Tips For Buying And Installing Outdoor Paddle Ceiling Fans
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Installing a paddle fan outside on a porch or other covered area is a great way to stay cool and keep insects away during the hot, summer months. But to get the most out of your ceiling fan, its important to make sure to choose the right fan and install and use it properly.
When choosing a paddle ceiling for outdoor use:
- Choose a fan thats designed for outdoor use.
- Common fan sizes are 36, 42, and 52 inches wide.
- Fans with longer blades move more air.
- Fans with wide blades or more than 5 blades move less air.
When installing a paddle ceiling fan for outdoor use:
- Make sure the area is covered and offers protection from rain.
- Use a down rod on high ceilings to lower the fan to increase efficiency.
- Make sure the fan turns counterclockwise so the blades push the air down, rather than drawing it up, to increase cooling.
Watch this video to find out more.
Remove The Existing Light Fixture
- Make sure electricity to circuit is turned off and carefully remove the glass shade or globe from the old light fixture.
- Unscrew the retaining nut or screws that hold the fixture to the ceiling.
- Lower the fixture and disconnect the wires by twisting off the plastic connectors from the ends of the wires.
Replace Old Brace With One That Comes With New Fan
new brace for ceiling fan for proper support
Install a Support Brace
These fans use weather-resistant materials and are specially designed to keep moisture out of critical motor and electrical parts. Once the electricity is turned off and you’ve removed the existing light fixture, a support brace is attached to the electrical junction box.
Replacing this brace with the sturdier one supplied with your fan will ensure that your fan has proper support. It’s best to install the fan blades before you hook the fan onto the bracket, to save time and aggravation.
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What Else Can I Do To Choose The Right Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Outdoor ceiling fans come in a lot of varieties since the outdoor space requires profound airflow, the most common types of outdoor ceiling fans have five blades. But the blades can vary and a ceiling fan with just three blades could do the job as well.
However, things like blade span, distance from the floor, pitch, speed, and even the size of a fan, these all are important factors that contribute towards building a richer, cooler airflow. Following are a few tips to help you narrow down your options in even further:
- Choosing the right size goes both ways you dont want to end up choosing a too-large fan for your small space or the noise and air will become uncomfortable.
- Choosing a fan with a greater number of blades will create more air but it will be noisier. Thats particularly why mostly outdoor ceiling fans have more blades the outdoor space accommodates the extra noise.
- Bigger outdoor spaces should be accompanied by two or more ceiling fans.
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Make Sure Youve Selected The Right Fan
If your ceiling fan will be installed on a deck that is very high, make sure youve selected a fan model that comes with a pole extender.
If the ceiling fan will be installed on a deck with a low ceiling, make sure you select a flush mount model.
The ceiling fan blades should be chosen in accordance to the size of the room which the fan will be cooling. Essentially, the larger the size of the room, the longer the size of the blades should be.
In order to measure the length of the blade, start from the tip of one of the blades and measure to the tip of the blade located on the other side.
If you decide to buy an outdoor ceiling fan that also comes fitted with a light kit, ensure that the light kit is also usable outdoors.
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Installing A Ceiling Fan On A Vaulted Ceiling
To install a ceiling fan on a vaulted ceiling, first, you need a long down-rod that will help clear all the angled sides of the ceiling. The down rod is mounted using a mounting bracket and a ball.
There is a lock inside the mounting bracket to prevent the ball from spinning. The ball is installed on the top side of the rod. A nut is used to lock it in place to prevent it from turning.
In addition, the ball is then installed into the bracket with the electric wires through the down- rod.
The fan is then installed on the other end of the down rod.
For the electric connection, you can use the light fixture installed on the ceiling of your house to create one.
Note, the ceiling should be installed 18 inches from the houseâs walls and 7-9 feet above the floor of your house.
What Are The Differences Between Indoor And Outdoor Ceiling Fan Light Fixtures
Light fixtures on outdoor ceiling fans feature added protection around the light component itself, to prevent electrical hazards. Wet rated fans dont usually feature light components since they come into direct contact with water. So if youre looking to add airflow and light to the exterior of your home, go with a damp or wet rated fan.
