Ceiling fans review 2008

Results tables

Performance table

Features and specifications table

Table notes

Price: Recommended retail price, as at September 2007.

na = Not applicable — can’t be reversed.
(A) Discontinued, but may still be available in some shops.
(B) The tested version had a pull cord, but you can opt for a remote control or wall switch instead.

Scores: The overall score is made up of:

• Ease of use: 20%
• Living room performance: 40%
• Bedroom performance: 40%

Living room performance: This shows the ability of the fan to move air at high speed. This setting is more likely to be used in a larger area during the day, and is likely to be noisier.

Bedroom performance: This shows the ability of the fan to move air at its lowest setting. This setting is quieter, and is most likely to be used at night, when a quiet environment is important for a good night’s sleep.

Noise levels: Measured on each fan’s lowest and highest settings.

Fan balance kit: This can help correct any wobbles, which can otherwise rob a fan of efficiency and lead to extra noise during its operation.

Fan control options: Options may include a pull cord control on the bottom of the fan, a wall switch that replaces the light switch if the fan has a light, or a remote control.

Reversing the direction of the fan: This feature draws air upwards rather than downwards, helping move warm air around in winter without creating a downward breeze in the room.

Ceiling fixture type: A J-hook makes installation a little easier but can only be installed on a flat ceiling. Fans with a metal bracket or plate can be installed on both flat ceilings and those with a slight slope.

Minimum fan height from the floor: The height needs to be 2.1m or 2.3m, depending on the model you choose. This means your ceiling would need to be at least 2.4m high. If your ceiling is significantly higher than this, you may need an extension rod to lower the fan to an optimal operation level.

How we tested

The performance of the fans was evaluated in a room measuring 4.5m by 4.5m, with a height of 2.4m. The room had no furniture, no heat sources and flat, bare walls, floor and ceiling. Room temperature and humidity were measured before and during the tests to confirm that they were consistent for all tests.

Testers measured the total airflow from each fan on its highest and lowest settings. They also measured the noise (dB) emitted when each fan was on its lowest and highest settings, using a sound level meter mounted on a tripod 1m below the centre of the fan. Results are comparative only — what you hear will be different in different rooms.

For ease of use, testers assessed the quality of each fan’s installation instructions, the ease of assembly, the use of the regulator (fan control), moving from one fan speed setting to another, and whether it’s possible to reverse the rotational direction of the fan.