Findings
Ceiling Fans in our compare table with the best bedroom performance deliver effective air movement at the lower settings without being too breezy, while models with good living room performance deliver a good amount of air movement at the highest settings. All the models on test are quiet at the low setting; some of the units become noisier at the highest setting.
If possible, try out in-store the ceiling fans you’re interested in buying , working through the settings to see if they suit your requirements. All but the two models with remote controls have three settings, so if the highest setting delivers a tornado blast that knocks you off your feet and the lowest setting provides atmosphere rather than air movement, you effectively have a fan with only one or two useable settings. Alternatively you can check to see if an optional remote gives you more choice on the speed settings.
Don’t DIY
An electrician shouldn’t have any trouble assembling the models on test – taking between 10 minutes for the Typhoon Stainless model, which had much of the fan pre-assembled, to about half an hour for the Savoy, with lots of small screws and grommets to put into place to attach the blades. Please note, a qualified electrician is required by law to carry out most installations and although we have heard of many instances where this is not being done CHOICE recommends an electrician to be used as this should avoid any issues down the track regarding safety or the warranty agreement. Basically, any time you are dealing with live wiring and the ceiling fans instructions aren't marked as suitable for installation by an experienced handyman, call the electrician.
Recently we had feedback from a CHOICE reader who had issues with the Hunter fans (not Hunter Pacific but HUNTER) and claims that the company says that the ceiling fans need to be installed by an installer experienced in Hunter fans specifically. If this is indeed true, this should be considered when making a purchase as it may introduce another level of cost and hassle.
Brands and models tested
2012 test includes the following 24 models:
- Atlas Acqua
- Beracove Elegance 24001
- Cinni Milano
- Fanaway EV01 Prevail 210899
- Hunter Cabo Frio 24234
- Hunter Carera
- Hunter Industrie II
- Hunter Pacific EcO2
- Hunter Pacific Attitude
- Hunter Pacific Concept II
- Hunter Pacific Icon
- Hunter Pacific Majestic Coolah
- Hunter Pacific Revolution
- Hunter Pacific Typhoon 316 Moulded
- Hunter Pacific Typhoon 316 Stainless
- Hunter Savoy
- Hunter Sonic
- Hunter Vista
- Intercept Ceiling Fan
- Lucci Futura Eco 210873
- Martec Orbital MCE276BN
- Martec Wraptor MFW120W
- Sapphire SAP1304BWHT
- Vento Sole
* Retractable blade model.
These models from earlier tests are also still available however results are not directly comparable with the current test results:
-
Airflow ACES56
-
Cinni Colonial
-
HPM Air Boss WATCF13AW
-
Hunter Low Profile III
-
Hunter Outdoor II
-
Hunter Pacific Aurora Alternatives 2
-
Hunter Pacific Sycamore
-
Hunter Pacific Typhoon Timber
-
Martec Envirofan
-
Martec Quadrant
-
Omega Airspace
-
Omega New Yorker
-
Omega Seattle
How we test
Performance is evaluated using our test program and quality requirements by a specialised external lab with a controlled test room measuring 4.5m x 4.5m x 2.4m high. The room has no furniture or heat source and has bare flat walls, floor and ceiling. Room temperature and humidity are measured before and during the tests to confirm their consistency for all tests. All fans are pre-conditioned by running on maximum speed for one hour. Fan rotational frequency is measured with a tachometer on each regulator setting. The instrument output is averaged over one minute for each reading. Measurements are completed for the highest and lowest regulator settings only. Total air delivery is calculated for both high and low settings. The temperature rise of the regulator and fan motor is measured after approximately 30 minutes of operating time.
Ease of use includes quality of installation instructions, use of the fan control and the ability to reverse the rotational direction of the fan. We also look at issues such as moving from one fan speed setting to another.
Noise (dBA) is measured in the test room on the lowest and highest regulator settings, as well as the highest regulator setting in reverse fan direction, using a sound level meter positioned one metre below the centre of the fan. The dB values are comparative only. A listening test is also used to describe the type of sound (“clicking”, “humming” and so on).
