Alfresco Ceiling Fans – 5 Important Things to Look for Before you Buy

Alfresco ceiling fans – is there really any benefit to having them in your outdoor space?  Research shows that connection with nature is fundamental to our wellbeing, so it makes sense on lots of levels to create outdoor spaces for your home that are useful, functional, and enjoyable to be in.

Creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces is a core part of Australian home design, as we Australians love our indoor-outdoor spaces. Using stylish furniture and sophisticated materials helps blur the lines between the interior and exterior parts of our homes. Maximising the use of our outdoor spaces is a great way to expand the experience of your home – make it feel larger and better – and help you feel better in it.

To make sure you can make the most of your alfresco area in the summer months, there are cooling options available.

Alfresco Ceiling Fans

Alfresco, or outdoor, ceiling fans cool your outdoor space by circulating the air and providing a pleasant breeze. While ceiling fans don’t actually make the air cooler, they help people feel cooler by moving the air around them. An added bonus in your outdoor space … the gentle breeze from your fan will also keep mosquitos and flies away!

Until recently, most ceiling fans were designed specifically for indoor use. There are now, however, a lot of models designed for outdoor use, and some, specifically for outdoor use. The Aqua range from Hunter Pacific is the world’s first waterproof ceiling fan. It can not only withstand outdoor conditions, but can be literally hosed clean! Some of our best selling fans from the Aqua range include.

Alfresco ceiling fans need to be designed and built to withstand the outdoor elements. So, if you are considering installing an outdoor ceiling fan, then there are some key things to consider.

What features should you look for in an alfresco ceiling fan

1. IP Rating

IP stands for Ingress Protection mark, sometime referred to synonymously as an International Protection mark. AN IP rating is usually a two digit grading system that’s applied to the enclosure of a mechanical or electrical item.

IP codes signify the level of protection to users from mechanical or electrical parts; the degree of protection an enclosure offers those key components against dust, dirt, and other damaging foreign bodies; and its overall resistance to moisture.

The first digit in an IP rating indicates it’s level of protection against foreign body or particulate ingress, such as dust and dirt. The second digit indicates it’s protection against moisture ingress. Generally, the higher these digits, the higher the level of protection.

To use an example, the Aqua range of waterproof ceiling fans, have an IP66 rating, indicating it has full protection against dust, dirt and other foreign bodies; and has a moisture protection level against strong jets of water.

Most manufacturers will indicate the best placement for your ceiling fan based on it’s IP rating. Be careful to make sure you are considering this when selecting any ceiling fan for an outdoor area, as some designs may be suitable for use outdoors, but only in undercover areas, or areas protected by walls.

2. Material Compostion

Be sure to check the composition of your ceiling fan to ensure it is suitable for outdoor use. Materials such as stainless steel, aluminium or ABS polymer will be less susceptible to deterioration from the elements. Remember too, that certain materials will require more maintenance than others.

3. Blades

Like the body, your blades need to be made of weather resistant material. Outdoor fans usually have UV resistant polymer blades, which also makes them easier to clean. Timber blades will absorb moisture, so are often NOT recommended for outdoor use. Although, advances in timber blades, including bamboo, have provided more weather resistant options.

4. Salt Spray Tested

If you live in a coastal location, another factor to take into consideration, is how close to the ocean you are.  Not all outdoor fans are resistant to salt spray, so check to make sure your alfresco ceiling fan is coastal rated.

5. Wind

Ensure that the ceiling fan will be installed far enough from the edges of your outdoor area or that the sides are enclosed enough to guarantee protection from the wind. If left unprotected, the strength of the wind itself can cause damage to your ceiling fan over time.

Alfresco Ceiling Fans with Light

Ensuring all entertaining aspects are covered, there are also many options for outdoor ceiling fans with light, many with energy efficient LED options.

Ensuring Durability of your Alfresco Ceiling Fan

Style, size, and aesthetics are important when selecting your alfresco ceiling fan, but so is sufficient durability, especially if the fan is installed in a coastal location or at risk of getting wet.

No fan is completely immune to environmental conditions but selecting an appropriate fan and regularly maintaining it, by following the care instructions, will assist in preserving its cosmetic condition and functionality for as long as possible.

Rovert Lighting & Electrical have a wide range of alfresco ceiling fans to suit your outdoor space.  Come in and see our large display and chat to one of our staff about options to suit your outdoor needs.  Or, check out the range of ceiling fans online.