18 Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans For Patio, Pergola & Gazebo [Wet & Damp Rated] | Airflow Academy (2024)

This article lists the best outdoor ceiling fans for patios, gazebos, pergolas, and any other outdoor spaces.

Outdoor ceiling fans are specially designed to be used outdoors where they will be exposed to moisture, wind, and rain. You cannot use a typical ceiling fan outdoors. For a fan to be used outdoors, it should be wet rated or damp rated depending on where the fan is placed. If the fan will be exposed to water, like rain, it needs to be wet rated. If the fan is installed under a roof, like in a patio, it should be damp rated or wet rated to resist the moisture content in the air.

There are hundreds of ceiling fans, with different sizes, shapes, and features. So how are you going to choose that one fan? To make this easy for you, I made a list of the most rated and reliable outdoor ceiling fans. Here’s it;

1. Casa Delta-Wing Bronze

Specifications:

• Speeds –3 Speeds
• Wattage –58 W
• Rating –Damp rated
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1 year components
• Control –Remote control
• CFM: 4326 CFM

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Casa VieJa Delta is a damp-rated fan that features a modern minimalistic wooden design. With three propeller-styled blades, a 9-degree blade pitch, and an oil-rubbed bronze finish motor this fan is a good mix of both style and functionality.

It moves a lot of air and you can toggle the speed between low, medium, and high. In my opinion, it is better to set the fan on either the medium or high setting unless you live in a cold region.

This fanruns quietly, and there is no wobbling at both low and medium speeds. It wobbles slightly at the high-speed setting on occasions when there is a breeze, but that is nothing to worry about, it won’t fall down!

If you’re looking for a mix of both style and utility, then Casa Vieja Delta is the best choice for you.

2. Harbor Breeze Twin

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Specifications

• Speeds –3Speeds
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –74″
• Style –Twin
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1-year components
• Control –Wall control
• CFM –4450

The Twin Breeze model fan by Harbor Breeze is a set of two fans packed in one setup, each having its own motor. It comes with a luminous light kit that adds to its aesthetics. Depending on the preferences of the buyer, the light kit may or may not be used. In case you choose not to mount the light kit, no worries, it comes with a cover to hide the empty light kit area. brilliant, isn’t it?

The blades are short, but the combined action of the two fans moves lots of air. Also, the twin fan design looks excellent on a porch. Even though this fan is rated for both indoor and outdoor use, based on user experience, I won’t recommend using it in direct exposure to rain or snow. Use it as you would use a damp-rated fan, and it will last you for years.

The fans circulate the air quite well, and you can reverse the fan direction depending on the season. It comes with 3-speed settings: and the fan runs with no wobbling even at its highest speed.

This fan is sometimes noisy when running at high speed. However, you can quiet it down if you use it in medium or low settings.

Due to its unique design, this fan can be difficult to install for an average person. If you plan to install this yourself; read the instructions twice, and it won’t seem so difficult anymore. The manufacturers have provided clear instructions that are easy to understand. It is recommended that you install the blades before you mount the fan. This will save you from a lot of frustration. The lights can be installed easily even after the fan has been mounted.

Overall, Twin Breeze by Harbor Breeze is a real bargain when you consider all its features and unique design.

3. Harbor Breeze Merrimack

• Speeds –3Speeds
• Rating –Wetrated
• Blade Span –52″
• Style –Antique
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1 year components
• Control –Remote control
• CFM –5188

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If you’re looking for an antique-style fan, then this Merrimack fan is definitely worth consideration. It is wet-rated; however, it has been known to cause problems after pro-longed use in direct exposure environments. On the other hand, it works quite well in covered outdoors or damp environments.

It comes with a simple dimmer that you can use to toggle between slow, medium, and high speed. In addition, it has a remote control that can be programmed to work with multiple Merrimack fans. The fan also comes with a two-bulb, antique-styled light fixture. that provides sufficient light to find your way around the room. The brightness of these lights can be controlled by the remote control.

