Nowadays, there are many ways to keep a house cool in the summer, but none are as practical or efficient as a ceiling fan. Although they’ve been around for a long time, ceiling fans are continuously improving in terms of performance and design. They’re a great alternative to costly AC units and you can even use them to complement your HVAC system.
What makes ceiling fans unique is the fact that they work with the available air to distribute and circulate it. If you haven’t already, perhaps now’s the time to invest in a ceiling fan for your home. After all, summer’s approaching and it’s great to have a few cooling options available.
In this guide, we’re going to try and simplify the process of buying a ceiling fan by letting you in on the different features to look out for, and we’ll also give you our pick of the best ceiling fans on the market.
What Should a Ceiling Fan Have?
Ceiling fans are a versatile cooling solution that circulates air within a room to help evaporate sweat and drop the body’s internal temperature. They work in an energy efficient way, so you won’t come across any surprises with your energy bill at the end of the month and they allow you to regulate your home temperature within minutes based to your preferences.
All that is good and well, but when it comes time to actually buying a ceiling fan you’ll be forgiven for feeling confused. There’s such a wide variety of options to choose from nowadays that you might feel a little out of your comfort zone at first.
To help you along, below is a list of the most important considerations to make when looking for a ceiling fan. This will help speed up the vetting process and hopefully narrow down your options quicker.
56 Inches Casa Esperanza Ceiling Fan
Nothing to Worry About With A Lifetime Motor Warranty
Minka-Aire F518 Ceiling Fan
Modern Ceiling Friendly With Reverse & Light Dimming Function
Reputable Brand Plus a Lifetime Motor Warranty
Minka-Aire F844-DK Ceiling Fan
Dimmable Light & Easy to Use Hand-Held Remote Control
Designer Ceiling Fan Perfect For A Large Room
Types of Ceiling Fans
There’s no denying that ceiling fans all work the same when it comes down to it, but there are some things that distinguish different models, designs, and brands. The main aim of any fan is to keep your home cool throughout the summer.
But many models go beyond this one purpose to offer different features and capabilities. Plus, there are different types of fans out there, from rotational fans, directional fans, and propeller fans.
Rotational fans have directional and hanging propellers that spin in opposite directions to circulate air, while propeller fans work like the propellers in an airplane to move air. Lastly, directional fans allow you to direct airflow according to your preferences.
Ceiling Fan Sizes
Not all fans are made equal, and one of the first things you should look at in a fan is the blade span. Your options include tiny fans that are made for household use with 18-inch blades, to large fans that can be used in industrial settings and have 60-inch blades.
To get the most out of your fan, it’s advisable to buy a model that adheres to your needs instead of getting swept away by design alone. With that said, don’t forget ‘blade sweep’ which is the measurement that’s used to measure ceiling fans from the diameter of the circle when the blades are moving.
Keep in mind the height of your ceiling as well because high ceilings often require fans with downroads which allow you to hang the fan low so that it’s much easier to reach. If you have a house with low ceilings then it’s recommended to purchase low-profile ceiling fans that are compact and won’t take up too much space.
Before you make your final decision on what size of fan you want, make sure that it’ll fit into the space you want to install it in. The last thing you want is to end up with a ceiling fan that has a large blade span in a small room.
It’ll look out of place and will probably move too much air and make the space cold instead of cool. Experts recommend buying a fan with a small blade diameter for your kitchen and a model with a large blade diameter for the living room. Nevertheless, measure the space beforehand to make sure that you have the right dimensions.
Features To Watch Out For
Lights
Most people who are familiar with ceiling fans know that some models can perform double duty by serving as a cooling and lighting solution at the same time. This is an important feature that will make it easier to install and maintain your ceiling fan in the long run. For the best results, look for a ceiling fan that comes with a built-in dome lighting pattern so that you can incorporate any type of light fixture you like onto it.
Motor
Your ceiling fan’s motor is another important component that you shouldn’t overlook because it will determine its performance. The CFM airflow of the fan depends on the motor, and you can tell what quality it is based on its wattage and voltage measurements.
Also look out for the reversible airflow feature, which enables you to determine whether you’re getting downdraft or updraft air. This customizing feature is a must because it will allow you to use the fan in summer and in winter.
