Choosing a Fan

The fundamentals of choosing a fan

Style and performance are equally important when choosing a ceiling fan. One should not be sacrificed for the other.

LOCATION
SIZE MATTERS
FEATURES
AIRFLOW
SEASONS

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING

Where you will install your fan is the first step in selecting the right fan for your space.

We've made it easy for you! Look for these icons to identify location rating:

Dry, indoor location

Choose from any of our fans: dry, damp or wet rated.

Outdoor covered or high-humidity indoor location

Choose from our damp or wet rated fans.

Outdoor location with likely direct contact with water

Choose from our wet rated fans.

SIZE MATTERS

The size of your room can help determine the size of your fan, identified by blade sweep.

The following are general guidelines; however, scale is personal preference.

Large diameter fans can go in both small rooms and larger rooms. It’s all in the look you desire.
Optimal performance will come from mounting your fan in the center of the room.
If you have a long or large room, consider the use of multiple fans.

Small Room - 52 in. or smaller
Large Room - 52 in. or larger
Great Room - 60 in. or greater

browse small room fans

Large Room - 52 in. or larger

Great Room - 60 in. or greater

Recommended downrod length is based on ceiling height

Ideal distance from floor to fan blades is 7 to 9 feet.

*for lengths greater than 72", join two downrods with a coupler.

For sloped-ceiling applications

IDENTIFYING FEATURES IMPORTANT TO YOU

We offer a diverse line of fans with equally diverse features.

As you choose your fan, identify the features that matter to you. Use the Features Legend below to understand the Features icons.

UNDERSTANDING AIRFLOW

AIRFLOW: CFM VS. FPM

Every room has different airflow needs. Understanding airflow—volume measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and velocity measured in feet per minute (fpm)—helps you choose the right fan for your space. We list CFM and fpm values at both low and high speeds to give a clear picture of each fan’s full performance range.

Note that in climate-controlled rooms like living rooms, bedrooms, and offices, nearly all our fans—with their multiple speed settings—will deliver the comfort you need. In these spaces with climate control, you can focus on what matters most: style, lighting output, and how the fan fits your décor.

When does velocity matter?

In outdoor or non-climate-controlled environments, the breeze you feel, often referred to as windchill, is more important. This is where a higher velocity comes into play, making heat and humidity more tolerable.

Velocity (fpm) matters most in outdoor spaces.

FPM Guide

When does volume matter?

In large, open rooms or tall spaces, the goal is often to keep air from becoming stagnant or stratified. Here, CFM—the total volume of air movement—becomes the key metric for circulating hot and cold air and maintaining overall comfort.

You can use this widget to input text into the page.

CFM Energy Guide Labels

Energy information at high speed:

Airflow

6942

Cubic Feet Per Minute

The greater the number, the greater the air moved
Electricity Use

65

Watts (excluding lights)

Energy consumed
Airflow Efficiency

107

Watts (excluding lights)

The greater the number, the more efficient the fan is

SEASONAL CEILING FAN USE

Ceiling fans save money year-round when turning in the proper direction

WARM WEATHER

Airflow with counterclockwise rotation, as you look up, provides a cooling breeze

COOL WEATHER

Airflow with clockwise rotation, as you look up, forces warm air downward.