|
|
Fans
extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries and the modern
ceiling fan as we know it today has been used since Victorian times. Savvy
homeowners use the ceiling fan in every room imaginable. They like their
looks as well as how comfortable they make them feel. Why keep all of this
style cooped up inside? Take the ceiling fan outdoors to the patio for a
focal point of a great outdoor room. Look at your patio furniture and the
style of home before you purchase an outdoor ceiling fan. If you own a log
home, you wouldn’t want a futuristic black enamel ceiling fan or the
contemporary pastel home in South Beach may not look good with dark oak fan
blades. A Victorian mansion speaks of a matching outdoor ceiling fan that
fits the period of the house. You get the idea, common sense and your
decorating style will dictate which fan you go with. Lighting kits are
available for these fans but I prefer your outdoor lighting to come from
other sources. My husband and I think it feels much cozier when a glaring
ceiling light isn’t shining on us. There are great looking area lamps and
sconces that will compliment your ceiling fan. Let a fan be a fan when it
comes to the patio.
Since your fan will be outdoors it is going to be exposed to the elements
for most of the year. When they are on the patio there is little heating or
air conditioning and the fan can be exposed to large amounts of humidity and
temperature change. The big difference between indoor and outdoor fans is
that you need materials that are not affected by the elements. Choose resin
and plastic for the outdoors. These materials stand up better to humidity
and moisture. If the fan is wood or metal, they will need to be specially
treated to stand up to rain etc. Another major part of buying a ceiling fan
for your patio comes from reading the label. DO NOT buy a ceiling fan for
the outdoors if it isn’t given a “wet rating” from the manufacturer. These
fans have specially enclosed housings for the motor that will protect it as
well from the elements. Trying to install an indoor ceiling fan outside is
like leaving a lawnmower out in the rain. You would have lots of repairs,
the fan just won’t work right and it probably wouldn’t be safe.
Some very basic things you also need to consider before you buy are
ceiling height and size of area. If the area of the patio is 100 square
feet, a 36” fan would be ok. Choose a 42” fan if the patio is up to 144
square feet and 44” to 48” if the space is up to 225 square feet. Fans come
as large as 60” to accommodate larger spaces. Generally your patio ceiling
will be quite high, but if you are considering the fan for a porch setting,
your ceiling clearance may demand a hugger style fan. These fans have no
rods to drop down the fan blades creating a safe clearance. Nothing is
scarier than walking into an area with a very low ceiling fan. Check to see
the fan you have chosen comes with a remote control. Who can live these days
without having control from the lounge chair? Just because your ceiling fan
is outside doesn’t mean you give up convenience. Ceiling fans aren’t that
tough to install and usually come with directions. If you don’t feel like
you want to tackle electrical issues or if you don’t have enough support to
hold up the fan, bring in the professionals. It needs to be installed
correctly so it won’t wobble, be noisy, or worse yet – unsafe.
Complete your outdoor room with great looking patio furniture and all of the
garden décor that brings the setting to life. If you have a pool or hot tub
you have now created a fantastic place to entertain guests and have fun with
the family. Invest in the outside of your home as well as the inside. Your
wallet will benefit and you will feel more comfortable at the same time.
|
|