Controls
Most ceiling fans are operated using a pull chain and this has been the case ever since they were invented. But with the new designs, you can look forward to additional control options like sophisticated timers and remote controls that allow you to control the ceiling fan from a distance.
Mounting
Once you’ve made up your mind about the type of fan that you’d like to buy and what size it’s going to be, the next step is to consider its mounting options. Most ceiling fans can be mounted in a number of different ways depending on their size and airflow. The mounting options offered by a ceiling fan say a lot about its versatility and functionality so pay attention to this feature.
Flush Mount
The flush mount option is perfect for ceilings that have a height of 9 feet or less. That’s because this mounting method closes the gap between the ceiling and the motor in order to move the air more efficiently. Of course, low ceiling fans require a unique design to achieve this but they still work the same as high ceiling fans when it comes to performance and they’re made to last.
Downrods
The downrod installation is ideally made for high ceiling fans that can be hard to reach for the average height person. The downrod allows the fan to hang a little lower from the ceiling so that it’s easier for you to control, and it also gives the motor enough room to work more effectively.
Luckily, downrods come as a standard feature in most medium to large sized fans, because manufacturers know that consumers usually purchase these fans for large spaces with high ceilings.
Sloped Ceilings
Sloped ceilings add interest and charm to a room but they can be tricky to work with when it comes to fan installation. Fortunately, this shouldn’t be the case if you have a sloped ceiling adapter that evens out the part of the ceiling where you’ll be installing the fan. Just make sure you’re buying a fan that can accommodate this installation method because it’s not always the case.
Ceiling Fan Efficiency
We all know that appliances that come with the “Energy Star” rating usually offer better energy efficiency. The same goes for ceiling fans and Energy Certified models will save you energy and reduce your power bill more than models without this rating. Yet, they cost the same as non-rated models which is great news for anyone that lives in an area that experiences a lot of sunshine throughout the year.
If that’s the case, then it would be a mistake to buy an inefficient unit because it will cost significantly more to keep it running. The good news is that efficient ceiling fans typically display their Energy Star rating proudly because they know how important it is to their consumers. Once you see this rating, then you can rest assured that your fan will keep both your energy bill and your home’s temperature low.
Best Ceiling Fan in 2019
So far in this article, we’ve covered all the different aspects that make up a good quality ceiling fan, as well as the most important features to look for before you buy one. Now that you’re armed with all this information, it’s time for you to check out some reviews of the best ceiling fans in the market.
We put this list together based on thorough research and our criteria for choosing these models was based on quality, efficiency, performance and brand.
1 – 56 Inches Casa Esperanza Ceiling Fan – Nothing to Worry About With A Lifetime Motor Warranty
First up, we have the elegantly designed 56-inch Casa Esperanza model, complete with five powerful blades and an impressive motor. This is the type of fan that you should install in your living room to show off your style while keeping the space cool.
You’ll be amazed at the fantastic level of circulation offered by this fan because it’s actually one of the most efficient models out there. Meanwhile, the powerful motor works quietly to give you comfortable setting while reading, relaxing or entertaining.
The fan measures 22.05 inches from the base of the light kit to the ceiling and it comes with a 4 ½ inch downrod as well as a canopy with dimensions of 2.4 inches high x 6.3 inches wide. The best part? It comes at an accessible price point, especially when you consider its design and quality of features, and there’s a lifetime warranty available for the motor as well.
The Casa Esperanza has very positive reviews online and the Casa Vieja has done well with this model. It’s versatile, efficient, powerful and simple to use. What more could you want?
PROS:
Stunning design
Comes with a lifetime motor warranty
Great customer service
Easy to install with simple instructions
Powerful and efficient
CONS:
It could have a brighter light
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2 – Minka-Aire F518 – Modern Ceiling Friendly With Reverse & Light Dimming Function
Minka is a fairly unknown brand in the ceiling fan business but this doesn’t mean that they don’t make a competitive product. In fact, this Aire F518-PN unit is one of the best ceiling fans on the market and it works great in spaces with low ceilings.
