Once upon a time, when central air conditioning was a mere glimmer in the minds of inventors, there was one product that kept Americans cool–the good ‘ole ceiling fan.
Developed in the late 1800s, the ceiling fan is a simple device that does two things: moves air so humans feel cooler, but in the winter (with blades reversed) helps redistribute trapped warm air from the ceiling down to the living space. “Ceiling fans are the most effective type of circulating fan,” the U.S. Energy Department says. “They help improve comfort year-round by effectively circulating air throughout a room.”
Fans provide more than comfort; they also allow homeowners to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F without reducing comfort, DOE adds. “In moderate climates, ceiling fans can sometimes replace air conditioning altogether.”
But choosing the right fan is important. You have to consider ceiling height, room size and blade length for the best performance. DOE recommends a 36- or 44-inch-diameter fan for rooms up to 225 square feet. But for larger rooms, use fans measuring 52 inches or more. In rooms longer than 18 feet, multiple fans work best.
Pro tip: Larger blades move more air at lower velocities.
It’s important to remember that some ceiling fans are quite loud, so make sure to check the decibel ratings when you’re doing your research. Just as important, look for a fan with good design, one that matches the architecture or interior design of your home or project. The category has come a long way, with sleek models using two or single blades, smart features that are app-connected, DC motors that are efficient and materials that range from wood blades to composites.
Now that you are ready to begin your search, here are seven models for your consideration:
At 84 inches, the Pierce LED Smart Ceiling Fan is for large rooms with high ceilings. It uses a DC motor, features ABS blades and comes in four colorways. It’s shown here in coal black and Shou Sugi Ban finish blades with etched lens.
Brisa is a 56-inch DC motor fan that offers six speeds, die-cast aluminum and injection molded ABS blades and an optional LED. Blades are available in matte white, matte black or translucent, and specifiers and consumers may choose a 6- or 18-inch down rod. Longer options are also available.
The Haiku Monochrome low-profile is a sleek option for providing the perfect amount of airflow to your rooms, the brand says. It offers an efficient and silent fan, sculpted airfoils with a shape designed to push as much air as possible and a lens diffuser that removes the need for lightbulbs or shades. It comes in four colors and in two blade sizes–52 inches and 60 inches.
Designed for smaller spaces with lower ceilings, the Rozzen 44-inch hugger fan brings sophisticated design to smaller interiors with its compact, low-profile silhouette, the brand says. Available in five finishes, the clean design complements both modern and traditional spaces and is Energy Star compliant.
The Volos is a 54-inch three-blade hugger-style ceiling fan for lower ceilings. Offering a simple design, the LED unit features a sleek steel housing that slightly contracts as it drops, ABS blades and a frosted white polycarbonate lens. Ideal for rooms measuring 150 to 200 square feet, it comes in five color options.
The 52-inch Casa Vieja Windspun ceiling fan has a 18-degree blade pitch, DC motor and a five-speed remote control. Rated for indoor use only, the fan has a low profile 9½-inch from ceiling to blades and comes in four finishes.
Klim L is an ultra-compact DC motor ceiling fan that’s ideal for bedrooms from 189 to 301 square feet. It has walnut wood blades, offers six speeds, reverse function and is suitable for a sloped ceiling. Rather than forcing cold air, fans enhance comfort through natural circulation-creating the sensation of a soft, quiet breeze without drying interiors, the company says.