Renovation-Headquarters Banner

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.

5 blade ceiling fan
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 60Prime; 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' × 10'

100

36″

12' × 12'

144

42″

15' × 15'

225

44″ to 48″

20' × 20'

400

52″ to 54″

22' × 22'

485

56″

25' × 25'

625

60″

Mounting Systems:

Ceiling fans can be mounted in 3 positions:

  1. Flush to ceiling
  2. Standard mounting on an extension rod
  3. 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 a ceiling fan 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 Fan Extension Rods

Ceiling Height

 9' 

 10' 

 11' 

 12' 

 13' 

 14' 

 16' 

Extension Rod Length

 12″ 

 18″ 

 24″ 

 36″ 

 48″ 

 60″ 

 72″