Finding Cheap Outdoor Ceiling Fans

So you've decided to add a ceiling fan to that back porch overhang or gazebo, but now you're wondering how much all of this is going to cost. So before dashing off to the local discount home improvement center for some serious bargain hunting let's take a moment to make sure you understand what you're getting into.

An outdoor ceiling fan is a great thing to have to keep the mosquitoes at bay and otherwise keep you cool during those hot days and sultry evening. But remember to put safety first! You first have to make sure you're getting a fan that's actually made to be installed outdoors. Outdoor ceiling fans come in 2 types: Damp-rated for covered porches and other places where the fan will be sheltered from direct rain, and wet-rated fans which are designed to be exposed directly to the elements, including direct rain.

Determine which type you need, based on the installation location, then get out your tape measure and a paper and pencil. You need to make sure that the fan isn't too low or too wide. Keeping in mind that a standard ceiling is 8 ft high, measure the clearance from the floor to the mounting point.

- Ceilings lower than 8 ft will require a low profile, flush-mount fan to avoid interference issue with hats, big hair and heads.

- Ceilings higher than 8 ft are not a problem, but do offer choices. You may want to add a droprod to lower the fan closer to the 8 ft level, and you may need to purchase an angled mounting kit if the ceiling is sloped.

Also check the minimum clearance from the mounting point to the closest wall surface. Most manufacturers have a recommended clearance, usually 2 inches less than the minimum distance to the wall.

Next check out the available power. If there's an existing light you're all set, and if there's an existing light switch, you're in even better shape. Most low-cost fans can be controlled with separate pull chains for fan and lights. An existing wall switch allows you to control the fan and light ON/OFF from the wall, and the use the pull chains to control fan sped and lighting options (ON/OFF, how many bulbs are on with each pull, etc.)

So now that you've identified the type of ceiling fan you need to buy, the size and mounting height requirements and the available power situation, its time to head off to the discount home improvement center to find the best fan and the best price.