It’s no secret that smart home technology is becoming a “must-have” feature in all modern homes. In 2019, 40% of consumers said that they had purchased at least one smart technology product for their home, and this number is projected to rise rapidly in the coming year.
Smart fans, in particular, are rising in popularity. Not only can a smart home ceiling fan significantly increase the comfort of your home, but they also make it far more energy-efficient.
However, not all smart fans are created equally. Review this simple guide before choosing a ceiling fan so you can feel confident you’ve selected the best one for your needs.
New Fan vs. Retrofit
The first thing you’ll want to do is decide whether you’re going to buy a brand new smart fan or a kit to retrofit the fans you already have. T
here are smart ceiling fan control kits on the market that connect through your home WiFi network and are controlled with a smartphone app. They’ll work with almost any traditional fan that has a remote control.
If you don’t have remote-controlled ceiling fans or you’re ready to get all the benefits that come with a full-featured smart fan, then you’ll want to choose a new fan. In this case, it pays to learn how to what size ceiling fan to choose and how to properly install your new fans.
Energy Efficiency
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, we spend around 12% of all energy expenditures on air conditioning! Ceiling fans can make your home feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter simply by circulating the air in the right direction.
Smart ceiling fans take this a step further with built-in temperature and humidity sensors that will control the speed and direction of the fan blades.
Integrated Lights
In almost all cases, you’ll want a ceiling fan that has lights built-in. For maximum energy efficiency, look for ones with built-in LED lights and also a dimmer switch that will give you a vast array of brightness options.
The top brands often have a smart ceiling fan switch that allows you to easily control almost all of the fan’s functions.
Control Options
There are often multiple control options for smart ceiling fans. Some to look for include:
- Voice control (ex. Alexa-enabled ceiling fan)
- Infrared (traditional) remote control
- Wall switch
- Smartphone app
- Schedule or timer
- Occupancy sensors
- Temperature / humidity sensors
You’ll want to make sure the one you choose has the options that are most important to you. This will help you narrow down your choices.
Connectivity
Finally, make sure you choose a smart fan that has the connectivity you want.
While you’ll need to flip a switch or pull a cord to make your traditional fans work, smart fans can run through your phone’s Bluetooth, your home WiFi network, or a smart home hub. If you choose the hub option, make sure the fan is compatible with the hub you already have in your home.
Shop for Smart Fans Today
Now that you know exactly what to look for when shopping for smart fans, you’re ready to start the buying journey. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We carry only the highest-quality ceiling fans and have a wide selection to choose from. Browse our inventory today!