This fan is easy to assemble and install, thanks to the clear instructions it comes with. The standard rod size for this fan is 6-inches, however, if you want, you can purchase longer down rods as well.

The 52-inch blades of this fan move over 5000 CFM of air, and it is also quiet. In addition, it comes with a reversible motor, so it can rotate both ways. Overall, if you’re looking for an antique-styled fan for your porch, you should definitely consider buying this one.

4. Hunter Fan Company’s Builder Elite

Specifications:

• Speeds –Variable Speeds
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –52″
• Style –Rustic
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Wall control
• CFM –4999

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This is a 52-inch, 5-bladed fan that can move around 5000 CFM of air at its highest speed. It has a traditional design featuring a quiet motor, a variety of finishes to choose from, and moderate power. In addition, the fan is damp-rated, which makes it suitable for both indoor and covered outdoor spaces.

This fan features a reversible motor that can be switched from downdraft mode in summers to updraft mode in winters. This is a nice fan for antique or cabin-styled homes. It is very quiet. However, on the downside, it does not push as much air at high speed as most other ceiling fans do at the same price. Nevertheless, it carries some seriously positive reviews, so I don’t see any downsides to buying this.

The installation of this fan is easy. Besides, the fans come with two down rods of different lengths so that you can install them according to your preference. Overall, if you’re looking for a classy fan for your porch with moderate power, the Builder Elite is definitely worth a look.

5. Emerson Tilo

Specifications:

• Speeds – 4Speeds
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –30″
• Style –Modern
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1 year components
• Control –Wall control
• CFM –2278

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This is one of the best mini outdoor ceiling fans I have come across. This is a nice little fan that is best in terms of reviews and sales. And it is not surprising either because though small, this 4-speed fan moves 2278 cfm of air. It is also whisper quiet.

It offers a dual mount feature that allows standard installation with a downrod and a flush mount installation. Its oiled bronze finish is a great match for modern as well as contemporary houses.

The Emerson Tilo fan will make a great addition to your bathroom, porch, or any other area that requires a super-small fan.

6. Emerson Curva

• Speeds – 6Speeds
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –44″
• Style –Modern
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1 year components
• Control –Remotecontrol
• CFM –4280

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Again, one of my choices is from the brand Emersion. Emerson Curva is a trendy and reliable fan that people buy without a second thought. It is basically a bigger and better version of the ‘Emerson Tilo’ counterpart.

As you can see from the picture, it comes with a light fixture; with 2x 50W halogen bulbs.The fan is wet-rated, which means you can use it in places like open gazebos and pergolas where it may come into direct contact with water.

This fan also has a reverse flow feature which allows it to run clockwise. This is a useful feature for winter to keep the room warmer by distributing warm air near the ceiling.

This fan is an excellent choice for small areas up to 144 sq. ft size.

7. Emerson CF765BQ

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Specifications:

• Speeds –4Speeds
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –60″
• Style –Contemporary
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1-year components
• Control –Wall control, remote control adaptable
• CFM –7579

This is a great choice for covering a large area, thanks to its 60-inch blades. Though huge in size, this fan is very energy efficient and has an Airflow Efficiency rating of 115 CFM/W, which is the second-highest among the fans on this list. Its 3 large blades drive airflow of up to 7500 CFM. If you look closely, you can see that the pitch of this fan’s blades are varying. This special design is the reason behind its large airflow and high-efficiency rating. This fan can be controlled with a wall regulator, or a remote control system that’s sold separately.

The industrial-style look of this fan is perfect for any living space. This fan is a perfect fit for outdoor spaces where it does not come in contact with water (it’s damp-rated).

