Modern ceiling fans actually date back to the late 19th century, when an inventor named Philip Diehl adapted an electric sewing machine motor to rotate a large fan with paddle blades and mounted it on the ceiling. In addition to installation in factories and hospitals, by the early 20th century, these fans had become widely popular in homes too.
Today, the ceiling fan is still a highly effective, energy-efficient addition to homes. Here are some criteria to help you evaluate various name-brand fans on the market:
Airflow of Ceiling Fans
This factor represents the amount of air the fan moves at maximum speed setting. Fan airflow is rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The specification can usually be found printed prominently on the fan’s box or in the manufacturer’s data online. The higher the CFM, the more air volume the fan moves. An average ceiling fan for an average-size residential room typically has a CFM around 4,000.
Energy Efficiency of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling-fan efficiency is calculated by dividing the CFM airflow by the fan’s electrical consumption in watts. The resulting numeral is called the Airflow Efficiency Rating and is typically indicated on the fan box or in the manufacturer’s specifications. The higher the Airflow Efficiency Rating, the more energy efficient the fan is.
Other Aspects of Ceiling Fans
Blade Size. The diameter of a fan’s blades helps determine suitability for rooms of various sizes. Fans with blades in the 42- to 44-inch range accommodate rooms from 140 to 225 square feet. 52-inch fans — generally the best-selling models — are appropriate for rooms sized from 225 square feet up to 400 square feet.
Wet or Dry? If your ceiling fan will be installed in a bathroom or some outdoor location such as a covered patio or porch, look for a unit with a UL rating of “Damp” for bathroom use or “Wet” for outdoor use. These models typically integrate motors that resist moisture and have rustproof hardware and all-weather blades.
To evaluate ceiling fans and make an informed buying decision, talk to the pros at Paitson Bros., keeping Wabash Valley homes comfortable in all seasons for a century.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922