Buy a reputable ceiling fan, but read this article first. There are many things the consumer needs to think sbout before making that purchase. Such things as blade pitch, warranty available, etc.
A fact that most of us know about ceiling fans is they keep us cool in the summer months. Ceiling fans are also good in the winter because they push heated air from the ceiling to the floor. Even though all fans may look alike, they really are not.
One thing to watch for is the matched fan blade weight. Some fans wobble which is due to unmatched or uneven fan blades. As you would expect, the life and performance of the fan will be shortened. Keep in mind that quality fans are not noisy. Usually if the ball bearings are permanently sealed the noise will be eliminated. Another recommendation is to look at the blade pitch. Lesser quality fans will have a blade pitch of 12. To maximize fan efficiency, the blade pitch should be between 12 and 14. Some manufacturers compromise on blade pitch by using cheap materials.
You will notice that a lot of companies use particleboard or even printer paper for constructing the blades. Wood blades will warp and lead to noise and wobble over time. Some companies, like Casablanca, use multi-layer hardwood veneer or painted blade finish. The multi-layer hardwood provides sold performance, while the veneer ensures beauty for the fan.
Standard industry ratings that determine the performance of fans do not exist.
When a ceiling fan is in motion, the air that flows across your body is definitely what makes you comfortable. Depending on the size of the room will determine the size of fan blades you will need. For example, if you want a fan for a bedroom, it's a good idea to purchase a fan with 36-inch fan blades. This will work well especially if the fan is placed over the bed. On the other hand, if you want a fan for your family room, the size of the fan blades would be different. This type of room would probably take a 48 or 56 inch fan blade. Two fans would probably be used in a room that is longer than 19 feet.
Another thought to ponder is that you should have at least five or six inches between the ceiling and the blades. The more distance between the ceiling and the blades the more airflow you will have.
Be careful with the brass finish of a fan. It may look good in the beginning, but it does not take long before cheap or imitation brass will tarnish. Also make sure the brass on the fan is the same color as the brass on the light kit. Some fans do not have a protective coating over the surface. I would also recommend looking at the surface for scratches of any type of unevenness.
Do you have a ceiling fan that sounds like it is humming? Poor engineering in the manufacturing process is the reason for this. The inexpensive ball bearings are sometimes used to reduce cost, but will result in dissatisfied customers.
It is nice to be able to reverse the airflow of the fan in the winter. Warm air has a tendency to rise; therefore, the warm air builds at the ceiling level. By flipping the reverse switch, the warm or hot air will be circulating at a lower level.
If the fan you are interested in offers a lifetime warranty, be careful. Before purchasing the fan read the warranty and you may find out that it says "˜Limited Warranty' instead of "˜Lifetime Warranty'. Sometimes the lifetime warranty applies to only the motor for one year.