8. Monte Carlo 3MAVR60BK Maverick

Specifications:

• Speeds – 6Speeds
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –60″
• Style –Transitional
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1 year components
• Control –Remote control
• CFM –8244

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This is one of my favorite fans. It looks stunning under a white or a light-colored ceiling. Its hand-carved, 60-inch, salsa wooden blades create a special appeal to this fan. Though the fan blades are made of wood, it comes with a damp rating, meaning you can use this in covered areas like gazebos and porches. The fan control includes a 6-speed remote control that also has the option to reverse the direction of rotation of the fan. For the other fan models listed on this list, this reversal has to be done by toggling a switch on the fan.

Overall this is a fine specimen of art. Besides, it delivers an airflow of 8244 at its highest speed. Packed with awesome power this is a good fit for any large, covered area.

In addition to all its great features, this fan comes with an excellent energy efficiency rating of 231 CFM/W which makes this fan the best in terms of efficiency.

9. Hunter Sea Wind 53118

Specifications:

• Speeds –Variable Speed
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –48″
• Style –Casual
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Wall switch control
• CFM –4072

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This is a low-profile/flush mount fan with a variable wall switch control. It also has a pull chain control.

With its 48-inch blade span, it can move over 4000 CFM of air. The fan’s motor is reversible, so you can run it in both directions. Besides, it has an airflow efficiency rating of 90 CFM/W which is not stunning but still pretty good.

This fan is damp rated, so it shouldn’t come in direct contact with water. However, it is an excellent choice for covered areas like patios and pergolas. Its flush-mount design makes it a suitable fan for rooms with ceilings less than 9 feet tall.

10. Minka-Aire F659-BCW, Classica

Specifications:

• Speeds –3 Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –54″
• Style –Traditional
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Wall switch control, pull chain
• CFM –6313

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This is a good-looking, 3 -speed ceiling fan that moves a maximum of 6313 CFM of air. It has an airflow efficiency of 83 CFM/W; much lower than many fans listed here, however, you don’t have much choice if you need such a high airflow and an affordable price tag.

This fan is a good choice for covering large areas thanks to its 54-inch blade span. The wide blades also help to drive a more uniform flow of air throughout the room. It has a reversible motor which comes in handy during the winter and summer seasons.

This fan has an old-world design with 5 good-looking blades. Its housing has an art-like decoration that looks good in a rustic or contemporary setting. You can also make this fan work with voice assistants like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, that’s like a combination of old with new. The fan doesn’t come with a wall switch or remote control but they can be bought separately. But it does come with a pulldown switch which is convenient in spaces like a patio.

11. Emerson CF621VNB Batalie Breeze

Specifications

• Speeds –3 Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –52″
• Style –Tropical
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 1 year warranty for components
• Control –Wall switch control, pull chain
• CFM –5255

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This is a lovely tropical-styled fan suitable for tropical houses. One specialty of this fan is that it is made suitable for coastal areas, that’s it can stand salty moisture. Even though outdoor ceiling fans are designed to withstand moisture, most of them can’t survive salty moisture. The salt content in the air causes the fans to rust faster. Therefore, it isn’t easy to find a fan suitable for coastal areas. But the Emerson Batalie Breeze is an ideal choice thanks to its weather-resistant wicker leaf blades that don’t corrode under the saltwater influence.

It also has a large blade span and 5 palm-leaf blades that can move 5000+ CFM of air. It is quiet and comes under a decent warranty period.

If you are looking for a good ceiling fan for coastal areas this is definitely a good choice.

12. Westinghouse Brentford

Specifications

• Speeds –Variable Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –52″
• Style –Rustic
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty + 2 year warranty for components
• Control –Wall switch control
• CFM –4522

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Westinghouse Brentford is another energy-efficient fan on my list with an efficiency rating of 80 CFM/W. This is a wet-rated fan, meaning it is rated to come in direct contact with water, which makes it ideal for open outdoor spaces. The highly efficient motor of this fan can drive 4522 CFM of air at its highest speed.

