Ceiling fans are popular for cooling rooms with minimal energy and also reducing the load on your HVAC system. If you love spending time outdoors, know they can be equally effective, but only when you purchase the right product. There are clear differences between indoor and outdoor fans. Here is a helpful guide to ensure you purchase the right one from a home improvement store.

Indoor Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans come with one of three ratings. Indoor fans will be “dry-rated,” meaning they’re only suitable for indoor use. It’s often because they’re made of high-grade furniture-quality wood that isn’t moisture-resistant. If installed outside, the fan blades would warp from the heat and humidity, becoming ineffective.

Since moisture is less of a concern, these fans can house far more electrical components than their outdoor counterparts. This often means more ornate lighting fixtures and lighting controls, such as dimming.

Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The other two fan ratings are “damp-rated” and “wet-rated.” Damp-rated fans are used indoors or outdoors in spaces where moisture can collect, such as a sunroom, uninsulated garage, or 4-season room. While they can withstand humidity, they’re still not designed for water contact and will warp. Rain will also damage electrical components and create a shock or fire hazard.

Wet-rated fans are designed for safe outdoor use in covered decks, pergolas, and other open-air spaces where they’ll likely get wet. Blades are often made of special plastics to handle temperature swings, snow, and rainwater. The light and electronics are also housed in waterproof containers.

If you’re shopping for ceiling fans in the Washington, IN, area, stop by A & R Home Center. This 10,000-sq. ft. home improvement store tailors to both professionals and DIYers, stocking a broad selection of products. For over 48 years, they’ve helped customers find household electrical supplies, lighting, HVAC supplies, plumbing supplies, and more. Call (812) 254-7018 to speak with a sales associate.