Table of Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Ceiling Fans
| Outdoor Fans | Indoor fans |
| Can be installed both indoors and outdoo ... | Can only be installed indoors |
| Damp-rated fans are suitable for humidit ... | Aren’t ideal for humidity or moisture-pr ... |
| Motor is encased in a weather seal | Motor isn’t weather-protected |
| They are weather-resistant | Are not weather-resistant |
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans?
Indoor ceiling fans have different qualities than outdoor ceiling fans, especially when it comes to withstanding the exterior elements. While an indoor ceiling fan is perfect for cooling your home inside, the motor and blades are not made for your outside living areas. Instead, you need to consider buying an outdoor ceiling fan.
Can I use a damp-rated ceiling fan outside?
The interior wiring for a damp-rated fan is protected and a non-corrosive cover is used over the motor. Damp-rated fans can also be used effectively in highly humid indoor spaces such as laundry rooms and bathrooms with showers. Why Can’t I Use My Indoor Ceiling Fan Outside? An indoor ceiling fan should never be installed outside.
What type of ceiling fan do I need for my Room?
Wet-rated: Wet-rated outdoor ceiling fans are specifically designed to withstand rain, wind, and snow. If your outdoor ceiling fan is going to be exposed to any moisture or wet elements, a wet-rated fan is required. This also includes partially covered areas where the fan may be unprotected from the weather.
Should you add an outdoor ceiling fan to your porch?
To prolong those days add an outdoor ceiling fan to your porch to keep those cool breezes blowing, even when the temperatures start to increase as summertime creeps into view. Adding a ceiling fan to your outdoor porch can be a fun project.
Can you use an indoor fan outside?
Just remember: Indoor ceiling fans can't be used outdoors. If you're going to install or replace outdoor ceiling fans, always make sure it has a damp or wet rating.
What happens if you put an indoor fan outside?
What Happens if You Use Dry-Rated Fans Outdoors? Indoor fans aren't built to withstand the elements, and even a little water can damage the motor, causing the fan to break down. Even worse, it can create a short and cause an electrical fire.
Do you need a special fan for outdoors?
It's important to use an outdoor fan in an outdoor area. If you place an indoor fan in an outdoor space and it gets wet, it can become an electrical fire hazard. Outdoor fans specifically have bigger blades than indoor fans because they offer more air movement in hot air.
Do outdoor ceiling fans keep mosquitoes away?
The short answer is yes, fans can actually work to help deter mosquitoes. According to research, the speed of the fan can help deter mosquitoes, which are naturally weak fliers.
What is the difference between an indoor and outdoor ceiling fan?
Indoor Versus Outdoor Ceiling Fans: What’s the Difference? You wouldn’t put your indoor furniture outside to face the elements—the same goes for your indoor ceiling fan. Indoor ceiling fans have different qualities than outdoor ceiling fans, especially when it comes to withstanding the exterior elements. While an indoor ceiling fan is perfect ...
What is an outdoor ceiling fan?
What Are Outdoor Ceiling Fans? There are two types of outdoor ceiling fans: damp-rated and wet-rated. Before you install a ceiling fan outside, you need to understand the difference. Wet-rated: Wet-rated outdoor ceiling fans are specifically designed to withstand rain, wind, and snow. If your outdoor ceiling fan is going to be exposed ...
How to contact a ceiling fan?
Learn more about the many types, styles, and brands of indoor and outdoor ceiling fans by visiting the ceiling fan experts at www.CeilingFan.com or by calling toll-free 877.724.2326.
Can outdoor ceiling fans be washed off?
Most outdoor ceiling fan blades are designed using ABS plastic so they do not get damaged or warped when exposed to the weather. Wet-rated fans can even be washed off with a garden hose. Damp-rated: These outdoor ceiling fans are approved for humidity and covered exterior spaces, but they cannot have direct contact with snow or rain.
Do outdoor ceiling fans need to be wet rated?
If your outdoor ceiling fan is going to be exposed to any moisture or wet elements, a wet-rated fan is required. This also includes partially covered areas where the fan may be unprotected from the weather. Wet-rated fans are sealed and their wiring is specifically designed to not short.
Can a fan be under a covered porch?
Even a fan under a covered porch may be exposed to rain —especially with wind. Therefore, these must be in enclosed, exterior spaces—such as an enclosed patio or garage. The interior wiring for a damp-rated fan is protected and a non-corrosive cover is used over the motor.
Can a ceiling fan cause a fire?
Even if the area is screened or enclosed, indoor fans are not rated or approved for any form of moisture. These ceiling fans can break or short—potentially causing an electrical fire—if allowed to operate in the elements. It is critical that you install the right type of fan for the area.
