Get matched with top ceiling fan pros in Stanley, WI

Most ceiling fans have a lifespan of anywhere from five to 15 years or 10 years on average. Just how long your ceiling fan lasts depends on the quality of the parts, how much it’s used, and how well you maintain it. A fan with a weak motor that runs on the medium setting nonstop is likely to have a shorter lifespan compared to a fan with a powerful motor that runs on the slowest setting for air circulation.

Stainless steel or aluminum fans are long-lasting and have less air resistance. They are best for outdoor use as their durability helps them withstand unpleasant weather conditions. Their heavy weight requires a stronger motor, which leads to more noise than other blade materials.

Wooden fan blades are a classic, durable option. They are much quieter than metal fans and feature a wide range of styles and finishes to choose from. However, they can be damaged by moisture if not covered with plastic.

Plastic fan blades are lightweight, easy to clean, and versatile. There are various shapes and styles to choose from as plastic is easily molded and dyed. They will also deteriorate slower than other materials as they aren’t as susceptible to humidity and moisture.

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. 

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.