June 2, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Ceiling Fan for the Australian Market: Year-Round Comfort and Energy Savings

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable living environment, especially in a country like Australia with its moody climate, a ceiling fan can be an invaluable addition to your home. Not only do ceiling fans provide relief during scorching summers, but they also offer several benefits all year round.


Benefits of Using a Ceiling Fan All Year Round

Ceiling fans offer advantages beyond cooling in the summer. Here are some benefits of using a ceiling fan throughout the year:

  • Energy Efficiency: Ceiling fans consume considerably less energy compared to air conditioners, resulting in reduced electricity bills. We recommend using your ceiling fan in conjunction with your air-con to promote the circulation of different air temperatures.

  • Air Circulation: In winter, running the ceiling fan in reverse (clockwise) helps distribute warm air evenly, reducing heating costs.


Consider the Size, Blade Span and Ceiling Height

Ceiling fans come in various sizes and blade spans, so it's crucial to choose the right one for your space. A general rule of thumb is that the larger the room, the larger the ceiling fan blade required.



Recommended Fan Size for Indoors

Recommended Fan Size for Outdoor Covered Use

 

3 x 3m

 

44” - 48”

Staff Picks: Calibo Breeze Silent (48”), Eglo Noosa (40”) and Calibo Storm (42”)

48” - 52”

Staff Picks: Calibo CloudFan (52”), Fanco Infinity-iD (48”) and Calibo Storm (52”)

4 x 4m

52” - 56”

Staff Picks: Eglo Surf (52”), Aeratron FR (60”) and Calibo CloudFan (52”)

56” - 60”

Staff Picks: Calibo Storm (60”) and Fanco Eco Silent Deluxe (56”)

5 x 5m

60” - 80”

Staff Picks: Aeratron AE3+ (60”), Fanco Horizon (64”) and Eglo Noosa (60”)

60” - 120”

Staff Picks: Fanco Sanctuary (70”), Calibo CloudFan (60”) and Eglo Tourbillion (80”)


The height of the ceiling is also important with the minimum distance from ceiling fan blades to floor being at least 2.1 meters. For shorter ceilings Ceiling Fans Direct stocks a wide range of low-profile ceiling fans such as the Calibo Profile Ceiling Fan or the Eglo Seacliff Ceiling Fan. For ceilings over 3 meters, we recommend installing your ceiling fan with an extension rod accessory so you can get the best performance out of your new fan- extension rods as well as other compatible accessories can be found in the related accessories section of the product page.



Choose the Right Ceiling Fan Motor and Features to Meet Your Needs:

Ceiling fans come with different motor types, each offering unique advantages. Consider the following options:


Standard AC Motor: These motors are affordable and reliable, suitable for most households. The AC motor ceiling fans are wall controlled which make them a great fit for the individual swapping out an existing ceiling fan that uses a wall control.


DC Motor: DC motors are the newer technology featuring increased energy-efficiency, quieter operation, more speed options and typically come with a complementary remote control, making them a future-proof investment


Selecting a ceiling fan with energy-efficient features will save you money in the long run. DC motors and smart home technology can enhance overall power-savings in your home which is an important metric to consider with electricity bills on the rise. Smart fans are becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to the added convenience as well as energy-savings that can be enjoyed. A smart ceiling fan can be controlled with a smartphone from anywhere in the world or hands-free with voice commands as well as the ability to be programmed to turn on or off at specific times, making them an amazing addition to any modern home.



Consider the Fan Style and Installation Location 

Ceiling fans come in various styles, including coastal, contemporary, and traditional. Additionally, most ceiling fans come in numerous colour and finish variations, giving you the ability to make a statement or integrate your fan seamlessly with other elements in your space. Consider where the fan will be installed and choose a style and finish that complements your home decor. 


Another important thing to consider is the installation location, specifically when you’re looking at installing a ceiling fan in an alfresco, balcony or porch. For outdoor cover use, keep an eye out for our range of outdoor-rated ceiling fans that have been constructed with increased durability for the outdoors. A lot of new ceiling fans to the market use rust-proof ABS which not only allows flexibility in design but also increased endurance against the elements.




Happy shopping!