Hundreds of Articles on Home Repairs and Do it Yourself Home projects


Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House


Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries and the modern ceiling fan as we know it today has been used since Victorian times. Savvy homeowners use the ceiling fan in every room imaginable. They like their looks as well as how comfortable they make them feel. Why keep all of this style cooped up inside? Take the ceiling fan outdoors to the patio for a focal point of a great outdoor room. Look at your patio furniture and the style of home before you purchase an outdoor ceiling fan. If you own a log home, you wouldn't want a futuristic black enamel ceiling fan or the contemporary pastel home in South Beach may not look good with dark oak fan blades. A Victorian mansion speaks of a matching outdoor ceiling fan that fits the period of the house. You get the idea, common sense and your decorating style will dictate which fan you go with. Lighting kits are available for these fans but I prefer your outdoor lighting to come from other sources. My husband and I think it feels much cozier when a glaring ceiling light isn't shining on us. There are great looking area lamps and sconces that will compliment your ceiling fan. Let a fan be a fan when it comes to the patio.

Since your fan will be outdoors it is going to be exposed to the elements for most of the year. When they are on the patio there is little heating or air conditioning and the fan can be exposed to large amounts of humidity and temperature change. The big difference between indoor and outdoor fans is that you need materials that are not affected by the elements. Choose resin and plastic for the outdoors. These materials stand up better to humidity and moisture. If the fan is wood or metal, they will need to be specially treated to stand up to rain etc. Another major part of buying a ceiling fan for your patio comes from reading the label. DO NOT buy a ceiling fan for the outdoors if it isn't given a "wet rating" from the manufacturer. These fans have specially enclosed housings for the motor that will protect it as well from the elements. Trying to install an indoor ceiling fan outside is like leaving a lawnmower out in the rain. You would have lots of repairs, the fan just won't work right and it probably wouldn't be safe. Some very basic things you also need to consider before you buy are ceiling height and size of area. If the area of the patio is 100 square feet, a 36" fan would be ok. Choose a 42" fan if the patio is up to 144 square feet and 44" to 48" if the space is up to 225 square feet. Fans come as large as 60" to accommodate larger spaces. Generally your patio ceiling will be quite high, but if you are considering the fan for a porch setting, your ceiling clearance may demand a hugger style fan. These fans have no rods to drop down the fan blades creating a safe clearance. Nothing is scarier than walking into an area with a very low ceiling fan. Check to see the fan you have chosen comes with a remote control. Who can live these days without having control from the lounge chair? Just because your ceiling fan is outside doesn't mean you give up convenience. Ceiling fans aren't that tough to install and usually come with directions. If you don't feel like you want to tackle electrical issues or if you don't have enough support to hold up the fan, bring in the professionals. It needs to be installed correctly so it won't wobble, be noisy, or worse yet - unsafe.

Complete your outdoor room with great looking patio furniture and all of the garden décor that brings the setting to life. If you have a pool or hot tub you have now created a fantastic place to entertain guests and have fun with the family. Invest in the outside of your home as well as the inside. Your wallet will benefit and you will feel more comfortable at the same time.

Mae Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying ceiling fans, dehumidifiers, portable air conditioners, air filters and more. Her many articles can be found at portable-air-conditioner-4u/ceiling_fans.htm. She gives information and tips at portable-air-conditioner-4u/index.htm to help you save money and make informed buying decisions.


MORE RESOURCES:

Perth Zoo's elephants enjoy $5m home improvement
NEWS.com.au, Australia - 11 hours ago
PERTH Zoo's three elephants are now enjoying a $5m expansion to their South Perth residence. The newly completed $5million elephant exhibit redevelopment at ...


Newsday

9 home improvement projects for '09
Newsday, NY - 19 hours ago
Home improvement experts attribute it to the fact that these projects tend to be relatively small (on Long Island, $300 to $900 for a replacement window, ...


Home improvement Q&A: Proper care and bleeding of a radiator heat ...
News & Observer, NC - Jan 8, 2009
By ALAN J. HEAVENS - The Philadelphia Inquirer Question: Do know anything about radiators and boilers for the home? I'm not sure about proper bleeding and ...


9 home-improvement projects for 2009
Seattle Times, United States - Jan 3, 2009
A look at what home projects will allow folks to live better now and make the house more saleable later. By Karen Klages A bathroom remodel may make your ...


Saving energy & $$
Ukiah Daily Journal, CA - 6 hours ago
However, if you are concerned about your wallet, how do you save money on your energy bills without emptying your savings on home improvement projects? ...


Home design depression
Boston Globe, United States - Jan 7, 2009
The sad truth is, if I had an IV drip of Diet Pepsi I could spend all weekend watching HGTV, or any of the home improvement shows on the DIY Network, ...


Do thorough research before signing a home improvement contract
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 4, 2009
... the economy on shaky ground, it's more important than ever for homeowners to carefully screen the contractors they hire for home improvement projects. ...


BobVila.com

New Year's Home Improvement Resolutions
BobVila.com, MA - Jan 5, 2009
I dug headfirst into the home improvement projects I had left over from last year. Late fall was consumed with the downstairs bathroom renovation in which ...
How to save money on your home improvement project YourHub.com
all 2 news articles


Plan ahead to save money on energy, home improvement
Staunton News Leader, VA - Jan 3, 2009
And, thanks to a number of plastic storm window kits available at area hardware and home improvement stores, putting plastic over your windows is easier ...


Home Improvement Expert Don Zeman Dies
Los Angeles Chronicle,  USA - Jan 3, 2009
SAVANNAH, GA - Don Zeman, known to millions of radio listeners and television viewers across the country as "America´s Home Improvement Expert" died ...
News From The Homefront KEYC
all 3 news articles

Home-Improvement - Google News

home | site map
©  2006 Home Fixer Home Repair Home make over