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A buyer's guide to fans

By Bunnings magazine / Summer 2021

A modern living room featuring a timber dining table, grey lounge, cream brick fire place and a white ceiling fan.
Narrow down your search for the right fan with a helping hand from this simple buyer’s guide.

 

What you need to know

A one-time investment in a ceiling or pedestal fan will pay off when it comes to reducing your cooling and energy bills. These tips will help you find the best fan for your space and budget.

Electrics 101

Know your DCs (direct current) from your ACs (alternating current). DC is the latest wave of fans, which are quieter and use up to 70 percent less energy. AC motors connect directly to the power source, whereas a DC motor connects via an inbuilt electronic converter.

Number of blades

Fans with more blades are quieter, while those with fewer blades create a bigger breeze.

Reverse it

For winter warmth, look for a ceiling fan with a reverse cycle program, which will rotate blades in a clockwise direction at a low speed to drive warm air down from the ceiling.

Time your use

Fans cool you by blowing air across your skin, evaporating tiny droplets of moisture; so, they only work when you’re in the room. Fans with a timer, such as the Mistral pedestal DC fan, mean you won’t forget to turn them off.

Make a statement

A fan can be a design feature. Try the Brilliant Coro indoor/outdoor fan for a Hamptons look.  A fan can also make the most of a high-vaulted ceiling or a stairwell cavity, with a down-rod to suspend it at the right height.

Note: All ceiling fans should be at least 2.1 metres from the floor and at least 300mm from the ceiling. All electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.

If your energy bills skyrocket during summer…

Check out 5 of the best ways to reduce your cooling costs.

 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.