Get matched with top ceiling fan pros in Pembina, ND

The number of blades for your fan poses both advantages and disadvantages. Typically, the more blades on a fan, the better the air distribution and cooling effect, but this also means that your fan will have more wear on its motor. For small rooms, three-blade fans should work fine. For larger areas like living rooms, four or five-blade fans might be the better option. 

To determine if your ceiling box can support a fan, you must check if it is specifically fan-rated. Manufacturers are required to indicate this on the box itself. You may need to remove the existing light fixture to look inside the ceiling box for an inscription stating it is rated for fan use. If you do not see this confirmation, the box is likely not strong enough and must be replaced with a fan-rated junction box. For a proper and safe installation, you should also use a fan brace to secure the new box between the ceiling joists, which provides the necessary support for the fan's weight and motion.

Ceiling fans are very often worth the investment because they improve comfort in your living space and help reduce utility bills. In the late spring and early fall—and even in the summer in some areas—homeowners with ceiling fans can often get away with open windows and fans, which can cut down on cooling bills and also reduce wear and tear on the HVAC system. Over time, ceiling fans can pay for themselves by saving you money on electric bills and air conditioner repair and maintenance.

Fan power is measured by CFM, or cubic feet per minute. For every 1,000 feet of square footage in your attic, you need a minimum of 700 CFM. Steeper roofs may need larger fans or about 840 CFM.  You can figure the size of attic fan you need by multiplying the square footage of your attic floor by 0.7. (multiply by 1.2 for a steep roof and 1.15 for a dark roof). That number is the CFM required for your fan to run efficiently.