Outdoor Ceiling Fans

How to Choose an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Check the outdoor rating first

The biggest difference between an outdoor ceiling fan and an indoor one is how it copes with moisture. Outdoor fans use materials and motor housings made for humid air and the odd gust of rain, and they carry an IP (ingress protection) rating to show it. The first number refers to dust and solid objects. The second refers to water.

An IP44 fan, for example, is protected against splashing water and suits areas with a solid roof overhead, like an undercover alfresco or a deep verandah. Exposed or beachfront spots need a higher rating, so check the IP rating and recommended location on each product page before you buy. Indoor fans aren't built for this job, even under cover.

Size and placement

Measure the covered area before you choose. For most alfresco spaces, a single fan centred over the lounge or dining setting does the job. Longer or L-shaped areas usually feel better with two fans, one over each zone, rather than one fan trying to reach both ends.

Ceiling height matters too. On a raked or high ceiling, a drop rod brings the blades down to where you'll actually feel the breeze. Your electrician can confirm the right mounting height for your space.

Motor, speed and controls

Many outdoor fans now use DC motors, which typically run more quietly and use less power than older AC models. They also tend to offer more speed settings, so you can keep a gentle breeze going through a long lunch and turn it up on a still, humid evening. A remote saves a trip to the wall switch every time the weather changes, and a fan with an integrated LED light can light the table without a separate fitting.

Planning the fan around your setting

Place the fan where people actually sit. If you're setting up a new area, choose your outdoor dining set or outdoor sofa first, then position the fan above it. Outdoor wall lights near the door or along the roofline make the space easier to use after dark. And if you're also looking at fans for inside the house, browse our indoor ceiling fans.

Installation and care

Ceiling fans that connect to your home's wiring need to be installed by a licensed electrician. Once it's up, wipe the blades and housing with a damp cloth, then dry them with a clean one to stop dust and salt building up. If you live near the coast or have the fan near a pool, do this more often.