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To Help You Wire It Right
| The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical Tester |
| This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. |
| The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet Tester |
| This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outletsProvides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiencyLights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is includedTests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use. |
| Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter |
| A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets. |
Can You Use Outdoor Fans Indoors
A common mistake people make when shopping for a fan for their living room or bedroom is to limit their search to indoor fans only. By doing so, they will miss out on some of the best fans. The truth is, many of the best fans on the market are specifically made as wet-rated so they can be installed anywhere.
A great example of this is the brand Modern Forms®. Not only are all their fans wet-rated, but they are also very stylish smart fans that can be controlled by voice commands, smartphones, and home automation systems. Yet, the majority of their fans are installed inside peoples homes.
Wet-rated fans are more durable and easier to maintain. The finishes last longer, the blades dont warp or split, and you dont have to worry about getting water inside the motor when you clean them.
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Outdoor Ceiling Fan Installation In Houston
The Ceiling Fan are an excellent substitute to air-conditioning units. When placed at the right spot in your home, a ceiling fan can definitely cool everything done by properly distributing the heat. A ceiling fan is an efficient way to reduce the temperature in a room. The size of the fan blades allows proper air flow.
A ceiling fan can be a stylish addition to a room but can also help with air circulation to keep the room cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If your bedrooms have adequate attic space and access then the installation will be a relatively quick project.
Q: How Should I Select The Size Of My Fan
Youll want to first consider the space in question. The larger the space, the larger your fan should be.
- Spaces up to 75 square feet: 29-36 fans
- Spaces up to 75-144 square feet: 36 to 42 fans
- Spaces up to 144-225 square feet: 44-inch fans
- Spaces up to 225 400 square feet: 50 54 fans
Also remember that when youre mounting your fan, that you consider the clearance area. Youll want the fan to be at least 12 inches from the ceiling, too.
Thats why so many of the manufacturers include a downrod. Also remember to keep all blades at least 24 inches from any walls.
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Outdoor Ceiling Fans Guide: How To Find Your Best Match
Whats better than sitting on your porch swing and enjoying a warm summer evening with a cold glass of iced tea? How about swinging on your porch and sipping cold iced tea under the cool breeze of an outdoor ceiling fan! Outdoor fans are great for keeping porches and patios cool during the summer, but there are some important factors to think about when buying outdoor ceiling fans.
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality fan, then check out our huge outdoor ceiling fan selection. Look for a fan that matches your home’s style and appearance, or one that could enhance your outdoor areas overall ambiance. Once you find an outdoor ceiling fan you love, you can use our How to Install a Ceiling Fan video and guide to help ensure the installation process is smooth and quick. But first, lets explain the difference between an indoor fan and a porch fan.
Measure The Porch Ceiling
Just like all project, the first thing that you need to do is measuring. This time you need to measure your porch ceiling.
You can start by measuring the area that you will decorate. Use some common measurement stuff like tape measure, pen or pencil and something you can write on.
A step ladder is also necessary, since it wont be possible for you to directly reach your porch ceiling. Place the ceiling joists above your porch then measure the distance between the joists.
For example, if the joists were going east to west, you would go north to south. Note all the measurements carefully and make sure that you remember where each particular measurement came from.
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Attach The Blades And Lights
- Attach each fan blade to a blade iron . Then, fasten the blade irons to the motor with the screws provided.
- Plug the fan’s light-fixture housing into the wire hanging from the underside of the fan’s motor.
- Install the shades and lightbulbs.
- Screw the plastic holder for the remote control to the wall beside the wall switch.
Electrical Wiring Method For A Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Example
- When installing an outdoor ceiling fan the electrical wiring and the components must be rated for outdoor use and wet locations just as the outdoor ceiling fan rating.
- Type NM wiring may not be used for this application.
- Electrical conduits such as EMT or PVC with water proof fittings is a good choice.
- The junction box must be also rated for wet locations and must be rated to support the weight of the ceiling fan that will be installed.
