Buying An Outdoor Ceiling Fan – Things To Consider

If you are looking at buying an outdoor ceiling fan for your home, there is a surprisingly overwhelming range out there. From the size and specifications, to the key features, it is important to find the one most suited to your space. The easiest way out of the confusion is to understand a few basic things before you set out to shortlist and buy an outdoor ceiling fan.

Things to consider before buying your outdoor ceiling fan

Location and Environment in which your Outdoor Ceiling Fan will be Installed

All outdoor fans have a rating based on where they are able to be installed. This rating is known as the IP rating. The IP (ingress protection) rating measures the level of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from things like dust and water.

IP ratings are usually written as IP plus two numbers, for example IP65. The first number relates to protection against a solid, such as dust; and the second number against liquid, such as water. The higher these numbers, the better protection against foreign bodies.

When looking at installation of an outdoor ceiling fan, it is important to check the IP rating to make sure it is rated for the protection you require. Generally, for any outdoor fan installation, it is good to look for an IP rating of IP65 or higher.

A lot of ceiling fan manufacturers will also provide installation guidelines for outdoor use. Things like coastal rated, and installation in outdoor undercover areas, are common guidelines used if you feel like the technical side of IP ratings is not something you need to know!

Ceiling Heights and the Specifications of your Outdoor Fan

The location where the fan will be installed should have an appropriate ceiling height from the floor. This will also help you ascertain if you need an additional downrod for your fan. To give you a guide, in most Australian homes:

• The minimum distance between the floor and the fan should be 2.1 metres.
• The fan should hang at least 0.30 metres from the ceiling.
• The blade tip of the fan should be at least 0.60 metres from the nearest wall.

Size of the Ceiling Fan Required for your Outdoor Space

There is a certain amount of flexibility you can exercise when determining the size of the outdoor ceiling fan to install. A standard ceiling fan is about 132cm in diameter, or blade sweep. There are fans that are slightly smaller or bigger than this and the area where the fan will be installed will determine the correct size of the fan to be installed.

If the fan will be installed directly above the sitting area, the standard 132cm fan will likely suffice. If the area is larger, then you might consider installing two fans that are smaller than the standard 132cm blade sweep.

Colour, Style and Material of your Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Now that you’ve figured out the space and size, it is time to consider the design and aesthetics. After all, ceiling fans are as much these days, about practicality and function, as they are about adding a design element.

• Colour: If you are looking to match the fan with the ceiling, a solid colour which closely blends with the colour of your ceiling is recommended. If your outdoor area is a mix of different colours and combinations, you can choose a bold colour that complements the look of your outdoors.
  
• Style and Lighting: If your outdoor area could do with some lighting in the evening, consider a fan with a light. There’s a wide range to choose from. When selecting fans with lighting, choose ones that come with LED lights as they are energy-efficient and low-maintenance. Also, for convenience, choose a fan that comes with a remote control to control the flow of air as well as degree of light.
  
• Material: Selecting an outdoor ceiling fan has an added element that doesn’t require as much consideration as your indoor fan would. The material your outdoor fan is made of will play a part in your outdoor fan’s longevity. For instance, if you live in a coastal area, your fan will be exposed to wind and salty air, so selecting a material that can withstand these type of elements is important.

It is also important to think about the practical aspects of cleaning your outdoor fan when looking at material and design. Something like the Aqua range of waterproof ceiling fans from Hunter Pacific, for instance, is a great option for your outdoor space, where cleaning it can be done easily and simply with a hose!

Make an informed decision about your outdoor ceiling fan, or chat with one of the fan experts at Rovert Lighting & Electrical about the options available to help keep you cooler outdoors!

If you would like to read more about ceiling fans, you can download our Ultimate eGuide to Buying Ceiling Fans. It’s everything you ever need to know to find the right ceiling fans for your home. From size and blade type, to airflow, and motor type – get up to speed on all the fan-related things you need to consider for your home!