If you are thinking of buying an outdoor ceiling fan you may have become a little confused as there are so many to choose from. You may prefer a traditional ceiling fan to the more contemporary look. You may have an area in your home that is part indoor and part outdoor and perhaps are wondering if there is an indoor outdoor fan available on the market. You have to compare the different outdoor ceiling fans available to avoid making a mistake. This is not an inexpensive item so you want it to last for a long time.

An Outdoor ceiling fan with Lights

It makes sense to buy outdoor ceiling fans with lights as then you do not need to worry about having to provide two different electrical sockets in the ceiling. You must check the circuit to see if it can handle the load associated with a combined fan. Hampton Bay outdoor ceiling fans have a fantastic range to choose from as do Lowes or Hunter. If you want budget outdoor ceiling fans, Home Depot often have them on sale.

What is the difference between outdoor ceiling fans and indoor ceiling fans?

The main difference is suitability for use and size. Most outdoor ceiling fans are suitable for use indoors as well but few indoor ones can be used in your porch or garden. In fact when buying an outdoor ceiling fan, you need to check whether it is damp rated or wet rated.

Damp rated outdoor ceiling fans cannot be placed in open areas. As the name suggests they can only become damp not wet so they cannot be situated anywhere where they are likely to get wet. If you have a covered area such as a porch with awning they may be suitable but you need to be sure the rain won’t reach them. Electricity and water do not mix well but that may not be the only problem. Some of the materials in the fan may discolor or warp so it is best not to risk it.

If you think there is a chance the ceiling fan will get wet, go for wet rated ones. These are so well insulated that you can clean them with a garden hose. So they are perfect for those areas of your outdoor space that have little to no protection from the elements.

Choose an outdoor ceiling fan that is in portion to the size of the space available. It is too large, it will make the space look small. It could also make it uncomfortable as it may move the air around too quickly. You are looking to create a cooling effect not a forceful gale.

You can choose different finishes so you may want to match the style to the type of furniture you are using. For example if you have cast iron chairs on your porch you may want a cast iron ceiling fan. If you have white patio chairs perhaps a white wooden ceiling fan would be best.

Choosing a well known brand will make your life easier. If you choose outdoor Hugger ceiling fans or one of the Hunter outdoor range you will know that if you need parts they will be easy to find. Also choosing to buy Casablanca or Hampton Bay or other well known brands means that you know you are buying quality products that should last. Buying a cheap ceiling fan may end up costing you a lot of money as they may have to be replaced.

Your outdoor ceiling fan must be properly maintained if you expect it to last. This means that you should check and tighten screws and bolts on a regular basis and not just when the fan starts making funny noises!

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Filed under: Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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