Outdoor Fans

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and it measures how fast air can move in a specific area. The higher the CFM performance, the more air can be moved throughout your outdoor space.

A good place to start is at 4,000 to 5,000 CFM for most spaces. This offers more than adequate airflow to keep people cool during the summer. For larger or hotter spaces, you can look for 6,000 CFM or more to achieve the same effect.

The main issue is with energy efficiency. While you want to keep people comfortable, running a high CFM fan for long periods of time can increase your utility costs. Before making the purchase, consider how often you’ll be using the fan as well as the space it will be facing. Smaller spaces might not require higher speeds and can still achieve the cooling effect when used sparingly.

You can use an indoor fan in outdoor spaces, but it won’t have the same protections or effects as outdoor fans. A lower CFM and the lack of a wet rating can render indoor fans useless in an outdoor setting.