Ceiling Fan Direction and Size Guide
In summer, run your ceiling fan counterclockwise, looking up at it, to push cool air down on you. In winter, run it clockwise on low to push warm air from the ceiling back down the walls.
How to change the direction
Most fans have a small switch on the motor housing, just above the blades. Turn the fan off, wait for it to stop, flip the switch, and turn it back on. Many newer fans change direction from the remote.
What size fan for each room
- Rooms up to about 12 by 12 feet (most bedrooms): 42 to 48 inch fan
- Rooms up to about 18 by 18 feet (large bedrooms, family rooms): 50 to 54 inch fan
- Bigger open rooms: 56 inches and up, or two fans
Leave at least 7 feet between the blades and the floor.
Putting a fan where a light was
A fan is heavy and moves, so the box in the ceiling must be rated to hold a fan. A regular light box can pull loose and wobble. Our electricians swap the box and hang the fan in most rooms in a single visit. If there is no light there now, we can add wiring for a new fan.
See our ceiling fan installation page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a ceiling fan where a light fixture was?
Usually yes, as long as the ceiling box is swapped for a fan-rated one. Our electricians do this in most rooms in a single visit.
Why is my ceiling fan wobbling?
Most wobble comes from loose blade screws, a blade that’s bent or out of balance, or a loose mounting bracket. Tighten everything and try a balancing kit. If the fan shakes at the mount, the box may not be fan-rated. Turn it off and call an electrician.
How do I install a ceiling fan?
If a fan is replacing a light, the box in the ceiling has to be rated to hold a fan, because a regular light box can pull loose from the weight and wobble. If there’s no fixture there now, or you want a separate wall switch for the fan and light, hire an electrician.
What size ceiling fan do I need for a bedroom?
For a room up to about 12 by 12 feet, a 42 to 48 inch fan works well. Bigger bedrooms, up to about 18 by 18 feet, need a 50 to 54 inch fan. Leave at least 7 feet between the blades and the floor.
Serving Central New Jersey
Spartan Home Pros is a locally owned and family operated, licensed and insured electrician and HVAC service company with offices in Hazlet, Bridgewater and Chatham, serving Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Morris counties. Flat upfront prices, 450+ 5-star Google reviews, and a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee. Call or text (908) 287-2187.