It features an innovative design that makes it ideal to place in any room, and its three blades are quite powerful yet efficient at moving air. The center light is really bright for a fan and can be used exclusively without any additional light fixtures.
Other notable features of this fan include three speed settings and a versatile remote control that allows you to determine the amount of light and speed that the fan works in. It’s no wonder this Minka Aire model is so popular; it has everything you’d want in a fan, plus the convenience of controlling it from the comfort of your seat.
In addition to its sturdy construction, this fan also features a reversible function which makes it ideal for use all year long. That means it can circulate cool air during the summer and warm air in winter based on your preferences and settings. In that sense, you can use it together with your air conditioning unit to keep the energy bills low throughout the year and not just in summer.
PROS:
Simple and functional design
Easy to install
Runs quietly
Comes with three speed settings
Remote control accessibility
CONS:
Its halogen bulb has a short lifespan
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3 – Westinghouse 7876400 Ceiling Fan – Reputable Brand Plus a Lifetime Motor Warranty for Worry Free Operation
Are you looking for a nice and compact fan to fit into your 100-square-foot room? Look no further than the Westinghouse 7876400 model. It comes complete with heavy-duty metal construction, a reverse airflow switch for versatile use and a dual capacitor silicon steel motor that offers three speeds.
This unit is suitable to use both during the summer and in winter thanks to the reverse airflow switch, and it’s probably one of the most efficient ceiling fans available. It only uses 53 watts of energy while providing 2897 CFM airflow, which gives us an astounding CFM rating of 55 CFM per watt.
Mounting this is a breeze, not only because of its lightweight construction but because it comes with a downrod and bulbs are included so you won’t have to buy them separately. To top it off, Westinghouse backed this ceiling fan with a two-year warranty on all components except the motor, which is covered by a lifetime warranty.
This is the best ceiling fan for master bedroom or office space, plus it works for low and tall ceilings alike. That’s why the downrod has been included.
All in all, this is one of the best ceiling fans for small rooms and it’s well-designed to offer you all the features you need to keep cool this summer. Besides, Westinghouse is one of the best ceiling fan brands and has been in business for many years. Their loyal following is mostly due to the quality of their ceiling fans.
PROS:
Well designed and compact
Versatile
Easy to install
Affordable
Backed by a lifetime warranty
CONS:
Poor lighting
Can be a bit loud at slower speeds
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4 – Minka-Aire F844-DK – Dimmable Light & Easy to Use Hand-Held Remote Control
Next is another unit from the Minka-Aire brand, this time their F844-DK model. This is a heavy-duty fan with elegant wood tones and efficient performance. It comes with a powerful motor whose air circulation speeds are impressive at 6580 cubic feet of air per minute.
This is one of the best ceiling fans for large rooms and comes with features such as built-in LED lighting for added efficiency, three large blades that move air well and an easy-to-use remote control.
Furthermore, this is an Energy Star rated unit so you’re guaranteed a low energy bill when using it, and we just love how smooth and stylish the Koa Wood design is. It makes the fan ideal to place in any setting, no matter how chic or modern.
The only downside to this fan is that it doesn’t come with a downrod, which should come as a standard feature in a fan of this size and caliber. Nevertheless, it’s a stylish and well-made ceiling fan with a powerful motor, so it’s a small price to pay.
PROS:
Combines beauty and efficiency really well
Easy to install and even comes with extra screws
Runs quietly on lower speed settings
Moves a lot of air
Provides decent lighting
CONS:
Might look too small for a really large room
Makes a loud humming noise when running on high-speed setting but you can overcome this by running the fan for 24 hours straight to eliminate the noise.
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5 – Hunter 53237 – Designer Ceiling Fan Perfect For A Large Room
The Hunter 53237 Builder Plus is a very popular model and for a good reason. Not only is it energy efficient, but this fan manages to combine excellent performance with an affordable price tag.
It has five 52-inch blades that move air like a hurricane, while the WhisperWind technology keeps the noise to a minimum. This fan comes in three different colors and the light bulbs are a standard feature that comes in three different options too.
This is one of those fans that you can easily place in any area of the house, thanks to its modern design, and you’ll have three different speed settings to choose from. The reversible feature allows you to run the motor in reverse to circulate warm air during the winter and cool air in the summer.
