Outdoor ceiling fans
If you’re like me and looking to beat the heat this summer, you might want to consider installing a ceiling fan in your outdoor patio area. If you are also like me, you may not know which and what type of ceiling fan you will need. Here are some useful tips that will not only allow you to enjoy your summer in comfort, but at the same time get the most out of your fan.
The first thing to make sure is that the fan you buy is made for outdoor use. You may not know this, but ceiling fans are designed for indoor and outdoor use. Outdoor fans actually receive certain ratings, such as damp or humid, and if you’re going to install your ceiling fan where the elements can reach, you’d better make sure your fan is rated as such.
A humidity rating simply means that the fan can withstand humidity or a light drizzle, not a heavy rain. Humidity rated fans are best suited where there is ample coverage. This will ensure that your product does not get wet and therefore does not get damaged in the rain.
On the other hand, a humidity rated fan is made to withstand direct rain. These fans do not have to be installed in a covered area, but they can be a bit more expensive. Take a close look at your outdoor area to see which type is best for you. And remember, placing an indoor fan outdoors can cause hazards like electrical shorts.
Outdoor fans are generally completely hermetically sealed to resist other elements such as dirt and dust. Yes, over time, dirt and dust can build up on the motor and eventually cause the fan to lock up completely. This will cause the motor to burn out and ruin the fan. Besides dirt and dust, bees can be a problem. A poorly sealed ceiling fan can become a home for bees and wasps. Their nests can also lead to engine failure and eventual blower destruction.
When looking for an outdoor fan, don’t just take the manufacturer’s word for it. Just because it says outdoor fan on the box doesn’t necessarily mean it will stand the test of time. Things to look for in a quality outdoor ceiling fan:
- Higher quality wiring with added sealant.
- The components, such as the screws, are not made from low-grade steel or aluminum, but from stainless steel.
- Ask about the finish of the engine. What this means is that the finish or casing around the motor must be made of some type of weather resistant coating, such as a powder coating. If not a high quality powder coating, at least stainless steel.
- NO, I repeat, DO NOT buy an outdoor ceiling fan that has plywood blades. No matter how good they look, sheets of wood of any kind tend to deteriorate under the elements. Over time, heat and humidity will cause these leaves to crack and eventually rot, not to mention constant problems with mold build-up. Look for a ceiling fan with ABS plastic or fiberglass blades. Both are extremely durable substances and resist both warping and cracking.
- If you decide to add a light fixture to your fan, make sure the lights are properly sealed and designed for outdoor use. A light designed for outdoor use will seal properly and be waterproof to a minimum moisture rating.
By following these simple procedures, your ceiling fans should have a long life outdoors. Of course, if you find an outdoor fan that you really like and want to put it indoors, that’s fine too. But remember, while an outdoor fan is always suitable for indoor use, the reverse is not necessarily true. When choosing your outdoor fan, try not to be too frugal. While getting the most for your money is always a good choice, spending very little and getting a cheaper model will cost you more over time. Most electricians charge between $ 100 and $ 150 to install a fan, and if your fan breaks down, not only will you have to pay out of pocket for new fans, but you will too. You have to pay extra for the installation. Be frugal, but smart. A good outdoor ceiling fan can last ten years or more, and make those summer months more enjoyable.