The fan has a blade span of 52 inches. Its blades are made of high-quality ABS, and they have a walnut finish which makes them gorgeous in any setting. This fan also has a light that includes 3 candle-like LED bulbs with seeded glass that provides an excellent ambiance for your evenings.

Like all other fans listed here, this fan is reversible, it can rotate in both directions which helps to cool and heat the room based on what season you are living in.

You can also install this fan without using the downrod extension that comes with it; this is an excellent option for low-ceiling rooms.

Overall this is a really good choice for any open, wet areas like a pergola, patio, or an open gazebo.

13. Hunter Biscayne

Specifications

• Speeds –VariableSpeed
• Rating –Damp rated
• Blade Span –54″
• Style –Rustic
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Wall switch control + pull chain
• CFM –6239

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This is a popular fan from Hunter. This 54″ fan is capable of moving 6000+ CFM of air without any difficulty. It also comes with two pull chains which are used to switch it on/off, and also for easy controlling of speeds. It uses a variable speed control which is wall mounted.

The motor reverse mechanism allows you to get updraft and downdraft air circulation suitable for winter and summer. The fan is also super quiet due to the specialty of its design. It comes with two downrods with lengths 2 and 3 inches to optimize for proper distance from the ground.

This is a good-looking fan for all your covered areas. So whether it is a pool house, gazebo, or solar room, this is the best outdoor ceiling fan you can bet on.

14. 28″ Inch Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Specifications

• Speeds –Variable Speed
• Rating – Damp rated
• Blade Span –28″
• Style –Traditional
• Warranty –1 year
• Control –Wall switch control
• CFM –NA
• Recommended for: Garage

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This is the cheapest fan on this list. This is a made-in-China product that any popular brands do NOT sell. I don’t have hands-on experience with this fan. soI don’t know how reliable it is in the long term.

But it is surprisingly cheap and wet rated too in different online marketplaces. I went through several reviews to confirm that my pick is a good one.

It doesn’t have any fancy features. Its blades are flexible and plastic. It doesn’t mention a warranty specifically but I came to know the seller offers a 1-year warranty. (It comes with a spare blade, that’s a plus).

Compared to the other fans on this list, this one is small. While this is not a great fan in terms of looks, I think this probably is the most value-for-money fan you can buy. If you are looking to buy a garage fan, this is an excellent choice.

15. Quorum International

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Specifications

• Speeds –3Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –30″
• Style –Traditional
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Wall switch
• CFM –3690
• Recommended for: Porches

Good looks, quiet operation, and a decent amount of airflow. These are the highlights of this fan.

It has 6 wooden blades with a walnut finish. It is ideal for small spaces where looks are important too.

Its motor can reverse its direction to avail both updraft and downdraft air movements. You can also optionally add a remote control in addition to the wall switch that comes with it. I wish it had a pull chain control as well, which would be more convenient and make it look cooler too.

This fan has a blade span of 30 inches. So this is a small-sized fan. It is suitable for small open spaces, even for those exposed to rain and snow (this fan is wet-rated). I think a porch would be the best place to hang this! The fan’s motor comes with a limited lifetime warranty, but unfortunately, its other parts, like its blades, are not covered under it.

16. Kensgrove Espresso Bronze By Home Decorators Collection

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Specifications

• Speeds –9Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –72″
• Style –Modern
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Remote
• CFM –10484

This Kensgrove fan is a large, 8-bladed machine with 9 different speed settings. It has a blade span of 72 inches. At its highest speed, it delivers a CFM of 10484.

Do not let the large size of the fan fool you for its energy expense; this is a very efficient, Energy Star-rated fan. Also, the higher number of blades not only gives it a unique look but also runs it whisper quiet.

The design of this fan is straightforward and modern. Its blades are made of maple wood. It has an attractively dome-style light kit, a 14 Watt warm light, that works independently.

It comes with remote control, so it is easy to control its speed while conveniently relaxing on your chair. The remote control also controls the fan’s light kit; it helps to dim the light to suit the room’s ambiance.