More about Wiring Ceiling Fans
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Cleaning An Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Thankfully, cleaning an outdoor ceiling fan is very easy! Simply grab a multi-surface cleaner and a microfiber cloth or rag. Simply wipe down each blade, top and bottom, to remove any dirt or dust that can affect the working of your fan or those with allergies. Also ensure you wipe down the house and fixtures, too, to ensure they arent accumulating dust either.
Martec has a wide range of stunning outdoor ceiling fans to meet your needs. Explore our range today or contact us for more advice on choosing the perfect outdoor ceiling fan!
Optimal Sizing Speed And Placement
Use this formula to find the best fan size for a rooms occupied space : Occupied space divided by 4 equals the blade span . Step blade span down a bit for rooms with low ceilings, and go wider if the ceilings are high.
Another good rule of thumb is to remember that blade spans of less than 36 inches are ideal for spaces smaller than 75 square feet, such as baths and breakfast nooks. Spans of 36 to 42 inches work in rooms of up to 225 square feet, like a dining room. Larger living rooms and bedrooms can handle 50- to 54-inch blades.
Make sure that the cubic feet of air that the fan moves per minute , measured at high speed, is near the top of its class. Some 52-inch fans, for instance, rate as low as 2,050 cfm, while others reach 7,800. High-cfm fans not only provide a better breeze, they usually have robust motors that will last longer and run more quietly.
For optimal performance, the fan should be hung at least 1 1/2 feet from the wall or a sloped ceiling, 7- to 10-feet from the floor, and at least 8 inches from the ceiling. Steer clear of hanging the fan too close to any lights, as rotating blades under a bulb will create an annoying flicker.
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How To Operate The Ceiling Fan
Newer models come with more options than the standard pull chain to turn them on and off. The most convenient option available is a remote control operated ceiling fan. This means you can turn your fan on or off from your couch or bed. In most cases, even if the fan does not come with a remote control option, you can add this feature yourself by buying a remote device that matches the brand and model of your fan.
You may also want to read online reviews for the models of fans that you are considering before buying anything. Even if you arent going to buy your fan online, you can still check out reviews left by customers. You can often find out a great deal about a product this way, both good and bad things. For example, you may find out that your top choice can be noisy. Hopefully, you will find a model you like that also has lots of great reviews.
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What Is The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Ceiling Fans
The difference between outdoor and indoor fans is their tropical rating. Outdoor fans need to stand up against the weather and environmental conditions. In Australia, if youre looking for a good outdoor fan, you need a fan that is tropical-rated or IP55 rated, especially if you live in a coastal area. You also need to check that your fan blades are non-rust, even better with theyre non-rust ABS. Martec provides a range of outdoor fans with tropical ratings, IP55 ratings, and non-rust ABS blades.
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Install The Ceiling Brace
Feed the fan brace up into the hole, rest the flat edge of the feet against the ceiling and center the shaft over the hole. If your ceiling is more than 1/2 in. thick, as ours was, rotate the feet and position the rod the depth of the box from the ceiling. Rotate the shaft to secure the brace to the framing. Snap the metal saddle over the shaft so its centered over the hole.
Maxx Panel Insulated Covers
Insulated Panel covers offer some advantages over a standard interlocking panel solid roof cover. One of the main advantages is that the cover can support significant weight it can even be walked on. Another advantage is additional heat reflection due to the solid foam panels skinned in Alumawood. Many upgrades are available for Maxx insulated roof covers such as fan mounting, can lighting, post lighting, and heaters. A solid roof cover will expand your living space by making you patio a comfortable area to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Maxx insulated panel roof covers are normally mounted to your homes wall, eave, or roof on one side and is supported by posts on the other side. Usually the posts will be anchored to a concrete slab with hardware called wedge anchors. If you have pavers or wish to have the posts on a surface other than a concrete slab we may need to pour a footing for the posts. Post spacing is determined by several factors such as over width and projection of the cover but is usually around 10 apart. Much longer distances may be spanned with the posts by adding steel inserts inside the posts and the header.
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