In Texas, having a ceiling fan is often viewed as a necessity. After all, the rotating device can help you keep your cooling costs at bay. At its highest speed, a ceiling fan can make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler so you can raise the temperature on your thermostat without losing your level of comfort. If want to add or replace a ceiling fan in your home, it’s important to find the right fit. Ceiling fans come in all different sizes, shapes and colors. So how do you choose which one is right for your home?

Think ENERGY STAR

If your goal is to save energy, shop for ENERGY STAR certified ceiling fans specifically. These fans meet strict energy efficiency guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, ENERGY STAR ceiling fan/light combinations are 60 percent more efficient than traditional models. That equates to about $15 a year in energy savings. Just look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo when you shop to find one of these energy saving models.

Select the correct size

Choose a ceiling fan that works well based on the size of your room. Ceiling fan blades can span anywhere from 29 inches to 54 inches. To calculate the size you need, start by measuring the room it will be placed in.

For smaller rooms, you need a smaller fan. For larger rooms, you need a larger fan. ENERGY STAR offers the following recommendations.

Note: You should also consider the shape of your room. For example, a large room that is long and narrow might be better suited for two medium-sized ceiling fans as opposed to one large one.

Choose the right mounting system

Fans should be mounted, or installed, in the middle of the room, at least 18 inches from the walls and 7 feet from the floor. If you have high ceilings, mount the fan 8 or 9 feet above the ground for optimal airflow.

There are four mounting options for ceiling fans.

1. Standard mounts. This type of mount comes with a 3 to 5 inch downrod. A downrod is a metal pipe that stretches from the top of the fan to the ceiling bracket. Basically, it puts a little space between the ceiling and your fan. It’s best for a room with flat, 8 to 9 foot ceilings.

2. Extended mounts. If you have high ceilings, an extended mount might be necessary for you to achieve optimal air flow. These extended mounts range from 6 inches to 120 inches, which is ideal 9 to 20 foot ceilings, respectively. It’s best to choose a downrod that allows your fan to hang 8 to 9 feet above the ground.

3. Flush mounts. For very low ceilings, you may want a flush mount. This type allows your fan to sit flush against the ceiling, keeping the fan and its light a little higher off the ground. While a flush mount system is ideal for ceilings 8 feet and under, it won’t move as much air around as a regular model because the blades are closer to the ceiling. In stores, you might also find flush mount systems listed as “low profile” or “hugger” ceiling fans.

4. Sloped mounts. If you have a vaulted or angled ceiling, a sloped mount system is exactly what you need. It’s designed to fit these ceilings so your fan hangs level.

Compare the CFM

CFM, which stands for cubic feet per minute, refers to the airflow of your ceiling fan. The more airflow, the cooler the fan will make you feel. When you’re shopping, opt for a ceiling fan with the highest CFM possible. You’ll typically get the best results with a model that’s 6,000 CFM or higher.

Along with CFM, manufactures also use airflow efficiency labels. This is the airflow at the fan’s highest speed divided by the watts used by the device. In general, the higher the number, the more efficient the fan and the more you will save in energy costs.

Decide on the motor grade you need

The motor is one of the most important factors to look at when buying a ceiling fan. It’s this piece of equipment that largely controls noise level.  It may be worth the extra expense to buy a fan with a better motor, if the device will be used several hours a day in living or sleeping quarters.

• Economy grade. A fan with an economy, or moderate, grade is often the least expensive option. It’s meant to run for no more than 8 hours a day and works best in a room with 8-foot ceilings. Expect this option to come with some noise and possibly some wobbling.
• Medium grade. While not a high-performing motor, a medium grade motor might be adequate for your home. It won’t be as loud as an economy option, but there may still be some noise. A medium grade motor can run for up to 12 hours a day.
• Performance grade. The most powerful motor is the performance grade. It’s typically larger, but it’s designed to operate quietly and can be used continuously. You also get what you pay for, a performance grade fan is typically the most expensive option.

Pick your blades

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a sleek contemporary style or something a bit more traditional, the look of your ceiling fan blades has little to do with its function. The number and angle of the blades is what makes the difference.

The number of blades

You might be inclined to think that more blades create more airflow, but that’s not actually the case. The more blades on a ceiling fan, the more drag it will have. The most efficient option is a fan with only three blades. However, most ceiling fan models come with four or five blades because they are more aesthetically pleasing and may create less noise.

The angle of the blades

The pitch of your ceiling fan blades is also important. You don’t want something that’s too flat or too steep. Shop for something with a pitch of 12” to 14” for maximum airflow.