How To Choose A Ceiling Fan For HDB?
Stylish and functional, adding a ceiling fan to any room is a great way to improve your comfort year round. Most people think of fans as ways to cool off, especially in Singapore where it is hot all year round. Other than just doing for comfort in a home, electric fans also lower the electricity bills instead of switching on air conditioner.
Unlike air conditioner, a ceiling fan does not lower the temperature in a room. What it does is allow the people in the room to feel cooler, thanks to the wind-chill effect. The rotation of the fan blades draws the stagnant air up from the room and creates air circulation. The movement of the air over the human body removes the heat surrounding the skin, and this allows the body to release more heat. This mechanism makes a person feels cool.
As explained, to ensure better cooling effect, we need better air circulation. Therefore, we need to consider several factors when choosing a ceiling fan for HDB. Do take note that there are several ground rules for appliances installation in HDB.
- Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC)?
AC (Alternating Current), which is electrical current which reverses direction and DC (Direct Current), which, as its name suggests, electrical current which only flows in one direction.
DC motor ceiling fans promises lower power consumption and hence better energy savings as compared to AC motor fans. They are also quiet. They will often have more speed options, the reverse function on the remote, and are generally faster to start, stop and change speed. AC models are cheaper than equivalent DC models, which means your initial cost is high. Besides, AC fans usually come with a wall controller, pull cord or remote, while DC fans can generally only be controlled by remote. Remotes are more likely to be lost, broken, run out of batteries.
- Light or Without Light?
Choosing a ceiling fan with lighting is a matter of personal preference. Ceiling fan with light provides a convenient package that cools down and brighten the room at the same time. It is most suitable for Singapore homes as our rooms usually only have one electrical point. If the fan is located in a space with good natural lighting or with sufficient light points, you may consider buying a ceiling fan without a light kit. Else, ceiling fan with light is a wise choice. Today’s fans offer a range of lighting sources, including halogen, fluorescent, and LEDs.
- Flush Mount or Standard or Extended Downrod?
If you are staying in an HDB flat, please take note the weight of a suspended ceiling fan shall not exceed 35 kilograms and height clearance of the fan shall be at least 2.4 metres above floor level.
As HDB flats are usually around 2.6 metres tall. If you have a false ceiling in your HDB, you may need to consider flush mount ceiling fan. A standard application is intended for rooms where the ceiling height is 8 feet to 10 feet. The fan is installed with the use of a downrod. A non-standard downrod is used when the ceiling height is greater than 10 feet. The design is simply a pole-like thing that suspends your fan from the ceiling. Generally it is recommended to be at least a 2.3-2.8 metres clearance for the ceiling fan to be properly effective.
- Blade size?
Even though more blades can generate more air flow, they also create a stronger air resistance. It is important to choose the correct size of fan relative to the area of the room/space. A fan which is too small will leave the outer space hot, and it will also struggle to move air. A fan which is too big for the space will lead to poor fan efficiency and waste energy. You need to look for a ceiling fan with a blade span that matches the room’s surface area and height. Below are the guidelines for reference. Ideally, we recommend a clearance of at least 20 inches around the fan for good wind flow and performance. That means 20 inches away from the side walls/L-box/ cupboard.
For room size below 100 square feet (typical old HDB 4R common bedroom) – use size around 44”
For room size 100 to 200 square feet (typical old HDB 4R master bedroom) – use size around 50”
For room size 200 to 350 square feet (typical old HDB 4R living & dining room) – use at least 54”
Installing a ceiling fan can be a tricky task. A ceiling fan must be carefully wired and installed into the electrical system of the home and secured to ensure home safety. Luckily, Winway Home Services can help by offering professional ceiling fan installation services. To ensure safe ceiling fan installation and operation, contact Winway Home Services at +65 9734 1593.
If you need to buy a fan, you may choose from the catalogue above. Price include installation. Whastapp +65 9734 1593 for further enquiry.