Selecting Fan Location
The installation location is an important factor in selecting a fan. If you are upgrading multiple fans in your home, think about this one space at a time. Consider:
Outlet Box
Ceiling fans are attached to your home by an outlet box. This outlet box needs to be “CEILING FAN RATED” and securely fastened to the building structure/joist. We do not recommend the use of plastic outlet boxes as they typically can’t support the weight of a ceiling fan long term.
If you are building a new home you might be deciding where in each room to place the ceiling fans and lighting. Most people would automatically place the ceiling fan in the middle of the room. In most cases, this will work out just fine but realize the direct center of the room might not necessarily be the ideal place for a ceiling fan’s circulation and overall functionality.
In many areas of your house, part of the room might be used as a walk-way. In these instances, it might be ideal to center your fan over the space intended for a seating area in order to give maximum comfort in the areas you are most likely to hang out.
In bedrooms, you might want a ceiling fan directly in the middle of the bed where the residents intend to sleep. Taking the extra time to go over these details beforehand can help maximize both the comfort level and the overall visual aesthetic of your home.
Indoor vs Outdoor
Relaxing on your porch on a warm summer day is much more enjoyable by the cool breeze of an outdoor ceiling fan! The best sleep you can get might be tucked into a comfy, cozy bed with the indoor ceiling fan on full speed.
While most people categorize ceiling fans as being indoor ceiling fans and outdoor ceiling fans, did you know that there are certain rooms ‘inside’ your house better suited for an ‘outdoor’ ceiling fan?
Every Prominence Home ceiling fan has been laboratory tested and given an Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) rating. Ceiling fans are divided into three categories: dry rated, damp-rated, or wet rated.
ETL dry-rated fans are often referred to as indoor fans. They are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, great rooms, dens and more, but should not be placed outside or in humid locations! All ETL fan ratings can be used indoors but not all fans can be used in damp or outdoor locations.
ETL damp-rated fans are moisture-resistant but NOT built for direct exposure to the harsh outdoor elements. They are designed for covered porches and covered patios but also suggested for bathrooms and garages. Any indoor area that is frequently humid will require a damp-rated fan.
ETL wet-rated ceiling fans are built superhero-strong and can easily handle the intense rain, snow, and ice of the outdoors. These fans are built for use in all-weather areas such as pergolas, decks and more. They can also be used indoors or humid/damp rooms if you prefer.
Choosing a model with the correct ETL rating for your space will protect the warranty, extend the lifespan of your ceiling fan and the safety of your home.