Ceiling fan vs. standing fan: We asked pros which one is more efficient and there was a clear winner

Key Points

• Ceiling fans are better for cooling entire rooms, while standing fans work best for targeted cooling.
• Fans don’t lower room temperature but rather they create a cooling effect by moving air across the skin.
• Choosing the right fan size and motor type ensures better efficiency and comfort.

If you have an area of the house that’s missing a ceiling fan, and the temperatures are soaring, you’re likely trying to find a way to keep the space cool. This is where the decision of a ceiling fan versus a standing fan comes in.

Both are great at making the indoors feel cooler, so which one is best for you? We asked two professional electricians and HVAC experts for their take, and one was the clear winner.

Meet the Experts

• Darius Kordabadi is an electrician at Kord Electric.
• Jody Wright is the owner and service manager at Wright Home Services.

Is a Ceiling or Standing Fan More Efficient?

According to HVAC professional Jody Wright, ceiling fans are more efficient if you’re trying to cool an entire room since that is what they are designed to do.

Ceiling fans and standing fans both have different purposes when it comes to heating. Wright says standing fans are more efficient at trying to cool one person in one particular area, so they don’t make sense if you’re trying to cool a whole room.

One thing to keep in mind is that neither ceiling nor standing fans lower the temperature of the room they’re used in. Instead, they work by moving air across the skin, which is what makes the space feel cooler. If you’re more interested in the option that uses less power to cut down on your energy bills, you may be more interested in a standing fan.

“A standing fan can use less power, but it is better for targeted cooling in one specific area,” professional electrician Darius Kordabadi says. “In most cases, a ceiling fan is more efficient for cooling the feel of an entire room because it circulates air more evenly.”

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Ceiling Fan

Before you run out to buy and install a ceiling fan, here are a few things to consider.

Room Size

The best way to have a fan make you feel cooler in to choose the right size for the room. Kordabadi says a small fan in a large room will not move enough air, while an oversized fan may be unnecessary for a smaller room.

For small bedrooms or rooms, opt for 44- to 48-inch models. In large bedrooms and rooms, a 52-inch or larger model should do the trick. Most fan manufacturers have ideal room size printed somewhere on the box, so just make sure to check before you purchase.

Motor Quality

Second to size, motor quality is a big consideration our pros mentioned. Most ceiling fans have a motor that’s run either by AC (alternating current, not AC unit), or direct current (DC). These motors make a difference in efficiency and quietness levels.

AC motors are the most common and are the cheaper alternative, but DC motors are quieter. DC motors are also more energy efficient, so this tends to make them the better pick when putting them inside the home.

Included Lighting

While many ceiling fans come with lighting, not all of them do. This is another consideration to make if you’re wanting your ceiling fan to have integrated lighting so you can also choose the most energy-efficient light as well.

LED bulbs are your best bet for lights that are efficient since they use less energy and can be long-lasting. You also have the options to choose between colors of the bulbs to match your preferred ambiance.

Aesthetics

A lot of the mechanics and performance of a ceiling certainly matters, but don’t let that cause you to forget the aesthetics. Ceiling fans can easily become a focal point that accompanies your bed frame or couch.

Choose a fan that complements your style and looks good with the room’s design so it blends with its surroundings rather than sticking out.

Location Rating

There is something called a “location rating” all fans have that is important to pay attention to. These ratings all indicate what type of environment the ceiling fan is designed for, like for indoors or outdoors. There are three types of location ratings:

• Dry: The best for indoor rooms that are not exposed to rain or moisture.
• Damp: Best for covered porches or patios, or bathrooms that see higher humidity levels but no direct exposure to rain.
• Wet: Meant for completely open areas that are in direct line of rain, snow, or other weather elements.

5 Other Ways to Efficiently Cool Your Home

• Keep curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise.
• Change air filters regularly.
• Plant exterior trees that block sunlight.
• Maintain your home’s HVAC system.

All cooling efforts are futile if the cold air is escaping in gaps and cracks to the outdoors. Make sure the door sweep and threshold under the door are touching and there’s no gap between the two. Seal any openings where hot air could be coming in and cool air could be escaping.

Read the original article on The Spruce