Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be a welcomed relief to high temperatures and poor home air circulation, They are relatively easy to install and are a home improvement that almost any diy home handyman is capable of accomplishing.
Wiring diagrams for a variety of ceiling fan circuit configurations are available.
Figure 1 - 5 blade ceiling fan
It is important that the ceiling fan chosen is suitable in size (fan blade length) for the square footage of the room.
A ceiling fan that is to small won't provide the required air circulation and a ceiling fan that is to big will create to much air turbulence and make being in the room uncomfortable.
Sizing A Fan To A Room:
Manufacturers make ceiling fans ranging in size from 36” to 60” measured from blade tip to blade tip. For maximum performance and efficiency.
Table 1 is a recommended chart of fan size to room size matches:
| Table 1 - Room Square Footage / Ceiling Fan Blade Size | ||
Room Size |
Square Footage |
Blade Size |
10' x 10' |
100 |
36" |
12' x 12' |
144 |
42" |
15' x 15' |
225 |
44" to 48" |
20' x 20' |
400 |
52" to 54" |
22' x 22' |
485 |
56" |
25' x 25' |
625 |
60" |
Mounting Systems:
Ceiling fans can be mounted in 3 positions:
- Flush to ceiling
- Standard mounting on an extension rod
- Angle mounting for vaulted ceilings
Extension Rods For High Ceilings:
Ideally, fan blades should be 7 to 8 feet from the floor for maximum cooling. For ceilings 9 feet tall or taller, use an extension rod to bring the fan down to the proper height above the floor.
Ceilings taller than 9 feet will require an extension rod. For example, a 14 foot ceiling would require a five foot extension rod to position the blades 8 feet above the floor, since you need to allow one foot for the space from the top of the motor to the bottom of the switch housing.
Ceiling Extension Rods |
|||||||
Ceiling Height |
9' |
10' |
11' |
12' |
13' |
14' |
16' |
Extension Rod Length |
12" |
18" |
24" |
36" |
48" |
60" |
72" |