Why Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan?
You’ve spent all winter cooped up inside, and now that it’s finally warm enough to enjoy the great outdoors again, you want to make the most of it. But between the glaring sun, relentless heat, and pesky bugs, spending time on your patio or deck can quickly become unbearable. What you need is an outdoor ceiling fan. These handy devices can help make your outdoor living space cooler, more comfortable, and more enjoyable to spend time in. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of an outdoor ceiling fan so you can take full advantage of the warmer weather and spend more time relaxing outdoors this season. We’ll look at how outdoor ceiling fans can keep you cool on hot days, help deter insects, and even allow you to use your outdoor space later into the evenings. Read on to learn everything you need to know to choose and install the perfect outdoor ceiling fan for your home.
Features to Look for in an Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Stay Cool and Comfortable
An outdoor ceiling fan helps circulate the air, keeping your patio, deck or gazebo comfortable on hot summer days and nights. The gentle breeze will make the space feel cooler so you can enjoy spending more time outside.
Extend the Outdoor Season
By installing an outdoor ceiling fan, you can use your outdoor living space for more months out of the year. The airflow will make mildly warm spring and fall days feel pleasant, allowing you to get more use from the space.
Enhance Your Outdoor Decor
Outdoor ceiling fans come in a variety of styles to complement your home’s architecture and outdoor decor. Choose from rustic, nautical, tropical, contemporary and more. A stylish fan can enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space.
Keep Insects Away
The circulating air from an outdoor ceiling fan will help keep insects like mosquitoes and flies away from you and your guests. The constant airflow is annoying to insects and helps prevent them from landing on surfaces.
An outdoor ceiling fan brings comfort, style, and functionality to your outdoor living space. With the right fan, you’ll be enjoying your deck, patio or gazebo for many months out of the year and keeping annoying insects away. Now that’s an investment worth making.
Best Places to Install an Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Blade Material and Number
For outdoor use, choose a fan with weather-resistant blades, typically made of aluminum, stainless steel or composite materials like resin. More blades, usually 3 to 5, mean greater airflow. The blade pitch, or angle, also impacts how much air circulates. A higher pitch pushes more air.
Motor
Look for a fan with a motor specifically rated for outdoor, damp conditions. Water resistance is key. More powerful motors, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute), provide greater airflow and cooling power. For large outdoor spaces, choose a motor with at least 5000 CFM.
Mounting Options
Outdoor ceiling fans come in downrod and flush mount styles. A downrod suspends the fan from the ceiling, allowing for maximum airflow. Flush mounts sit close to the ceiling, ideal for lower ceilings. Some fans offer height adjustability for customization. For patios and porches, a downrod mount is best.
Additional Features
Consider a fan with a light kit for ambient lighting. An integrated infrared heater warms the area. A remote control allows you to adjust the fan from a distance. For coastal climates, choose a fan resistant to salt air. Some fans come with pull chains instead of remote controls. An oil-rubbed bronze or rust-resistant finish helps the fan withstand weather.
With the right features for your space and needs, an outdoor ceiling fan makes enjoying your patio, porch or deck more comfortable and extends the time you spend outside. Staying cool and pest-free has never been so easy. Why not start enjoying your outdoor living area this season?
