Fans
Introduction
During the hot day, you need cool air to be relaxed. An outdoor ceiling fan can offer you the cool, refreshing breeze in your patio. Since the ceiling fan is fitted outside, it is supposed to be powerful to move a large amount of air for the cooling effect. There are different kinds of ceiling fans that one can install outside. They range from simple to high-end models that one can have in their homes.
The types of outdoor ceiling fans
Belt Driven
The belt-driven outdoor fan is usually fitted with an independent motor.
This motor is of this ceiling fan is usually connected to your home’s electrical system and it can be installed on the wall or the ceiling.
When you turn on the motor, it spins around and turns the belt that causes the movement of blades.
These kinds of outdoor fans are effective for decoration in your home as they are not very effective.
You can use the belt to run a single outdoor fan, but some are fitted with powerful motors that can run a set of fans
Bladeless
These are modern design ceiling fans.
They are usually very compact, but by the dynamic technology adopted they are very effective.
The bladeless fans are usually silent giving you the peace you need while relaxing in your home.
With these models, they come with other amazing functionalities as more speed settings.
This kind of fans uses less energy while giving powerful cool air to help you relax while outdoor.
Additionally, they are safe. You will never have to worry about them falling off compared to other fans.
Chandelier
Apart from the fact that you will always get cool air outdoor with this fan, it also adds beauty to your outdoor spaces.
It is designed with a chandelier unit and a fan as one.
The light from the chandelier creates a pleasant environment where one can enjoy relaxing with what is going on.
Moreover, with such a unit at your outdoor space, it will save you space and cost one would have incurred installing other lighting units.
Sometimes the chandelier fixture is fixed with different bulbs that light up in different colors to make your outdoor spaces more enjoyable.
Decorative
With these kinds of ceiling fans, you will find then as the antique models that are used to create beautiful relaxing spaces.
Apart from them being able to provide the cooling effect in a home the fan also adds some glam to the space installed.
They usually have well-designed blades or good color finishing that makes it a beautiful fixture.
You can find them from the small model to big models that one can install in your outdoor spaces for decorative functions.
Dual Fans
It consists of two fans placed parallel.
With the dual fans, you have a space between then to ensure they function well.
Each fan is fitted with its motor.
One fan can run clockwise while the other runs in the anticlockwise manner to create a cool room for relaxing.
This is to ensure that one fan can draw in the cool air while the other fan gets out of the warm air inside.
DC vs. AC motors of Outdoor Ceiling Fans
These two kinds of motors will power the ceiling fans to function.
The AC motor is usually connected directly to the power source to provide power for the motor to run. In contrast, the DC motor is fitted with a transformer that will convert the power from a power source to direct current.
DC motor ceiling fans are generally quiet compared to the AC motor ceiling fans
With the DC motor ceiling fans, you will use less energy any time the ceiling fan is functioning but a lot of energy will be used for the AC motor ceiling fan.
DC motor ceiling fans respond faster to any command given either by a remote or a chain, but the AC motor ceiling fans tend to be somehow slow.
DC motor ceiling fans will usually offer more speed settings and the reversible function, which is a little difficult to integrate into the Ac motor ceiling fans.
The AC motor ceiling fans tend to be cheap, while the DC motor ceiling fans are costly.
AC motor ceiling fans mostly use a pull chain or a wall control unit, while the DC motor ceiling fans usually use remote control.
Selecting one among these two can be a difficult task as they all offer amazing features. The DC fans have their advantages and disadvantages as do the AC fans. So selecting any can be good for you depending on functionality, the cost, and what value it adds to space in terms of beauty.
Choosing the right size of your outdoor ceiling fan
You always will need a good ceiling fan that can provide the cooling effect you want while relaxing outdoors.
For one to get a good size ceiling fan for your home, it all depends on the size and the type of outdoor space that you want to fix the fan.
The size of the outdoor living area can be calculated by measuring the length and width of the space.
After measuring the length is multiplied by the width to give you the square footage of the outdoor living area.
If the square footage is let’s say 144, then you will need a fan of 36 to 44-inch diameter blades.
It the outdoor living space is of over 350 square feet, then you will need a fan with a blade diameter of over 52 inches.
Additionally, you will have to consider the height of the outdoor living space to avoid injuries.
It is recommended that the fan be placed over 7 feet high always.
Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan Reviews
Minka-Aire F896-65-ORB
This is a thrilling outdoor fan that is known for an excellent performance. It can create powerful air movements that make you enjoy your relaxing moments.
Feature
It has a remote control that lets you control anything at the comfort of your seat.
The 65-inch blades make it effective for large outdoor spaces.
With the bronze finishing the fan is attractive in any space it is installed.
The small, compact, and powerful DC motor makes it effective in moving the blades to get the cool air.
Its blades are pitched at a 9-degree angle to make them effective in moving the air.
You will get eight powerful blades on this fan that will make it move a large amount of air.
Pros
Remote control to use in setting the various settings
You can install it using a down rod or mount it on the ceiling
Cons
It doesn’t have a lighting fixture
Prone to breakdowns
Hunter Fan
The hunter fan is highly rated, a budget-friendly fan can perform to the required standards where it is installed. The eye-catching design will compliment your outdoor decoration design adopted readily.
Features
The hunter fan has a reversible motor that means one can use the fan throughout the year.
You will also get multiple speed settings with this fan anytime it is functioning.
Its white finishing makes it eye catching in any space it is installed.
