3 vs 4 (or more) blade ceiling fans

[teller80]

Other than looks, is there a difference between them? Does one cool better than the other? I'd think the more blades the better the airflow, but it seems the more modern ones have only 3 blades. Why would they make them with less blades if they didn't cool as well?

 

[Luvchefmic]

Other than looks, is there a difference between them? Does one cool better than the other? I'd think the more blades the better the airflow, but it seems the more modern ones have only 3 blades. Why would they make them with less blades if they didn't cool as well?

We have both. I don't think it makes a difference. Full disclosure I hate the filthy dust collectors and haven't turned them on in months. There's a reason there are all those Swiffer commercials about cleaning those things.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I don't know. Mine were chosen by the previous owners of my house, and all have five blades. But I agree - I hate cleaning them. Maybe that's the advantage to three?

 

[Gumbo4x4]

The fans all move about the same amount of air. The 3-blade fans will have slightly larger blades & may even be pitched at a different angle (we sell multiple versions of the same fan body here). It's all about the look.

 

[Meriweather]

4 of ours are going now and have been for a month or so. They will stay on until, probably, Oct.
They are all 5 blade and I have never had any others, so not sure how they compare.
I use the swiffer cleaner for them and it is very easy to clean them.

 

[eliza61]

I think it's simply about the look. I've got both. Never had any issues cleaning them. I haven't noticed them getting any more dirty than any other furniture in the house. I dust them when I dust the rest of the furniture, lol probably less.

like Meriweather, I use a swifter. easy breezy.

 

[Happy Snowman]

I thought that fans with more blades were supposed to be quieter?? Not sure I guess.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

If you have a cathedral ceiling that is a bit slanted, the fans with more blades will generally "hang" better then those with three. You will not get as much swaying in the fan because the weight and additional blades will provide more balance. If you have flat ceiling installation I'd imagine it is simply what look you prefer in those instances.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

If you have a cathedral ceiling that is a bit slanted, the fans with more blades will generally "hang" better then those with three. You will not get as much swaying in the fan because the weight and additional blades will provide more balance. If you have flat ceiling installation I'd imagine it is simply what look you prefer in those instances.

Actually, the more blades, the tougher it is to balance the fans. We send extra balancing kits to customers of 5-blade fans all the time.

Additionally, all the 5-blade fans we stock are 14-16 pounds where the 3 & 4-blade fans we stock range from 17-22 pounds depending on model. So, I would not assume a 5-blade fan is automatically heavier than a 3-blade fan.

 

[Goofy_Disney_Dad]

Actually, the more blades, the tougher it is to balance the fans. We send extra balancing kits to customers of 5-blade fans all the time.

Additionally, all the 5-blade fans we stock are 14-16 pounds where the 3 & 4-blade fans we stock range from 17-22 pounds depending on model. So, I would not assume a 5-blade fan is automatically heavier than a 3-blade fan.

That's interesting to read. I've had excellent luck using what I wrote as a guide and just assumed it would be the same in most instances. Thanks for setting me straight. Guess that explains why I pay to have them installed instead of doing it myself.

 

[LBIJim]

I think all our ceiling fans are four blades. I saw a really neat two blade fan at Lowe's. Two curved blades, like scimitars. Looks like it would make a good horizontal guillotine.

As for cleaning ceiling fans, you're SUPPOSED to do that????

 

[NFLDERS]

We went to a 3 blade (over eating area) in our downsize, and I think it's quieter. It's also smaller in blade size.

 

[Meriweather]

Our 5 blade fans are 8 years old and they are completely silent and have never needed to be rebalanced. They were installed when the house was built and we did upgrade them.