All Topics / Help Needed! / What should I look for in ceiling fans?

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  • Profile photo of surreyhughes19905surreyhughes19905
    Member
    @surreyhughes19905
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 204

    Hi,
    I’m building an investment property and decided that air cond is a bit pricey so I’m going for ceiling fans as they kill two birds with one stone: Cool the house and have light fittings.

    Now taken for granted I am getting fans the question is: What makes a quality fan?

    I’m looking at spending no more than $150 / fan which I know is possible. No obviously looks are part of the price but I’d rather get a fairly plain but neat looking fan that was quiet and effective than a flash fan that rattles and hums.

    So what sizes, what ratings for the engine and other component attributes should i look for?

    Surrey.

    Profile photo of lifeXlifeX
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    @lifex
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 651

    an electrician will cost a lot more than $150. Suggest you get a quote to install fan before you buy the unit[:D].


    Live, Learn and Grow

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    Profile photo of steve3556steve3556
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    @steve3556
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 40

    Hi Surrey

    I have got four fans in my place 3 are Wattmaster/Lansons from Laurence & Hanson elec wholesalers. The other is a Kmart cheapie

    The 3 bladed metal one is in the kitchen, easy to clean and pushes more air but you get the ‘chopping’ noise at high speed.

    The rest are 4 bladers in the bedrooms, they are quieter with wooden blades but less air movement.

    The Kmart special is the buzzer, l would not get another cheap fan.

    Steve

    Profile photo of jparsonsjparsons
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    @jparsons
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 91

    Hey Surrey,

    I am a sparky by trade…

    Knowitall is being a clown agian with this post:

    ++A g-unit type motor is the best rated motor. WInged blades are also good as they dont hum and rattle. I would not pay more than 50 bucks for a cieling fan. I have three in my living room and you wouldnt even notice the heat (im in cairns) You can also get a h-unit but are far to expensive.++

    G-unit? obviously he likes 50 cent too.

    O.K. you want to spend a bit of money, do not get cheap! 50 bucks is cheap and low quality.

    Depending on where you are, the electrician may charge you per fan.

    I work for myself, but not as an electrician, rather in property investment and renovations. The renovations that I do I put a standard looking gloss white timber remote control ceiling fan.

    I do not like flashy looking fans_ who wants a ceiling fan to be the feature of a room? not I!

    Remote control- doesn’t cost too much more, but in some cases may decrease the installation cost. If there is an existing light being replaced by the ceiling fan/light, no more cable will need to be run if you get a remote. As long as there is sufficient timber in the ceiling space to mount the fan to.

    I can get these fans for around $110inc GST. They are excellent quality. Maybe spend $80 – $130 at a guess.

    If you are in Brisbane let me know and I can source what you require. If not, let me know and I may still be able to point you in the correct direction.

    I hope this helps.

    J.

    Profile photo of xxxxxx
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    @xxx
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 31

    I’d still go for the reverse cycle air con – there’s a few sales on them now that summer’s over. I’m getting one put in an IP within the next month.

    You need to spend at least $100 for a decent fan. The cheapest “good” ones are beracove’s which have that s/steel look. Although i’ve had a few problems with their r/c they’re not too bad. I just bought 2 for $90 each including clipper lights but no r/c.

    My latest reno i’m using beracove in the BR’s and more stylish ones in the lounge (Martec brand which look exactly like the Concept brand but cost me $180 each, $280 with light and r/c).

    Typhoon are mid range quality and cost about $170 without light or r/c.

    Profile photo of surreyhughes19905surreyhughes19905
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    @surreyhughes19905
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 204

    Hey thanks everyone. Exactly the sort of info I need. Now I’ve got a few “buzzwords” to search the net on. I often find that the hardest part when researching something new.

    I’ll do a search for the terms G unit and H unit. I also like the idea that by getting a remote you don’t need to wire in extra controls. Sounds good.

    I’ll be getting the fans installed during the build so there will be an electrician on site wiring up the lights and kitchen and so on. I don’t expect there will be any particular extra cost in wiring in the fans at the same time.

    I’m not looking for flashy fans, just neat and tidy looking (better than bare light bulbs) and able to keep the occupants comfy in summer.

    If I come across anything in my searches I”ll post it here in case someone else does a search on cieling fans in the future.
    Surrey.

    Profile photo of lifeXlifeX
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    @lifex
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 651

    I’m a sparky too and have rarely heard the terms g or h units to describe the ceiling fans.

    You might be talking about the way the lead segments are arranged around the windings. An H shape would cost more than a g type to manufacture.

    I doubt whether a G or an H would have any relevance on the performance or durability of a ceiling fan as the bearings and physical outer construction would much more important.

    I have never ever heard of the lead segments wearing out whether you are talking G or H.

    Nice buzz words to impress customers in a shop but absolutely irrelevant when it comes to ceiling fan performance.

    ….Or are you talking about something else?


    Live, Learn and Grow

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    Profile photo of annaw2annaw2
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    @annaw2
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    Post Count: 178

    Have bought ceiling fans for own home and other investment properties over the past few years from electrical retailers and even Bunnings. None have cost over $50, all have been 4 blade and with lights. None have given any trouble, look good, are white and have a rattan look on the blades, and are quiet. A couple have been Martec as someone else mentioned. I wouldn’t put a remote in an investment property – tenants ruined a remote for an air conditioning unit in one property – replacement cost of $200.

    Anna

    Profile photo of MTRMTR
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    @marisa
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 663

    I would not give fans a second thought, give it away.

    Aircon, is the norm and it is expected these days in rental properties. Aircon can be cheap, shop around.
    I would also look at whether you could put the rent up to cover this and it will be a win all around. I would not be wasting time on fans.

    Profile photo of DDDD
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    @dd
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 508

    Marissa is right a cheap air con can add $10/wk to rent as well. So $500.00 for a 1.5 split system and $450 back to back install gets you a $10/wk hike which gets paid by the tenant in 2 years and its your tax deduction too.

    DD

    PS146 Certified Financial Planner and Buyers Agent
    Don’t sweat the small stuff,and it’s all small stuff!!

    Profile photo of lifeXlifeX
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    @lifex
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 651

    remotes for ceiling fans are usually fixed hard to a wall just as if they were hard wired.
    Much easier (cheaper) for a sparky to install and just as good.

    Annaw , Not to be confused with your “TV” idea of a remote like your friends air con unit.


    Live, Learn and Grow

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    Profile photo of jparsonsjparsons
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    @jparsons
    Join Date: 2005
    Post Count: 91

    Hey again everyone,

    Life X…….yes, the fans do actually have a remote control, similar to A/C,s etc. The bracket mounts on the wall where you can store the remote comtrol. You can pick it up, out of the bracket and put it wherever….a full on remote. yes, it is cheaper.

    Though, as suggested if you are doing a new house it will only cost a couple bucks more for the cable, the same amount of time in labour.

    I really do suggest staying away from cheap, that goes for most items. Sure, look for quality and get it cheaper! I know fridgeys(refrigeration mechanics) who just won’t install some split systems because they have a higher chance of call back for maintenance and warranty issues.

    Marisa-it is good to “waste time” on ceiling fans. They use much less power, and a/c is not always required in many locations. Such as queensland- it is warm overnight, but only a fan is required. It is often good to go with ceiling fans and a/c.

    LifeX- on earlier post- G and H units. Correct, non existant…”Knowitall” posted that one. He talks c*@p. Sorry for the direction that may have sent anyone on.

    xxx- beracove had a batch problem with their remote control units, maybe yours was in that batch.

    Hope this helps.

    J.

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