishes and styles. Examples include antique metallic finishes that blend in with the decor.
Standard models are best for spaces with ceiling heights over eight feet. If you have a sloped ceiling, you can find standard ceiling fans that have angled adapters, helping you hang the fan properly.
A standard ceiling fan’s optimum height is between eight and nine feet above the ground. For safety, it should sit a minimum of seven feet above the ground.
If your ceilings are particularly high, you can find extended down rods that bring the fan’s blades and motor housing nearer the ground. This will make the device more effective.
Low-profile model ceiling fan
Low-profile ceiling fan models don’t have a downrod. These may also be called hugger or flush-mount ceiling fans. This model’s motor housing is attached straight to the ceiling with a mounting bracket, keeping it nearer the ceiling.
Low-profile ceiling fans permit greater clearance in low-ceiling spaces. They are also more subtle, as they don’t descend into a space as much as standard ceiling fans. Except for the different mounting methods, these fans resemble regular ceiling fans and are available in several sizes, styles, and finishes.
As the fan’s blades are nearer the ceiling, low-profile ceiling fans won’t produce as much airflow compared to regular ceiling fans.
They aren’t the best choice for higher ceilings which require more air circulation, as they are best for spaces with ceiling heights below eight feet. Selecting the fan’s correct blade size, depending on the room’s square footage, will improve the airflow.
Outdoor model ceiling fans
You may like to enjoy fresh air on your front porch, but these spaces can easily become stuffy on summer days with less airflow. Outdoor ceiling fans can help keep these spaces cool and keep insects away. These look like indoor fans, but they are designed with moisture protection features.
Outdoor ceiling fans are available in different styles, like modern or traditional, to suit your home’s decor. Some of these fans are built with lights, which can add light to these outdoor spaces at night.
Outdoor spaces need specifically designed ceiling fans. Indoor models won’t be able to withstand the weather conditions. You’ll need outdoor fans that can work in moist, humid conditions.
Look for wet-rated or damp-rated fans for use outdoors. These models are made with weather-resistant supplies, like fan blades made with a protective coating and closed motor housings. These ensure moisture doesn’t reach the mechanical pieces.
Wet-rated models are waterproof and deliver the greatest defense against weather. This is best if you know the fan will be exposed to snow, sleet, or rain.
Damp-rated models won’t be able to handle direct moisture contact. They’re best for outdoor areas where snow or rain cannot touch them, like a screened porch.
Lighted Model Ceiling Fan
Some ceiling fan models come with light kits. These can add a different ceiling light to the space, illuminating the room better. These are ideal in smaller areas, like bedrooms, that don’t have the space for another ceiling installation.
Many of these kits use LED lights, as they are energy efficient and can deal with ceiling fan vibrations.
Here are some of the lighting kits that you may see on ceiling fans:
- Downlight lighting appliances that are under the fan’s motor housing and blades. These project light downwards into a space, for functional purposes.
- Uplight lighting appliances that rest above the fan’s blades. These project lights in the direction of the ceiling for a nice atmosphere.
There are also bowl-style appliances that cover the lights, as well as separate lights which have their own shades.
Remote control model ceiling fan
Ceiling fans operate in different ways. Basic models often have a pull chain that controls the fan’s speed or switches it on or off. Reversible fan models may have a switch or another pull chain to control the blade’s rotation direction. Several ceiling fans also link to a light switch which powers the fan off or on.
For a more convenient option, you can opt for remote control ceiling fans. This lets you switch the fan on or off, or change the ceiling fan’s speed without getting up to use the appliance’s pull chain.
Remote control models are ideal for those with mobility issues, or those that are unable to reach the fan’s pull chain easily. They’re also a nice choice for high-ceiling spaces where the fan can’t be reached.
Smart Model Ceiling Fan
Smart model ceiling fans are a step ahead of remote-control models. These give the user more choices to interact with the appliance and access more features.
Smart models link with other smart devices for easier control. You can manage and adjust the ceiling fan through a smartphone app. Some of these also link to home-assistant gadgets, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, allowing you to use voice commands to control the fan.
Other smart models may have temperature sensors, automatically switching the fan off or on based on how warm or cool it is. You can also find ones with occupancy sensors that only switch on when you, or someone else, are in that space, saving you money in the long run.
Multihead Model Ceiling Fan
Standard ceiling fans have a single body and several blades organized in a circle. If you’d prefer a more modern appliance, you can find multi-head fan models that with more than one fan.
These look like wall or floor fans, but they are attached to the ceiling. Every fan will face a different way and may occasionally swivel, allowing you to change their direction to some level.
Some choose multi-head ceiling fans when they want to give a space an interesting appearance. They are a nice choice for common spaces, like a living room.
Their flexibility is an advantage, as you can place each fan in a space as desired, and then individually change their speed. Their horizontal or angled airflow also allows the air stream to travel further within a space, compared to regular fans which guide air toward the floor.
Energy-efficient model ceiling fan
Energy-efficient ceiling fans are ideal for anyone looking to lower their energy consumption. Energy Star-certified models will be 60% more efficient compared to regular models. These fans can only qualify if they meet rigid criteria standards, which need to be certified by authorized laboratories.
Energy-efficient ceiling fans have excellent design characteristics, like aerodynamic blades, that help them move easily. Energy Star models will often have LED lights to enhance the appliance’s energy efficiency.
Energy Star ceiling fans are available in many different styles and types, as well as low-profile and standard models. This variety means that you can use the fans in any room, particularly if you’re trying to lower your utility bill costs.
DC motor model ceiling fans
In most cases, ceiling fan motors will run on AC powers, though you can find models which run on a DC motor or direct current.
These have a few advantages, including:
- Lower energy consumption: DC ceiling fans reduce your energy use, saving you money on utility bills.
- Compact: They usually have smaller motors, so they are lighter and save space compared to AC models.
- More speed options: DC motors can have more speed choices. You may have over six-speed settings to help you personalize airflow.
- Less noise: DC ceiling fans usually emit less noise, so they’re a nice choice for bedrooms where noise can affect your sleep.
DC ceiling fans normally cost more compared to AC models, so keep this in mind before you purchase one.
Final thoughts
Those were some of the various types of ceiling fans you may come across. Understanding more about each ceiling fan model can help you decide which type will work best for your home.
Think about the things you want to get out of your ceiling fan before you buy one. For instance, if you want to save money on energy bills, energy-efficient ceiling fan models will be best. If you want to control your fan without getting up to access a switch, remote control options will be better.
Whether you need a ceiling fan installation for your living room or need one to cool down your outdoor patio, we hope you enjoyed learning about these different types of ceiling fans!