How to choose an outdoor fan?
When choosing the best outdoor fan, consider environmental factors. For example, select an option that can handle high winds if that’s an issue near your home. For houses that are located by the ocean, pick a fan that will last in a salty-air environment.
Why use a wet rated fan?
For a bathroom or laundry room, pick a damp or wet-rated fan to avoid damage due to moisture. You can also go with a wet-rated option indoors if you want a model that’s low-maintenance, easy to clean, and 100% protected against moisture. When choosing the best outdoor fan, consider environmental factors.
What is a wet rated fan blade made of?
Wet-rated fan blades are often made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic polymer. This lightweight material is durable enough to withstand wind, sun, and water over time, protecting the color and texture and preventing cracking and sagging.
Why do fans need damp rating?
Still, many homeowners prefer damp-rated fans because they’re available in more designs and materials, including all-weather plastic, steel, and wood that’s sealed against moisture. Plus, the blades are less likely to sag over time as long as the fixture is placed in a sheltered space, such as a covered patio.
What is a wet rated ceiling fan?
Wet-Rated Ceiling Fans. Designed to withstand contact with snow, rain, and water, wet-rated fans are highly durable. However, they generally come in fewer styles and designs than damp-rated or dry-rated options. Homeowners often install wet-rated fans under lanais, verandas, cabanas, gazebos, exposed decks or porches, pergolas, boat docks, ...
How to contact Hansen for indoor ceiling fan?
Whether you need an indoor or outdoor ceiling fan, reach out to us at (800) 201-1193. Our experts will help you choose the perfect option for your needs. For a chance to be featured on our Facebook page, share your best photo of a Hansen product in your home! Make sure to include the hashtag #HansenHome and tag us.
Can you put a dry rated fan in a bathroom?
However, they shouldn’t be installed in bathrooms, as a shower or bath will cause moisture to accumulate. Since dry-rated fans aren’t exposed to moisture and don’t need waterproof materials, they feature a larger variety of electronic components, designs, and hues.
Wet, Dry, and Damp Rated
Fans are either Wet-Rated, Dry-Rated, and Damp-Rated. This rating helps buyers differentiate the way the fans are built and where they should use a certain type of fan. These ratings are the main differences between fans because it determines the materials of the fan and the durability of the fan.
Indoor Fan
Indoor fans are important for homes that do not have air conditioning, and they work well in air-conditioned homes as they move the cool air around the home. Fans are nice to have inside your large and small living spaces to keep the air moving. They can also help to regulate the temperature.
Outdoor Fan
Outdoor fans are built to withstand weather and to work in any outdoor space you want. If you have a gazebo, patio, porch, cabana, or any other outdoor space, then you can find a fan for it. Fan companies make fans in many sizes, styles, shapes, and for any space.
Why do we need a breeze fan?
The breeze of a fan helps keep mosquitoes and other bugs away from your outdoor area. Before you install your fan, make sure it’s rated for the environment where you plan to use it. You can use regular indoor fans in rooms that are well-protected from the elements, for instance, an enclosed sunroom or a shed.
Can an indoor fan be used outside?
A regular indoor fan won’t work in an outdoor area. It’s not made to withstand wetness and bad weather. Your lovely indoor fan will soon rot, grow mold and disintegrate.
What is the best way to maximize space in an outdoor ceiling fan?
Lighting fixtures on your outdoor ceiling fan are a great way to maximize space, eliminating the need for a separate light. Adding a light kit to your outdoor ceiling fan can transform any space into a well-lit oasis.
Why do wet rated fans work?
Wet rated fans are made to handle intense moisture and the top of the fan is sealed to prevent moisture from getting in the motor. These types of fans work well for uncovered areas such as a pergola where rain or snow may fall directly on the ceiling fan.
How do I clean an outdoor ceiling fan?
Cleaning an outdoor ceiling fan is actually pretty easy! All you need is multi-surface cleaner and a microfiber cloth or rag. Simply wipe down each blade from top to bottom to get any dirt or dust off. Be sure to also wipe down the housing and fixtures too, because these parts can also accumulate dust.
What is a damp rated ceiling fan?
Damp rated ceiling fans can handle moisture but are designed to have a roof over their heads.
What is a remote control for a fan?
Remote Controls. Remote controls are a great alternative to a wall switch or pull-chain. If your fan will be installed somewhere like a patio where you’ll likely be relaxing, a remote control means you don’t have to give up your relaxation to turn your fan on!
Do wet rated ceiling fans come in contact with water?
Wet rated fans don’t usually feature light components since they come into direct contact with water. So if you’re looking to add airflow and light to the exterior of your home, go with a damp or wet rated fan.
