Ceiling Fan Selection

Ceiling fans can reduce your energy bills up to 40% in the summer and 10% in the winter. Ceiling fan size (measured by the diameter of the fan in inches) is determined by the square footage of the room: 29"(up to 75 square feet), 42"(76-144 square feet), 52"(145-250 square feet), 60"(vaulted ceilings and rooms 250-500 square feet). Longer rooms and vaulted ceilings often require more than one ceiling fan. The greater the blade pitch, the more air it will move (14º or greater is best).

Ceiling fans come with forward and reverse. Forward blows the air down (use in the summer when you need to feel the breeze for cooling). Reverse moves the hot air on the ceiling up, out, and back down along the walls. In rooms with very high ceilings, you might need to try the reverse. Place your ceiling fan 8-9’ above the floor with enough clearance from the ceiling to move air (at least 3" downrod). Additional downrods are necessary for high ceilings (6" for 9’ ceiling and 8’ for 20’ ceiling). Fans must be mounted to a specially-secured electrical box. Weights are included which allow you to perfectly balance your blades to eliminate wobbling. Make sure the fan light directs light down below or up above the motor to prevent annoying moving shadows on your ceiling.

Ashton Harrison has a bachelor of science degree from UVA and a masters in business administration from the University of Richmond. Ashton was the V.P. of Operations for This End Up Furniture before opening the first Shades of Light retail store in 1986. She started Shades of Light national catalog operation in 1995 and launched the Shades of Light web site in 1997. Shades of Light specializes in the highest quality ceiling fans, lighting, lamp shades, chandeliers, rugs, and curtains for every lifestyle. For more information please visit the Shades of Light web site and sign up for a free catalog.