Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Ceiling Fans
The weather’s getting warmer, and that means it’s time to get those fans whirring. If you changed the blade direction in the winter, change it back to a counterclockwise direction for summer. Are you planning to buy fans for your patio or other outdoor areas? SESCOS has a large variety of fans and is running a special on installation.
Ceiling Fans Have Three Different Ratings
All ceiling fans carry an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating. This rating has been in place since 1894. The UL rating can be dry, damp or wet.
Dry: These are rated for indoor use only. If you use an indoor fan outdoors, you can expect the blades to warp and the housing to rust. In the worst case, you’re running an extreme risk of fire. Stick to damp-rated and wet-rated fans for any outdoor use.
Damp: Damp-rated fans will work in any covered outdoor area like a porch, balcony or deck. They can handle indirect moisture and are the right choice for a bathroom, kitchen, garage or carport.
Wet: Wet-rated fans will work in any weather condition. They can stand up to wind, harsh rain and even snow. Use them on your lanai, pergola, pool area or exposed deck.
They’re Made from Different Materials
- Dry-rated indoor fans can be made from almost any material. They come in a huge variety of styles and colors. You can find fans made from wood, vinyl, metal, plastic, aluminum, and glass. Dry-rated fans give you the most options in terms of features and styles.
- Damp-rated fans are made from water-resistant materials, including coated metals. They also have larger motors to cool large outdoor spaces. You will find a good selection of finishes, mounting styles, and features in damp-rated fans.
- Wet-rated fans are usually made from stainless steel or from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic polymer. This is a strong, flexible material that won’t rust or warp. Wet-rated fans have fewer style options than dry or damp fans, but you can find some attractive ones.
Can You Use Wet-Rated Fans on the Beach?
If you’re looking for a fan for your beach house, choose one with stainless steel blades. Plastic polymer is tough, but it can’t withstand the corrosive effects of salt air. We recommend using stainless steel fans for indoor and outdoor use if you’re near the ocean.
Keep Your Cool
Stay cool and save some money this summer by keeping your ceiling fans clean and properly maintained. If you’re planning to buy more ceiling fans, talk to SESCOS about fast, expert installation.