What Size Ceiling Fan For Outdoor Patio

Summer is a time for gathering together for great conversation and cocktails. But, if you've ever sat on a hot, still patio, you know how miserable it can be! NOT FUN! That is why adding a ceiling fan to your outdoor space is essential.

Now, we know we need outdoor patio fans, but picking one out can be daunting. What kind of fan do I need? What ceiling fan sizes should I consider for my patio?   Does the fan compliment my outdoor patio ceiling height? Rest assured, we've got you covered! 

This blog will help you understand the benefits of investing in a ceiling fan for your outdoor patio and how to calculate the right size fan for your space. As a result, you'll be left feeling cool and confident in your ability to pick the ceiling fan for your outdoor space!

Benefits of investing in outdoor fans for your patio

There are great benefits to having a ceiling fan for your outdoor patio space. Nobody wants to invest money to have a beautiful outdoor patio only to find that it is miserable to sit out there. That would be horrible! Adding outdoor ceiling fans will help circulate the air underneath, leaving you and your guests feeling 8-15° cooler. With this simple solution, you can finally sit outside and enjoy your patio space.

In addition to providing you with a much more comfortable outdoor space, it will also help keep those pesky flies and mosquitoes away. Big win! Plus, it will cut down the moisture build-up on your patio slab due to humidity. All of this is achievable at an affordable price point, costing you practically nothing to run.

How to calculate the right size for your patio 

To determine the ceiling fan size you will need, it’s important to know the dimensions of your patio. 

First, figure out the square footage of your space by following this formula: Length x Width = Sq Ft. For example, if a patio is 10 feet long and 12 feet wide, multiply 10 x 12 = 120. That means the square footage of your patio is 120 square feet.

Knowing the square footage of your patio is only one necessary factor. You will also need to consider the openness of the space. Are there one, two, or three walls surrounding the patio? Is your ceiling completely covered? Is your ceiling sloped or flat? Do you have a high ceiling or a low ceiling? All of these variables dictate the size and configuration of your ceiling fan. If you have a large outdoor patio space, requesting help from a ceiling fan expert is the best way to help you determine the perfect fan size for your space.

In an open-air patio, we recommend you size up from what you would typically place in the same size room since there are no barriers for the air to circulate within. The air would continue to flow outwardly. 

Oftentimes, the ceiling is the only barrier in a patio. Sometimes, there may also be one wall that the patio roof is attached to. In this case, the wall is the only barrier that confines the downward draft brought down and out by the large ceiling fan. The wall will continue to move the air back up and circulate it through the blades of the fan.

What Size Fan Do I Need on My Patio? 

Use the following steps to help you determine the size of your ceiling fan.

If you have a flat ceiling, you will not need as much clearance. Most large outdoor ceiling fans will require a ceiling clearance of 10-12 ft (or more), depending on the size of the fan. If you have a gabled ceiling, you will need to have a drop rod attached to the ceiling fan. There are a variety of drop rod lengths available to accommodate the slope and height of your ceiling.

How many fans do I need on my patio? 

When determining how many fans you will need for your patio, consider the spacing between those fans. Depending on the diameter of your fan, you will take the diameter and multiply it by 3 to find the distance between each fan. For example, if the diameter of my fan was 6 feet, I would take 6 ft. x 3 = 18 ft. That means there should be 18 feet between each an

The distance from the fan to the wall should also be  1.5 times the diameter of the fan. For example, if my fan was 6 feet in diameter, I would take 6 ft. x 1.5 = 9 ft. That means my ceiling fan should be 9 feet from the wall.

Can I use an indoor fan outside?

We recommend that you do not use an indoor fan outdoors. Outdoor ceiling fans are built with a stronger material to withstand the external elements. For outdoor patio fans, look for a fan that is outdoor-rated and wet-rated or damp-rated. Outdoor ceiling fans require different materials and regulations to ensure they are safe in all types of weather. 

Check out our blog regarding the specific differences between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans.

Types of outdoor patio ceiling fans

When it comes to the number of blades on your fan, the choice is yours! The number of blades does not matter; it's all about theaesthetic you prefer for your patio space. The number of blades doesn't impact its performance, although it will affect its weight. Fans with fewer blades are lighter, which means they put less strain on the motor. A lighter fan can also extend the life of your motor and reduce energy costs over time.

One fantastic option for outdoor, covered patios is MacroAir's Lincoln Street fan. This 6-blade fan is not only a stylish option but is also highly durable with its glass-filled nylon blades, which are guaranteed not to droop, no matter the weather conditions. The Lincoln Street blade spans are available in 62", 72", and 84" diameters.  This fan suits various patio sizes and comes in black, white, and woodgrain finishes. The Lincoln Street fan combines a sleek look with powerful performance, and its weather-resistant design makes it an ideal choice for covered outdoor living spaces.

For those seeking a more industrial-style fan, MacroAir offers other great options like the AVD3 and AVD370. The AVD3, with its ultra-efficient direct drive motor and three lightweight anodized aluminum blades, is a fantastic energy-saving fan for outdoor use. Available in diameters ranging from 8-24 feet, it costs less than $0.50 per day to run.

The 6-blade AVD370 is another excellent choice for your outdoor space. This stylish fan ranges from 6-12 feet in diameter and costs a little more than a quarter per day to operate.

Each of these choices is powerful and reliable and will instantly enhance the comfort of your outdoor patio space.

How Do I Control an Outdoor Fan

Outdoor patio ceiling fans have many different options for controllers. Some fans offer smart controls that can connect through your phone using an app, while other fans offer wall switches or remote controllers. There are also digital and analog controllers depending on the fan model. 

Digital controllers use a screen that allows you to manage the fan’s direction and speed. An analog controller uses dials to control various settings, such as speed and direction. There are also upgrades available to adjust multiple fans with one controller. This is suitable for lar

What's Next

Summer is a time to gather together for beautiful weather! Be sure to keep your favorite people comfortable with the smooth air movement of a big outdoor ceiling fan. Consider all of the above factors to determine the best fan for your outdoor patio space. Plan carefully to ensure you have the most efficient and comfortable space possible—a space that will last for years to come!

If you need help finding the perfect fan for your outdoor patio space, contact one of our knowledgeable customer care representatives for help. They will find you the perfect solution that will leave you feeling comfortable and cool!

If you need help finding the perfect fan for your patio space, contact one of our knowledgeable customer care representatives to help you. They will find you the perfect patio solution sure to leave you feeling comfortable and cool! You won't have to worry about a thing!