This fan is mainly controlled through the pull-down chain, but you may choose to purchase a Hunter remote control instead for more convenience.
This customizable ceiling fan is easy to install and it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty. You’ll also be glad to know that it’s dust resistant too, which means you won’t have to clean it regularly.
PROS:
Looks great
Easy to install
Well-made and doesn’t wobble
Dust resistant
Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Runs quietly with plenty of airflow
Extremely durable yet lightweight
CONS:
The remote control is sold separately
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6 – Emerson CF205BS Ceiling Fan – One of the Best Ceiling Fans With Lights & Excellent Customer Service
With its beautifully finished oak blades and vintage steel texture, this fan is very easy on the eye. But, that’s not all there is to this Emerson model, as it boasts 54-inch reversible blades, a built-in light center that can fit 50W halogen bulbs, and two downrods for ease of installation and use.
This is in addition to having a four-speed control with receiver and quality construction. Just make sure to install it indoors because this fan is not built to deal with the elements. That’s why Emerson is advertising it as an indoor model, so beware of installing it in bathrooms or anywhere it might be exposed to moisture and humidity.
This isn’t the cheapest ceiling fan model on the market but at the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Besides, it comes with great installation instructions which eliminate the need of hiring someone to do the installation for you.
When it comes to performance this fan is impeccable. Even at the highest speed it runs quietly and doesn’t wobble at all. And it moves an insane amount of air no matter how big or small the space is.
PROS:
Good quality fan, very stable
Moves a lot of air
Reversible blades
Has a chic and sophisticated design
Comes in different colors
CONS:
The assembly takes a while and some of the steps can be a bit complicated
The light can be a bit dim for some users
On the pricey side
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7 – Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan – Aesthetically Pleasing in All Aspects & Good For Low Ceilings
Are you looking for a simple ceiling fan with a no-frills design? Well, this is it. But what it lacks in the looks department, the Harbor Breeze Mazon ceiling fan more than makes up for in efficiency and speed.
It comes with three high-powered 44-inch blades made from brushed nickel and a built-in light fixture with its own halogen bulbs. The light kit also comes with an 18-watt LED bulb for your convenience. It offers decent air circulation and lighting.
It offers versatile mounting options and can be installed with or without a downrod. This is great news for anyone that wants to install this fan in a small space, and yet it could work just as well in a large room.
It has an airflow capacity of 4544 CFM which gives it a positive efficiency rating. Plus, it runs on a powerful AC motor that enables reverse direction spinning for the blades so you can keep it on all year round.
Also included in the package is a remote control that enables you to operate the fan from anywhere in the room. You’ll also enjoy three speed settings, reverse function, and efficient airflow. This is one of the best ceiling fans for bedrooms and any small space measuring 100 square feet and under.
In a nutshell, this is a fantastic fan if you’re looking for comfort and performance in a nice compact package. It’s easy to use, easy to install and comes with a two-year warranty on parts, as well as a lifetime warranty to cover the motor.
PROS:
Provides powerful airflow
Has a simple, modern and classic look with brushed nickel finish
Dimmable lights
Remote control
Runs quietly
Easy to install
Good price
CONS:
None
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8 – Fanimation LP8350LAZ Ceiling Fan – Vintage Looking Design & Powerful Airflow Efficiency
Here we have the Fanimation Studio Collection LP8350LAZ ceiling fan. Like most people, you’re probably unfamiliar with the Fanimation brand but this is a decent offer from them. It comes with three speed levels, 40 watt candelabra bulbs, and 38 CFM/ Watt rating. That means it only uses 36 watts of energy while producing an impressive 1360 CFMs.
The carefully designed blades have a 13 to 15-degree pitch to facilitate more efficient air circulation, while the user-friendly remote allows you to control the fan’s different functions from afar.
It has a very unique design that’s almost like an industrial-style chandelier, and it’s primarily designed to move air in smaller spaces like the bedroom, home office or study.
However, the installation of this fan is rather tricky due to the wiring involved, which is why the manufacturer recommends hiring a professional to help you install it. Otherwise, it comes with the necessary tools such as a 4.5-inch downrod to cater to all ceiling heights. Plus, it’s covered by a lifetime warranty should anything happen.