In addition to its large span, this fan is wet-rated. So, you can use it in outdoor areas with open ceilings. If you are looking for a large, Energy Star-rated, wet-rated ceiling fan, the Kensgrove fan is an excellent choice.

17. Minka-Aire F532-ORB Sunseeker

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Specifications

• Speeds – 3Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –60″
• Style –Traditional
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Wall switch, Pull chain
• CFM –6700

Minka Sunseeker, with its dark, oil-rubber bronze color, is a good example of traditional design. The design may look simple, but it has a certain appeal to it. The mounting has an antique-style design, and so are the blades.

This is a larger version of the Minka fan mentioned some points above. It comes with a pull chain, five blades, and a reversible motor. The fan has a span of 60 inches and a flow rate of 6700 CFM, which makes it ideal for large outdoor spaces. In addition, this fan is wet rated, meaning it can be exposed to rain and snow. It also scores 98CFM/W in airflow efficiency which is great!

If you are looking for a traditional style design that will look great in modern, rustic, or traditional settings, then this is the best outdoor ceiling fan you should buy.

18. Home Decorators Collection Palm Cove

Specifications

• Speeds –3Speed
• Rating –Wet rated
• Blade Span –44″
• Style –Tropical
• Warranty –Limited Lifetime Motor Warranty
• Control –Pull chain
• CFM –4359

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This medium-sized, 5-bladed fan is exactly the right kind of fan for your tropical hangout. It has soothing palm leaf-like blades with a teak finish. The mounting is natural iron finished. It also has a light kit with two 9.5W LED bulbs.

The blades are made of ABS (A kind of durable plastic). They are easy to install as they just snap into place. Also, you don’t have to worry about the blades corroding in the salty air conditions of a coastal area. The fan has an overall blade span of 44 inches, which is sort of the right size for an outdoor area. It also moves plenty of air, 4359 CFM, for its size.

The pull chain allows easy control of the 3-speed fan. The fan is also reversible, so it can also run in the clockwise direction for facilitating updraft wind. But I think that’s irrelevant in the case of a tropical home.

It comes with a tri-mount installation system so you can install this fan really close to the ceiling or far from it or even at an angle. You can also optionally buy an extended rod for high ceilings.

The fan is wet-rated, so it will last long even if it is constantly exposed to water. Overall, this is a good choice for a tropical home.

How To Choose The Right Ceiling Fan For Outdoors

Following are some considerations that will help you simplify the process of buying an outdoor ceiling fan:

1. Usage Location: Wet vs damp

Location is an important determinant in deciding the type of ceiling fan. Indoor and outdoor fans are quite different from each other. Indoor fans are usually dry-rated. If Indoor fans are used outside, they will corrode. Outdoor ceiling fans are either damp rated or wet rated, they have additional layers of protection to prevent corrosion and damage due to moisture. Before you go out to buy the fan, ask yourself where you will be using the fan.

Will you be using the fan in a covered location or an uncovered deck or patio? If you’re using the fan in a covered location, then choose a damp-rated fan. A damp-rated fan is suitable for locations where there is indirect exposure to precipitation. In other words, it operates well in damp environments.

However, if you plan to install the ceiling fan in a location that may receive direct exposure to moisture such as snow and rain, get a wet-rated ceiling fan. Wet-rated ceiling fans are built with proper insulation that prevents them from corroding in wet weather conditions.

2. Light fixtures

Ceiling fans come with or without light fixtures. The choice to get light fixtures or not depends completely on your personal preferences. If you plan to place the fan in a location that is already lighted well, then it is recommended to get a fan without light fixtures as that will be cheaper. It also depends on your aesthetic preferences. Some people choose to buy ceiling fans with light fixtures because it looks better.

