1. If your ceiling fan is not equipped with a light, consider purchasing a ceiling fan lighting kit that complements your fan. A light kit contains a light fixture and a metal fitter, which attaches the light socket(s) to the bottom of the fan. Shades are usually sold separately.
2. A downrod is a metal pipe which extends from the ceiling bracket to the top of the fan. Surprisingly, long downrods help stabilize fans and reduce the potential for wobble.
3. To calculate downrod length, subtract 9 feet from the ceiling height. This allows approximately 1 foot for the dimension of the fan and 8 feet for the fan-to-floor distance. If your ceiling height is 12 feet, for example, you need a 3-foot downrod in order to properly position the fan 8 feet above the floor.
4. Blade length refers to the diameter of the sweep created by rotating blades. Typical blade lengths include 30, 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, and 60 inches.
5. Reversible blades allow you to change the style of your fan whenever you like. Simply turn the blades over to expose the stained or painted finish you desire.
6. Ceiling fan accessories, such as remote controls, fan/light controls, wall controls, dimmer switches, and automatic controls, allow you to easily adjust fan speed and light intensity. A remote control is an especially convenient accessory, which can reliably operate your fan or light up to 40 feet away from the fan.
7. Installing a remote control for your new or old ceiling fan is an easy do-it-yourself project that doesn't require professional wiring. Remote control kits include a handheld transmitter for sending commands to the fan, and a receiver, which either hides inside the fan canopy or mounts just beneath the ceiling.
