When the days are hot and humid, you kind of just want to step outside with a cold glass of beverage and enjoy a gentle breeze from your outdoor fan. It’s also the perfect way to spend lazy weekends – just lounging in your porch and reading a book, while the patio fan keeps the space fresh and relaxing.
If you don’t have patio fans at home, you should really think about having one installed. These things are beneficial, especially during the summer months or if you're living in the warmer parts of the country where it's dry for most of the year.
Before you run to your local store, though, here are a few things you need to consider before buying an outdoor fan.
1. Size and Setting of Outdoor Space
One of the most important considerations when buying a patio fan is the size of your outdoor living space. You’ll want to purchase a fan that’s large enough to circulate air and cool the whole area.
Open patios require more powerful and heavy-duty fans than screened-in ones. The lack of surrounding protection will expose the fan to harsher elements and weather conditions throughout the year, which means you’ve got to pick a tougher variety.
2. Size of the Fan
Whether you purchase an outdoor ceiling fan or a standing patio fan, you need to remember that fans work differently in unconfined spaces. This means that the breeze will be mostly felt in the areas directly beneath or in front of the fan, then it will taper off.
If you prefer a ceiling fan, get one that's about the same size as your patio. For bigger outdoor living spaces, consider using two fans. Also, you need to pay attention to the published wind speed of the fans you are to purchase. Larger fans have lower wind speed. They are suitable for mixing air, while the smaller ones create a stronger breeze.
3. Outdoor Fan Material
Since your patio fan is going be outside all-year-round, you have to pay close attention to what it's made of. Outdoor fans are manufactured from a variety of materials, but stainless steel fans are the best choice for maximum durability. Less expensive alternatives to stainless steel would be aluminum or fiberglass fans.
These materials are recommended for outdoor use because they are resistant to warping and corroding. If you think the fan is going to be exposed to rain, or if you want something that you can simply hose off to clean, purchase a wet-rated outdoor fan.
4. Energy Efficiency
Some households use air conditioning to cool their screened-in patios, but outdoor fans can make the area just as comfortable at a fraction of the cost. To further take advantage of their energy efficiency, look for high-powered outdoor ceiling fans equipped with energy-efficient lighting. Purchasing fans with additional power-saving features will help decrease the cost of your electric bills.
5. Style and Aesthetics
Your patio fan should not only keep your outdoor living space cool and comfortable; it should contribute to the area's décor and appeal as well. Outdoor fans come in a range of designs – from classic to contemporary, and even futuristic! Make sure to pick something that matches and enhances the theme of your porch.
While functionality is essential, color and style are vital to creating a cozy and inviting space that you'd actually want to spend time in.
Avoid Using Indoor Fans, Outdoors
You should not use indoor fans on porches and patios, even if they're screened or enclosed, as these fans are not rated to withstand the damaging effects of moisture and other external conditions. Indoor ceiling fans can break or short-circuit with prolonged exposure to the elements, potentially causing harm to your home and family. For optimum comfort and safety, always use the right fan for the right space.
When the days are hot and humid, you kind of just want to step outside with a cold glass of beverage and enjoy a gentle breeze from your outdoor fan. It’s also the perfect way to spend lazy weekends – just lounging in your porch and reading a book, while the patio fan keeps the space fresh and relaxing.
If you don’t have patio fans at home, you should really think about having one installed. These things are beneficial, especially during the summer months or if you're living in the warmer parts of the country where it's dry for most of the year.
Before you run to your local store, though, here are a few things you need to consider before buying an outdoor fan.
1. Size and Setting of Outdoor Space
One of the most important considerations when buying a patio fan is the size of your outdoor living space. You’ll want to purchase a fan that’s large enough to circulate air and cool the whole area.
Open patios require more powerful and heavy-duty fans than screened-in ones. The lack of surrounding protection will expose the fan to harsher elements and weather conditions throughout the year, which means you’ve got to pick a tougher variety.
2. Size of the Fan
Whether you purchase an outdoor ceiling fan or a standing patio fan, you need to remember that fans work differently in unconfined spaces. This means that the breeze will be mostly felt in the areas directly beneath or in front of the fan, then it will taper off.
If you prefer a ceiling fan, get one that's about the same size as your patio. For bigger outdoor living spaces, consider using two fans. Also, you need to pay attention to the published wind speed of the fans you are to purchase. Larger fans have lower wind speed. They are suitable for mixing air, while the smaller ones create a stronger breeze.
3. Outdoor Fan Material
Since your patio fan is going be outside all-year-round, you have to pay close attention to what it's made of. Outdoor fans are manufactured from a variety of materials, but stainless steel fans are the best choice for maximum durability. Less expensive alternatives to stainless steel would be aluminum or fiberglass fans.
These materials are recommended for outdoor use because they are resistant to warping and corroding. If you think the fan is going to be exposed to rain, or if you want something that you can simply hose off to clean, purchase a wet-rated outdoor fan.
4. Energy Efficiency
Some households use air conditioning to cool their screened-in patios, but outdoor fans can make the area just as comfortable at a fraction of the cost. To further take advantage of their energy efficiency, look for high-powered outdoor ceiling fans equipped with energy-efficient lighting. Purchasing fans with additional power-saving features will help decrease the cost of your electric bills.
5. Style and Aesthetics
Your patio fan should not only keep your outdoor living space cool and comfortable; it should contribute to the area's décor and appeal as well. Outdoor fans come in a range of designs – from classic to contemporary, and even futuristic! Make sure to pick something that matches and enhances the theme of your porch.
While functionality is essential, color and style are vital to creating a cozy and inviting space that you'd actually want to spend time in.
Avoid Using Indoor Fans, Outdoors
You should not use indoor fans on porches and patios, even if they're screened or enclosed, as these fans are not rated to withstand the damaging effects of moisture and other external conditions. Indoor ceiling fans can break or short-circuit with prolonged exposure to the elements, potentially causing harm to your home and family. For optimum comfort and safety, always use the right fan for the right space.
