Ceiling Fans are a cost-effective way to keep rooms cooler in the Summer, without having to run an air-conditioner all day. Under Australian Law, your ceiling fans must be installed by a qualified electrician. Allyn White Electrical can supply and install both indoor and outdoor ceiling fans. We will ensure you get the perfect fan for your home or business. Australians love outdoor entertaining, and more of us are embracing the idea of the ‘outdoor room’ as an extension of the home. Much like indoor rooms, a ceiling fan in exterior areas creates a relaxed ambience while keeping the area cool on those scorching days and humid nights. An added bonus is that the breeze created by the ceiling fan deters flying insects. You can install a ceiling fan just about anywhere; such as covered decks, porches, gazebos and verandas all make great spots for a ceiling fan. Here are a few tips for hassle-free installation of exterior ceiling fans:
1. Check whether the fan needs to be in an undercover area
Ceiling fans come with three ratings, dry, damp and wet. Dry ratings are designed for indoor use only. They cannot be exposed to any moisture. They should never be used in outdoor conditions, or in a room where they will meet with moisture at any time. You’ll typically find dry rated ceiling fans in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms or foyers. Damp ratings are ideal for areas that have indirect exposure to moisture, water, rain or snow. They can handle moisture and dampness on occasion. They are great at keeping the air moving, circulating to keep you cool. You’ll find damp rated ceiling fans in bathrooms, carports, covered patios, screened porches, and kitchens. Wet ratings can handle all kinds of weather, from intense rain to harsh, salty ocean breezes. This fan is used to beat the heat all summer long. You’ll find wet rated ceiling fans in verandas, lanais, gazebos, pergolas and exposed decks.
2. Make sure there are sufficient walls for the air to bounce off
An exterior fan needs enough solid surfaces to allow the air to bounce off the walls and actually create a breeze. When the area has at least three walls and a ceiling, the fan can provide enough breeze to assist with personal cooling, much like a mild breeze on a summers day.
3. Choose the right blade type
Stainless Steel Stainless steel metal blade fans are a great choice for exterior applications as they are less likely to rust. The pitch of the blade also moves air more effectively in a large space. Whilst considered a good choice for exterior use, it is highly recommended that ceiling fans installed in exterior situations should be thoroughly treated before installation with a neutral oil such as ‘Steel Kleen’ and this should be repeated at least 4 times a year. If serious tea staining or corrosion occurs, use ‘Steel Power’ designed for use on stainless steel and follow with a ‘Steel Kleen’ oil treatment.
ABS Plastic and Acrylic The Altitude Eco & Revolution Ceiling Fans are both IP rated to IP44 and are specifically designed for use outdoors.
Timber It is widely considered that timber bladed ceiling fans are not suitable for exterior use. This is not necessarily so, as a timber bladed ceiling fan with an Aluminium motor, such as the Futura and Concept, are both suitable for exterior use. However, you must ensure the fan is fully undercover and note that the wooden blades will need to be cleaned more regularly and may need to be replaced.
As an electrical contractor, Allyn White Electrical does all kinds of industrial and commercial electrical installations and repairs as well as home electrical services and emergency electrical repairs. We are a small family-owned and run business with over 40+ years’ experience so please call us on 0416235641. We are here to help.
sources: beaconlighting, rsandrews, jimselectrical
