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Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get ready for hot weather and stuffy homes.
Installing a ceiling fan is one of the best (and most affordable) ways to combat the heat this year.
Because of this, we’ve put together this guide to help you learn how to find the best big ceiling fans that will still fit in your home. Keep reading to learn more!
In This Post:
Bigger Is Better
When it comes to shopping for ceiling fans, you want to find the biggest possible option.
Large ceiling fans create stronger airflow and better circulation than smaller fans, which also tends to make them more energy-efficient. Because of this, big ceiling fans keep your house cool and comfortable and help you save money at the same time.
But the fan still has to be able to fit in your room. Before you can choose the right fan, you have to figure out your room size.
Here’s an easy way to measure room and ceiling fan size.
How to Measure Your Room
The square footage of a room will determine what size fan you need. So start by measuring the length and width of your room. Once you have these two numbers, multiply them together to find the square footage.
For example, if the room is 10 feet by 12 feet, it will be 120 square feet.
How to Measure a Fan
Most stores will tell you the size and blade span of each fan they sell. Because of this, all you need to buy a new fan is the square footage of your room.
However, it can be helpful to know how to measure a fan yourself, especially if you want to move an old fan to a different room after you buy a new one. All you have to do is grab a measuring tape and know which part of the fan to measure.
Here are a few tips.
Odd Number of Blades
If the fan has three blades (or another odd number of blades), measure from the center of the fan to the tip of one blade. Then multiply that number by two. That will give you the blade span of the fan.
Even Number of Blades
If the fan has an even number of blades, measure from the tip of one blade all the way to the tip of the opposing blade. The number you end up with is the blade span—no other multiplication needed.
The Best Fan Sizes for Different Rooms in the Home
It’s important to remember you can’t cram a big fan into a small room just because the blades don’t quite touch the wall. When you use large ceiling fans, there needs to be plenty of space between the blades and the wall, ceiling, and floor.
We’ve put together a quick list of recommended sizes for different rooms.
Under 75 Sq. Ft.
For rooms that are 75 square feet, you should stick with fans that have a blade span of 36 inches. Anything bigger won’t fit.
However, if your room is under 75 square feet, you might need something even smaller. You can go down to a 29-inch fan instead.
75 Sq. Ft. to 144 Sq. Ft.
Rooms that are between 75 square feet and 144 square feet, such as bathrooms or small bedrooms, need fans that are between 36 inches and 42 inches. Again, the exact size depends on the square footage of the room, so make sure you calculate that before buying anything.
144 Sq. Ft. to 225 Sq. Ft.
A fan that has a blade span of 44 to 50 inches is a good choice for this size room. In most cases, if you’re looking for a fan for a kitchen, dining room, bedroom, etc., this is the size you’ll want.
225 Sq. Ft. to 400 Sq. Ft.
When you’re shopping for a fan for a room of this size, look for options between 50 inches and 62 inches. These types of fans will most often fit in living rooms, master bedrooms, or garages.
Over 400 Sq. Ft.
You probably won’t need a fan quite this big, but if you have a room in your home that’s over 400 square feet, you need to look for a fan that has a blade span of over 62 inches. These fans are good choices for large garages, great rooms, or basements.
How High to Hang Your Ceiling Fan
The hanging height of your ceiling fan is just as important as the blade span. If your hand the fan too low, people might hit their heads on it, but if you hang it too high, you won’t be able to feel the airflow.
Building codes require your fan to be at least seven feet above the floor. However, hanging your fan eight to nine feet above the floor will give you the best airflow. But the exact hight of your fan will depend on the design of your home.
Here are a few tips.
Low Ceilings
Remember, you have to hang your fan at least seven feet above the floor, but you’ll also want to keep at least 12 inches between the places and the ceiling. If you have a low ceiling, you should use a flush mount. This will keep the fan as close to the ceiling as possible without cutting into those 12 inches.
High Ceilings
If you can, you want to keep more than 12 inches between the fan and the ceiling. In fact, the more space you have between the blades and the ceiling, the better airflow and circulation you’ll get.
For high ceilings, you don’t want to use a flush mount. Otherwise, you won’t be able to feel the airflow at all. Use a downrod to adjust the hanging height instead.
How to Find the Best Big Ceiling Fans for Your Home
Buying big ceiling fans will give you the best airflow at the best price. But before you start shopping, make sure you use these tips to measure your room and plan out what blade span will fit.
Want to learn some other helpful homeowner tips? Make sure you check out the rest of our blog!