Tips to Avoid Buying the Wrong Ceiling Fan

by | Mar 12, 2023

Ceiling fans provide many benefits, including improving indoor air quality, reducing energy costs, and adding aesthetic value to any space. If you own a condo in a tropical climate such as Puerto Vallarta, a ceiling fan is one of the best investments for your home.

When selecting a ceiling fan, it is essential to pick one based on more than what looks attractive. Different sizes, features and types; only some kinds will work in some rooms. Here are some tips to make sure you maximize your investment in ceiling fans.

Standard ceiling fans are the most common type of ceiling fan suitable for most rooms. They come in various sizes and styles and typically have three to five blades. Generally, three-bladed ceiling fans run faster, creating a cooler, more powerful breeze. However, they are more unbalanced than the ones with more blades, so they tend to generate more noise. Four- and five-bladed ceiling fans run slower than three-bladed fans, creating less air movement. They are more balanced, however, and are quieter.

Low-profile fans are for rooms with low ceilings. They are mounted flush to the ceiling to save space. Energy-efficient fans are designed to use less energy than standard ceiling fans and can help to reduce your energy bills. Outdoor ceiling fans are used in patios, porches, and outdoor kitchens, and they are typically made from materials resistant to weather and moisture. While outdoor fans are designed for outdoor spaces, they can also be used indoors, especially in tropical climates. Outdoor fans are made from materials resistant to weather and moisture, making them suitable for use in humid indoor spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. I prefer having outdoor ceiling fans in my condo in Vallarta because they tend to have a longer life span than indoor fans. Dual-motor ceiling fans have two motors and can provide more air circulation than standard fans, making them suitable for larger rooms or rooms with high ceilings.

Selecting the right ceiling fan for your room requires consideration of several factors, including the size of the room, the ceiling height, and the style of the fan. The larger the room, the bigger the fan diameter should be. Before purchasing, measure your space’s length and width to determine the fan size you need. For rooms up to 75 square feet, a fan with a blade span of 29 to 36 inches is suitable. For rooms between 76 and 144 square feet, a fan with a blade span of 36 to 42 inches is recommended. For spaces between 144 and 225 square feet, a fan with a blade span of 44 to 50 inches is best. A fan with a blade span of 52 inches or more is recommended for larger rooms. If you have a low ceiling, go with a low-profile ceiling fan. A fan with a down rod is the better option if you have a high ceiling.

If you purchase a ceiling fan that is too big for your room, it will look disproportionate and overpower the room. It may also create too strong of a breeze for the space. If a fan is too small for the room, the fan will be unable to move air effectively and will, therefore, not create the airflow you need. 

Ceiling fans are available both with and without lights, so remember to consider your lighting situation when choosing a ceiling fan.

There are many options to choose from when deciding how you would like to control your ceiling fan. Pull chains hang from the fan, making this an excellent choice for low ceilings. Wall-controlled fans put all your control options on the wall light switch. These are great for keeping everything in one place and for taller ceilings where pull chains are not an option. Remote controls can control your ceiling fan wherever you are without going to a particular wall switch. For even more convenience, some ceiling fans have smart home control features and can be controlled from any smart device. 

Depending on the model and the features included, ceiling fans here in Mexico generally cost $150 to $400 USD. A standard fan without extra features, such as smart home features or a remote, with a simple design style will be less costly than an ultra-modern fan made from high-quality materials and equipped with the latest technology.

New condo?  Buying furniture for our climate in Vallarta is different – it needs to stand up to termites, salty ocean air, high humidity, and intense UV rays. We work with over 200 of the right manufacturers and suppliers so your furniture lasts.  Visit us at our Puerto Vallarta store: 363A Constitucion or Bucerias store at Heroes de Nacozari 126.  If you are not currently in Mexico, email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or send a text on Whatsapp at +52 322 136 5156.

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