On the hunter fan, you will be using a pull chain to switch it on and off and change the various speed settings.
Installation of the fan can be done using a down rod or a flash mounting technique.
The versatile fan can be used both in the outdoor spaces and indoors.
Pros
Multiple speed settings for good cooling.
It is fitted with a reversible motor.
The fan can perform quietly.
This fan can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Cons
It doesn’t come with remote control.
The fan tends to be noisy.
Honeywell Sabal Palm 52-Inch Tropical Ceiling Fan
The Honeywell Sabal Palm 52 Inch Tropical Outdoor Ceiling Fan is well crafted using the tropical style that makes it very attractive where it is installed.
Features
It is well designed with bronze finishing that makes it very attractive in the house.
Each blade in this ceiling fan is crafted by hand by an artisan.
The fan has a powerful motor with a reversible feature.
When you purchase this fan, you will get three different speeds settings.
Mounting the fan is an easy task as you can use a rod or close mount on the ceiling.
The ceiling fan can be used both indoors and indoors in the space of around 350 square feet.
Pros
The fan comes with three-speed settings.
With the reversible motor, you can use it in any season.
This fan can offer quiet performances.
Cons
It doesn’t have a remote control.
Matthews IR3H-TB-WA-42 Irene 42″ Outdoor Hugger Ceiling Fan
The Matthews IR3H-TB-WA-42 Irene 42″ Outdoor Hugger Ceiling Fan is another amazing fan that one can have in any outdoor living space. It is made of high quality wood to ensure that it lasts longer while giving you the needed airflow.
Features
A compact fan that is ideal for low ceiling outdoor areas.
The blades are made of wood.
A remote control is provided to use in setting the various commands.
There are six-speed settings that one can get when you have this fan.
The blades are well inclined that ensures you always get the needed airflow to create a calm relaxing place.
Pros
This fan can use less energy.
The performance of the fan is usually very quiet.
With the six speeds settings, you will be able to create a cool environment as you like.
A remote control is available for better controls.
Cons
It tends to make quite some noise.
The screws tend to come off easily.
Monte Carlo 3MAVR60BK 60” Large Outdoor Ceiling Fan
The outdoor areas will always need a powerful fan, and the Monte Carlo 3MAVR60BK 60” Large Outdoor Ceiling Fan can be it. Apart from the fan being powerful, it is budget friendly and does not use a lot of energy. It can be perfect for the outdoor space because of the amount of air it can move.
Features
The fan has three blades that give you a 60-inch diameter.
You get six-speed settings that one can use in moving a large amount of air to create a cool room.
A remote control is provided which is used to control it.
It can be installed easily on a flat ceiling.
With the black matte finishing, it will be able to go with the decoration used in the outdoor space.
Pros
Remote control to control the fan is available.
It is easy to install
The fan uses less energy
It has six-speed settings
Cons
It tends to make a lot of noise.
Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze Ii 74-in Bronze Dual Outdoor Ceiling Fan
This is a masterpiece ceiling fan that can offer top-notch results anytime it is performing. The fan is well designed with a stylish look that provides you with the cooling effect you might need any day.
Features
It is made of quality materials that make it last long and offer good performance.
One can change the style of the blade without going for new blades.
It can move up to 4,450 CFM of air in a room making it perfect for large spaces outdoor.
This fan can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Installation of the fan is done using a down rod.
The fan is fitted with a reversible AC motor that means you can use it in any season.
Pros
The fan can last for a very long time.
It is a beautiful fixture to have in your outdoor area.
With a powerful motor, it can move a large amount of air.
Cons
Remote control is not possible with this fan.
The fan also tends to make quite some noise.
Honeywell Small Size Outdoor Ceiling Fans
For individuals with small outdoor spaces, this fan can serve you well. It can create a cool environment where one can relax easily. It is a small fan that is beautifully designed to create a pleasant environment where it is installed.
Features
It is a modern design ceiling fan that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
The fan has a powerful motor that enables it to perform quietly.
The motor is fitted with the reversible function enabling one to use the fan at any season.
There is also a lighting fixture on the fan that one can control its brightness.
Control is done using a pull chain.
Pros
It performs quietly
The motor of the fan is fitted with the reverse function.
Three speeds settings are available.
Cons
It lacks a remote control.
Can I use an outdoor ceiling fan indoors?
Yes, some fans can be used both indoors and outdoors. You will have to calculate the square footage of the room and equate it to the diameter of the fan. If the CFM of the fan is equal to the square footage, then the fan can be used. Some outdoor fans are big and can move more air. When installed in a small room, it may make it more cold making one uncomfortable.
Do outdoor ceiling fans keep flies away?
Yes, they do. When a ceiling fan is on, the flies usually like to stay over the ground. The moving air creates an unstable environment for the flies that make them stay away.
The fans may not keep all the flies away but it can keep 80% off, then that is great.
Can I Use a 14/2 wire to install an outdoor ceiling fan?
Yes, it can work when you are using a fan only.
If you have to install a lighting fixture, then you will use a 14/3 wire to separate the switches of the lighting fixture and the fan.
For how long can I keep an outdoor ceiling fan on without damaging It?
It is always better to leave a fan for long on to create a cool, relaxing room. Depending on the material used to make different fans will last different times. It is advisable to run it whenever you are around to avoid wasting energy.
Conclusion
Outdoor ceiling fans are good fixtures in any home. They help create a relaxing environment where one can enjoy. This review gives an insight into some of the models one can install in their home.