Stainless Steel Ceiling Fan

When you're shopping for a stainless steel ceiling fan, keep a few things in mind.

Before you choose a fan, take a little time to prepare and evaluate your space. Ceiling electrical boxes aren't all rated for fan use, so take a look at the box to see if it has a stamp that identifies it as either heavy duty or fan rated. While you're up there, you should also check to make sure that the box is securely installed to the joists. If you're upgrading a simple ceiling light fixture for use with a fan, you'll have to change out the box to insure that your fan is adequately supported. Doing this now will save you hassles and a possibly dangerous situation later. Poorly supported fans can wobble, rattle and even pull away from the ceiling in some extreme cases.

The next step is to determine what size fan you'll need. There are a number of ways to do this, but the easiest approach is to take the approximate square footage of your room and apply it to the following table to find a fan that will supply enough airflow. Oddly shaped or high ceilinged rooms can be exceptions to the rule, though. If you have a long, narrow room, or a room with an L shape, you might want to speak with your fan retailer about incorporating dual fans or other potential solutions that are suited to your unique circumstances. The same goes for rooms with high ceilings. To get the most benefit from a fan, you'll need a longer down rod to bring the fan closer to the active areas of the space.

All fans aren't created equal and there are some things you should be on the lookout for. Ceiling hugging fans aren't as efficient at circulating air as models that have a drop of at least 10 inches. This gap is necessary to get the maximum distribution of the airflow generated by the rotating blades. If all the air turbulence is bouncing on the ceiling, you won't be getting much benefit down below. Keep in mind that fans should never be positioned less than seven feet from the floor.

Another feature you'll probably want in a fan is reversible blades. This is an air conditioning function that will help you control how the heat in your room is distributed. In summer, turn the blades so that they will pull warm air up and away from you. In winter, reverse the blades and force the rising warm air coming from your HVAC system back down to the lower half of the room. This will help save you money in both summer and winter.

Stainless steel is a relatively new cosmetic innovation in ceiling fan design. It creates a sleek look that can be highly reflective and appear either modern, retro 1950s or even commercial depending on what you're pairing it with.

Stainless steel has some material advantages you might not have considered. Stainless appliances may show smudges easily and need to be cleaned often, but stainless steel ceiling fans are relatively care free. If you place one in an area that's exposed to high humidity, it will resist oxidation, and if it's located in a kitchen or smoking room, it won't discolor and can easily be cleaned with vinegar or a damp cloth. This makes stainless steel ceiling fans ideal for homes with smokers, pets, or in kitchens that have range hood venting problems. There are a number of finishes available too, from scratched to reflective or even patterned, stainless steel can be a dynamic element in your room's design and add that designer touch you've been looking for.

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