A new outdoor fan is an easy upgrade to enhance the style and comfort of your outdoor space, but there's one technical factor to look out for when choosing an outdoor fan: the rating.
We have three different types of outdoor ceiling fans depending on where your space is located, from covered patios to pergolas in areas that are exposed to extreme weather.
The location of your fan does matter
You wouldn't put your TV out in the open, would you? Electrical components are not designed to get wet!
It is the same logic that must be followed with ceiling fans. In addition to cosmetic issues like rust, malfunctions and technical difficulties can occur if you don't choose the right outdoor fan for your space. Some fans are designed for direct exposure to water; others are not.
There are two American agencies that provide independent certifications for the safety and quality of products, including ceiling fans: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL). For this reason, you may see "UL Listed" or "ETL Listed" on the fan's box or online information.
These ratings fall into two general categories for outdoor ceiling fans: moisture rated and water rated. We went a step further and innovated WeatherMax® technology that is designed for tough weather elements like salty air and thunderstorms.
Moisture resistant ceiling fan
Damp-rated fans are ideal for covered outdoor spaces like patios and porches. Their ability to withstand exposure to moisture also makes them ideal for interior spaces like bathrooms and laundry rooms. Some of our favorite moisture-rated outdoor fans are the Kennicott, Solaria, and Mill Valley fan.
Our outdoor ceiling fans, including our moisture-rated fans, are tested to ensure that the fan's finish, blade finishes, and all fan electrical components can withstand the environmental elements you'll experience in an outdoor structure. deck.
waterproof ceiling fan
For outdoor spaces exposed to snow or rain, a water-rated fan is your best option. Some of our favorite waterproof outdoor ceiling fans for decks are the Mariner and Tidewater fans.
Waterproof fans are designed and manufactured to withstand direct contact with water and moisture, making them ideal for patios and pergolas. These fans are built with moisture-resistant motors and all-weather blades for long-lasting, reliable performance.
One of the tests that our moisture rated ceiling fans are specifically put through is the rain test. Our engineers use high powered hoses to simulate the fan being in the rain. During this test, the ceiling fan held nearly six full tubs of water!
WeatherMax (resistant to salinity + water)
WeatherMax ceiling fans are built for the outdoors with features and technologies that go beyond your average water-rated fans. WeatherMax designs are resistant to corrosion and salt air, perfect for beach properties or homes that get a lot of salt from snow trucks, while also featuring our SureSpeed® Guarantee for high airflow velocity performance.
They feature premium materials to maintain their shape and durable materials to maintain proper blade shape and pitch. As much thought goes into the technology as the design, so it's reassuring to know that fans like the Trimaran and Havoc will hold up for the long haul.
If you like the look of an outdoor ceiling fan , you can use it indoors too! However, you cannot use an indoor ceiling fan in your outdoor spaces. For more help on choosing a ceiling fan, check out our ceiling fan buying guide.
