Let’s take a look at the key parameters for making the right choice when it comes to ceiling fans.
The main chapters of our article :
- Choosing a ceiling fan: summary table
- Which diameter to choose
- Air velocity, air flow: which indicator to use?
- How do you factor in ceiling height?
- Should brushless DC motors be preferred?
- Acoustics: What noise level thresholds must be respected?
- Consumption: a performance criterion?
- Lighting: a point of vigilance
- How do the blades affect the aircraft’s performance?
- Remote control: Fixed or mobile?
- After-sales service: anecdotal?
- Conclusion: ‘cheap’ is expensive
Extracts from the guide
What diameter should I choose?
Ceiling fans with blades are primarily used to improve summer comfort and to help cool rooms.
With this in mind, it is the air speed achieved in the zone of influence that will count.
Figure 1: zone of influence of a bladed fan
As Figure 1 shows, most of the air velocity is concentrated in the area vertically above the blades. It is therefore clear that, for fans with blades, the smaller the diameter, the more limited the area of influence.
In practice, most ceiling fans on the market that deliver satisfactory performance have a diameter of 132 cm (52 inches). Larger ones are also available, but more marginally, in 137 cm (54 inches) and 142 cm (56 inches).
By compiling various French and international academic studies[i], we have simulated the zones of influence of ceiling fans according to their diameter[ii].
It is clear that great care needs to be taken with the diameter, as fans with small blades will cover a much smaller surface area, and therefore provide less comfort for their users.
Feedback shows that with 132 diameter fans, users are satisfied with one unit per 10 to 12 m2.
We won’t be talking here about large-volume, low-speed HVLS fans, which are very efficient units, but are better suited to warehouses.
As a general rule, we suggest opting for diameters of 132 cm.
In our comprehensive 12-page guide, you’ll find all the advice you need to choose the right ceiling fan for all your RE2020 projects.