The Best Patio Ceiling Fans for your Home
As the summer blazes on, we continually search for better ways to cool our outdoor living spaces. When waiting for that western breeze to kick up isn’t the answer, your best bet is picking the right Patio Ceiling Fan. Outdoor ceiling fans need to be sized correctly, have the right U.L. Dampness rating, and accessories to help the fan work its best.
What is an outdoor ceiling fan (also known as a patio ceiling fan)? Basically, it’s a ceiling fan that is built to take some moisture and still work perfectly fine. They typically have a fine mesh enclosing the internal motor so that bugs and other nasties can’t get in and are the perfect addition to your outdoor oasis to keep you cool all summer.
Size Matters
As you consider purchasing your patio ceiling fan, think about your space. A fan that is too big for the space will not get enough air to circulate properly, while a fan too small for your space will only provide a gentle puff of a breeze. To get it right, size your fan to fit your space:
| Room Size (Sq. Ft.) | Fan Blade Span (Inches) |
|---|
| Up to 75 | 20-36 |
| 76-144 | 36-44 |
| 144-225 | 44-54 |
| 225-400 | 50-72 |
| Over 400 | Use multiple fans |
Note that in longer patios it would make better sense to have two or three medium-sized fans that one humongous one, as you need to stretch the breeze out over a longer space.
Check the Dampness Rating
In the patio ceiling fan world, Underwriters Labs (U.L.) sets the standards for outdoor ceiling fan ratings. They evaluate the climate acceptability and assess them as dry-rated (aka indoors), damp-rated outdoor ceiling fans (suitable on a covered porch) or wet-rated outdoor ceiling fans (able to handle direct moisture). Consider the location of your fan and select a fan with the rating that suits you best.
Sorry, Nothing in Gangnam Style
Now that we’ve got all that pesky “will it work for me” stuff out of the way, let’s talk about styles available in your patio ceiling fan. Even though these are basically utilitarian devices, the best outdoor ceiling fans are crafted by artisans to elicit just the right emotion for your space. A perennial favorite in our patio ceiling fans is Tropical Outdoor Fans– crafted to remind you of warm days and cool breezes while you have absolutely nothing to do. Palm fronds and cool tropical colors bring a taste of the islands home, literally to your doorstep. Especially favored in coastal areas, Nautical Patio Fans feature bold designs that would fit in perfectly onboard your favorite ship. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor ceiling fan with lights or one without, the nautical style is sure to whisk you back to the coast. One of our favorite patio ceiling fans isn’t actually a ceiling fan. Wall-mounted ceiling fans provide a nice gentle breeze, with an oscillating feature that is sure to keep everyone cool. Especially convenient when you have a very low ceiling where a ceiling fan could be an issue, wall mounted fans can also be pointed to a specific spot to keep the breeze focused right where you need it.
Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize.
Now that you’ve got a good idea of which ceiling fan you want, let’s talk accessories. Ceiling fans are meant to be about 8’ to 9’ from the floor. If you’ve got a taller ceiling (say 10’) you need a downrod (read: longer rod than what they give you in the box) to bring the fan to the right height for maximum efficiency. Make sure you order the downrod from the same manufacturer as your fan, and that it will work with the outdoor ceiling fan you selected.
Many of our customers prefer an outdoor ceiling fan with lights included, providing a little extra illumination where you may need it most. Other outdoor patio fans have the ability to add a light kit to them, giving you the flexibility of buying it with or without.
For the control freak in all of us, many of our customers prefer to choose an outdoor ceiling fan with remote control that allows you to custom tailor your breeze without even getting out of your chair. If your fan doesn't come with a remote control, many manufacturers have remotes available as an add-on to your fan. Just remember to buy your remote from the same manufacturer as your fan.
You've made the right decision to add cooling to your outdoor oasis, and by taking care to select just the right options you'll be happy with your outdoor ceiling fan for years to come. We've been experts in outdoor ceiling fans for over two decades now, and if you're not sure something will work for you give us a call! We got you on this.