Selecting the Right Fan

The more space between the blades and the ceiling, the more effectively your fan will circulate and distribute air. However, building codes require that the blades of a ceiling fan must be at least 7-feet above the floor. Generally, we recommend hanging the fan as far down from the ceiling as is visually appropriate, while maintaining the 7-foot blade clearance above the floor. When dealing with higher ceilings, one-third the distance to the floor is a good guideline. We generally recommend one of the hugger models for 8-foot ceilings. Keep in mind that optional light kits may add several inches to the overall length of the fan.

The blades on certain Modern Fan models (Cloud and Halo) are positioned at the top of the fan body. When hung with the shortest down rods provided, the blades on these models are very close to the ceiling, reducing the volume of air moved. Consequently, these models are best suited for ceiling heights that can accommodate use of a slightly longer down rod. The longer profile of the Lumina fan requires a ceiling height of at least 9-feet and is best suited for even higher ceilings.

In most cases, the 50-inch, 52-inch or 56-inch blade spans are recommended. For those interested in a larger blade span, the Torsion is also available in a 62-inch configuration. The 42-inch or 46-inch blade spans should be reserved for smaller rooms or narrow spaces (10-foot-by- 10-foot and smaller) or when airflow to the area above the blades is blocked or restricted by architectural elements (beams, walls, cabinetry, etc.). Occasionally, two 42-inch fans may be a desirable alternative to one 52-inch fan. Modern Fan's Altus and Cirrus models are also available with a 36-inch blade span for exceptionally small or narrow spaces.

The U.S. Department of Energy and federal legislators recently banned the use of Medium base incandescent light bulbs in ceiling fans. As a result, we now offer most of Modern Fan's products with a choice of G9 candelabra Halogen or energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). A few models use candelabras or GU-10 halogen lamps. While Modern Fan's CFLs provide color-balanced, warm light, 75% energy savings and lamp life up to 10 times longer than incandescent (tungsten) or halogen bulbs, they are not dimmable. The Aurora, Aurora Hugger and DC Slim are only available with fluorescent lamps.

Modern Fan's fan lights generally function well as a primary light source for a space, but may not be satisfactory as the only light source in a room. This will depend on factors such as room size, wall/ceiling color and intended use of the space. Be sure to evaluate the wattage listed for each fan light and the amount of light your space requires. When evaluating fluorescent solutions, you can multiply the lamp wattage by four (4x) to estimate the light output in terms of an incandescent (tungsten) or halogen equivalent.

Modern Fan's fan lights generally function well as a primary light source for a space, but may not be satisfactory as the only light source in a room. This will depend on factors such as room size, wall/ceiling color and intended use of the space. Be sure to evaluate the wattage listed for each fan light and the amount of light your space requires. When evaluating fluorescent solutions, you can multiply the lamp wattage by four (4x) to estimate the light output in terms of an incandescent (tungsten) or halogen equivalent.

Modern Fan's fans do not use pull chains (except for the Industry model). Therefore, in order to operate your fan at different speeds and to switch the light independently of the fan, you need to select the appropriate control.

Unless stated otherwise, all Modern Fan controls are designed and intended for operation of a single fan or fan and light. The #009A and #009B controls are available for controlling multiple fans, however separate switching must be planned for any lights associated with grouped fans.

Whether Modern Fan or third party controls are used, it is critical that theproducts are operated with "fan speed controls" and not generic "dimmers" or rheostats. Dimmers and rheostats intended for operation of light fixtures will cause motor noise and may shorten the life of the fan motor, voiding the warranty.

The Stratos fan requires use of an optional adapter (#SAS) for sloped ceilings, which will accommodate slopes up to 31 degrees.

The Pensi fan and all hugger models do not adapt to sloped ceilings. The #LHK hugger kit (for the Lapa) is also for use on flat ceilings only.

All other models hang from a ball and socket mechanism that allows for installation on ceiling slopes up to 33 degrees. The #045 slope adapter can be used for ceiling slopes that exceed 33 degrees and up to 45 degrees.

Ceiling fan manufacturers are required by federal law to publish the energy information for their products in a standardized format, including watts used, cubic feet of air moved per minute (CFM) and a resulting CFM per watt efficiency value. The test results are gathered in a controlled environment and are intended to help consumers and specifiers compare products. However, keep in mind that in a real world installation there are a number of additional factors that will affect air movement patterns and volume.

All Modern Fan products move air in the upper range of fans on the market. While emerging DC motor fans (like the DC Slim) are reaching new levels of efficiency, it's important to remember that all ceiling fans are inherently efficient and use very little electricity to begin with. Choosing fluorescent lamps instead of incandescent (tungsten) or halogen equivalents represents the greatest opportunity for energy savings.

All Modern Fan models are rated and marked as "Suitable for Damp Location." While you can expect years of trouble-free performance from these fans when installed in humid or coastal environments, the degree to which the appearance of a fan may be impacted by the environment will vary widely. A fan's specific finishing process as well as the intensity and nature of exposure that it will encounter in a given application will directly affect the longevity of its finish and appearance. A damp rating does not address specific finish durability, nor does it assure that corrosion will not occur in exposed locations. Closely consider these factors when selecting fans for use in damp locations. A diligent maintenance program, initiated immediately after product installation at a frequency necessary to avoid salt deposits on the fan surface(s) for prolonged periods of time, is the best defense against corrosionand oxidation.

The brushed aluminum and galvanized finishes will typically outlast all others in Modern Fan's collection. These surfaces will not rust or peel, however, they will weather as a result of oxidation and exposure to salt or other corrosive conditions. The bright nickel and matte nickel finishes are also well-suited for exposure to reasonable conditions, but may show signs of weathering more quickly and visibly. The coated finishes (gloss white, textured nickel, dark bronze) may be subject to peeling over time when exposed to sun, salt and/or other environmental conditions.

An additional consideration is blade construction. Over time, plywood is subject to warping and/or delamination. While fan blades are easily replaceable when necessary, the injection molded plastic blades supplied with the Velo, Velo Hugger and Pensi fans will generally outlast the plywood blades supplied with all other Modern Fan models.

Modern Fans are not rated, nor intended for use in applications classified as Wet Location.