3. Styles

The style of your ceiling fan should complement the decor of your house.Following are some of the most popular ceiling fan designs and styles available in the market:

• Contemporary Designs:

Contemporary ceiling fans feature a minimalistic design. They’re built with a smooth metallic finish that complements the style of most modern homes. Use these fans in locations that have a minimalistic design featuring casual contemporary furniture and sleek geometric designs. “Hunter Sea Air” is an excellent example of a contemporary ceiling fan that adds more style to any modern home.

• Antique Designs

Antique-style ceiling fans are designed for homes that feature an antique or traditional look. These fans feature carvings and traditional designs on the fan blades and body. These fans often come with warm globe light fixtures to enhance the antique look. Antique ceiling fans are great for vintage enthusiasts. You can use them in cabins, outdoor patios, guest houses, and other locations that feature a traditional design.

• Rustic Designs

Rustic designs look well with country decor featuring wooden furniture and lodge-style decor. If you want to give your home a feel of a western interior, rustic fans will be a perfect addition to your home. Pair it up with other accessories in the house, such as handmade baskets, carved figurines, pottery, and other such items to enhance the appeal.

• Tropical Design

As the name suggests, tropical design complement a tropical house décor. These fans come in various tropical blade designs featuring bamboo, wood, and other such island themes. Tropical-styled ceiling fans are popular in vacation homes, tropical hotels, and other such areas.

4. Finishes And Colors

The finish or color of your fan should complement the colors of the room or patio where it is installed in. A common practice is that the finish of your fan should match the most common color in the room furniture or hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between outdoor and indoor ceiling fans?

Outdoor ceiling fans are designed to operate in harsher environments compared to indoor ceiling fans. These fans are different in their construction, design, and features as well. Most outdoor fans are constructed with ABS plastic to withstand corrosion. The housing of these fans is built with galvanized aluminum or steel. The components of the fan are then coated to prevent corrosion from moisture penetration. Depending upon the fan ratings, they can operate in direct or indirect exposure to precipitation or humidity.

Indoor fans are not designed to withstand moisture and other corrosive elements. You cannot use them outside. But you can use an outdoor fan inside.

Read more: Outdoor vs indoor ceiling fans

What are the different ratings of fans?

There are three different types of ratings for fans: Dry rated fans, damp-rated fans, and wet-rated fans.

1. Dry Rated Fans:This is the rating that is given to indoor fans. Dry-rated fans are highly sensitive to corrosion due to moisture penetration. They should only be used in dry indoor locations.
2. Damp Rated Fans: Damp-rated fans are ideal for locations that receive indirect moisture exposure such as covered patios or indoor locations near bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Wet Rated Fans:Wet Rated Fans are heavy-duty fans that are designed to work even under conditions of direct exposure to rain or snow. They’re a great option for all exposed outdoor locations such as decks or gazebos.

Why do I need an outdoor ceiling fan for a covered outdoor location?

The chances of direct exposure to moisture happening in a covered location like a patio are minimal. However, we still need an outdoor-rated fan because of the moisture content in the air. A dry-rated indoor unit may corrode or burn out when constantly exposed to moisture. Therefore it is recommended to use outdoor ceiling fans, even in covered patios.

How many blades are best?

Generally, 3 blades are considered to be good. However, they can sometimes become hard to balance. 5-blade fans are generally more popular than 3-blade fans.

How low can a ceiling fan hang?

For safety purposes, a ceiling fan should not hang lower than 7 to 8 feet from the floor. The blades of the ceiling fan often move quite fast. A low ceiling fan can become a safety hazard if it is installed too low.

Read more: outdoor fan size guide

Can I purchase any type of downrod for my ceiling fan?

The components and parts of a ceiling fan are designed to balance each other out. Therefore, most of the ceiling fan components cannot be purchased from a local hardware store; they must be purchased directly from the manufacturer. The same is true for downrods. While some downrods manufactured for one ceiling fan may fit another fan, it is not recommended to undertake such installations. A misplaced or wrong downrod may cause wobbling of the fan.

Further reading: Are ceiling fan downrods univeral