Have you ever finished building an outdoor space like a gazebo or a patio, but found something somewhat lacking? If so, you probably need a ceiling fan for your outdoor space. Ceiling fans are more than just indoor furnishings. They’re suitable for garages, patios, gazebos, and many other outdoor spaces. Unfortunately, it can be a bit confusing to choose the right fan for your space. Fortunately, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll take you through a few things to look for when trying to find the right fan for your outdoor space. Keep reading to learn more.
Location
When you get an outdoor ceiling fan, the first thing you need to determine is its location. It isn’t the same as getting one for the inside of your house. You still need to know the approximate size/area of the outdoor location, but you’re not thinking about it in the same terms. You need to keep in mind how you intend to use the fan in that outdoor area. Will it be exposed to the elements? Will it be exposed to rain and weather frequently? What is its intended use? How long do you plan to use the fan both on a daily basis and long-term? These are all critical questions to ask when you are determining the location of your ceiling fan. You should also consider the safety element of the location. Finally, the location you choose for your ceiling fan is going to determine whether or not you need to have a damp-rated or wet-rated fan in your outdoor space.ย
Damp Rated
Speaking of damp-rated fans, an outdoor ceiling fan will either be damp or wet-rated. Damp-rated fans are ideal for handling large amounts of moisture or humidity. In an area where the humidity is high, you might find more damp-rated fans than you would wet-rated fans. They’re perfect for covered outdoor areas. If those areas don’t have direct exposure to water, rain, snow, or other precipitation, then a damp-rated fan is perfect for them. They’re also good for indoor use in bathrooms and garages. A damp-rated fan should only be placed in a covered area, like a gazebo, as it can’t handle as much water as a wet-rated one.
Wet Rated
Although many ceiling fans intended for outdoor use are damp-rated, there are also wet-rated ceiling fans. What rated fans are designed to handle extreme amounts of moisture? They can be directly exposed to rain or snow and still not have any issues. They’re a lot more durable as well. If you want to put a ceiling fan on a veranda, uncovered patio, or cabana, then a wet-rated fan is the way to go. Most wet-rated fans are heavily tested to withstand large amounts of moisture, ensuring they can handle anything The Great Outdoors throws at them. Damp and wet ratings are not exclusive to fans either, they also apply to any lighting that can be used outdoors.
CFM Rating
In addition to the damp or wet ratings of the fan, you must also consider its cubic feet per minute (CFM). CFM is a measurement of how much air (volume) a fan moves per minute. The CFM reading is crucial for effective cooling and comfort in outdoor spaces. Higher CFM means you’re going to have better circulation including ability from the fan. A lower CFM will mean the opposite. Blade design and fan size affect CFM. That means that a larger fan with higher CFM is going to be better for your after area. Choosing a fan with the appropriate CFM rating will also help with energy efficiency/energy bills and improve ventilation in outer space, making it an important feature to assess when buying your outdoor ceiling fan.
Size
After you figure out your location and decide if you’re going to get a damp or a wet-rated fan, you need to figure out the size of the fan. Sizeโparticularly when it comes to outdoor fansโis pretty important. Think about the size of the space and how proportional it will be to the fan. If you’re putting a fan on a small porch, you probably don’t need a large farmhouse fan. But if you’re putting a fan in a gazebo or larger outdoor space, you might go with a large windmill ceiling fan to fill the space. Ultimately, the fan should match the space appropriately. Aside from that, you must have a fan that can provide effective air circulation. The size of the ceiling fan will directly affect its ability to circulate air, so ensuring you have the right size fan is critical here. The size also directly affects the space in a number of different ways, so be sure to take that into consideration when choosing your outdoor fan.