PROS:
Offers powerful air circulation for its size
Well thought-out design
Works great for smaller spaces
Runs quietly
Comes with a remote control
CONS:
Difficult to install, requires a professional installer
The lights could be a bit brighter
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9 – Haiku Home L Series Smart Ceiling Fan – Ideal For Flat or Sloped Ceilings & Good Energy Star Ratings
The Haiku Home L Series offers stylish design and efficient operation. Although quiet as a mouse, this fan has seven different speeds (seven!), 16 brightness modes, and a convenient Automated Schedule Mode that allows you to pre-set the fan before you sleep so that you don’t have to worry about waking up in the middle of the night.
Its smooth lines and elegant design give this fan a very “Zen-like” feel and there’s a remote control for you to manage all the fan’s settings from afar. This unit comes in black and white design and for a few more dollars, you can get the Sense-Me wall control feature.
The SenseMe technology add-on gives the fan an extra motion sensing ability that allows it to switch on or off depending on the temperature and humidity changes in the room, which typically indicate the presence of a person. The great thing about this feature is that it saves energy by only switching the fan on when necessary.
This is a reasonably priced and energy efficient model that works really well for the modern home.
PROS:
Moves air without vibrating or wobbling
Runs super quiet
Offers multiple speed and brightness settings
Remote control
Beautiful design with LED lighting
Wi-Fi enabled for full mobile device integration
CONS:
Time-consuming installation
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10 – Hunter 53090 Light Ceiling Fan – Durable & Easy to Install From One of the Best Ceiling Fan Brands
Last but definitely not least, we have the Hunter 53090. This deluxe ceiling fan is very well-priced and features three speed settings, WhisperWind technology, and a white light bowl with dimmable LED lights.
It’s an elegantly designed model that’s easy to install, with a motor that’s backed by a lifetime warranty. This fan is one of the best bedroom ceiling fan with light and it’s perfect for large spaces of up to 400 square feet. It offers 5110 cubic feet of airflow capacity and you can operate it through the stylish pull-chain.
It’s easy to mount and is covered by a one-year warranty for the whole fan, as well as a lifetime limited warranty for the motor. All in all, this is a budget-friendly, powerful, efficient and reversible ceiling fan that moves air exceptionally well.
PROS:
The lighting is just perfect
Moves a lot of air
Runs quietly
Easy to install
Nice looking
CONS:
No complaints here
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Conclusion
Emerson CF205BS Ceiling Fan
One of the Best Ceiling Fans With Lights & Excellent Customer Service
Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan
Aesthetically Pleasing in All Aspects & Good For Low Ceilings
Fanimation LP8350LAZ Ceiling Fan
Vintage Looking Design & Powerful Airflow Efficiency
Haiku Home L Series Ceiling Fan
Ideal For Flat or Sloped Ceilings & Good Energy Star Ratings
Hunter 53090 Light Ceiling Fan
Durable & Easy to Install From One of the Best Ceiling Fan Brands
The summer season is a very pleasant time of the year when we get to enjoy beautiful weather and spend lots of time outdoors! But, it’s also the most uncomfortable time for many because of the heat and the sky-high power bills that come with running an AC unit.
Thanks to ceiling fans, you don’t have to deal with either of these problems. Here you have an efficient, effective and powerful cooling solution that’s easy to install on your own and won’t break the bank. Plus, modern-day ceiling fans now come with cutting-edge features that allow you to enjoy a whisper quiet operation while making it possible for you to control the fan a distance.
Out of all the fan models we reviewed in this article, we were most impressed by the Hunter 53237 Builder Plus. Not only does it come from one of the best ceiling fan brands in the world, but it offers superb air circulation.
This is a sturdy and well-made model that comes at an affordable price point without skimping on quality and performance. It comes with features like five 52-inch blades, WhisperWind technology for quiet operation, different color options, three speed settings, plus it’s versatile and customizable as well. Don’t forget that it’s backed by a lifetime limited warranty as well, and according to ceiling fan reviews it’s one of the best ceiling fans with lights.
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