Share
Hi @Lee777,
The first thing to consider is the location where the fan will be mounted. Does your alfresco area have a solid roof, or is it more like a pergola? This makes a big difference because the ceiling structure needs to be able to support both the weight of the fan and the forces it applies when running. In some cases, the roof or pergola beams may need reinforcing to handle the fan safely.
If there’s no suitable overhead mounting point, you could consider a wall-mounted fan instead. Either way, the fan must be rated for outdoor use. This ensures it can withstand humidity, dust, and occasional exposure to the elements.
Once you know the mounting type, you can start thinking about performance. Consider how powerful the fan needs to be, which is usually related to the size of your alfresco area. A larger area will require a fan with a bigger blade span or higher airflow capacity. You can also choose how many blades the fan has; more blades often mean quieter operation and smoother airflow, while fewer blades can move more air at a higher speed.
Finally, there’s the style and finish. Outdoor fans come in a range of designs to match your alfresco decor, from sleek modern looks to more traditional styles.
If you can share a few more details about the space, for example, its size, whether it’s covered, and how you usually use it, I can provide more tailored advice. And if you have photos, that would be useful for our members as well.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Hello @Lee777
Just a friendly reminder that any electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician for safety and compliance.
There are a limited number of ceiling fans that are rated for outdoor use. Unfortunately, none of them are Smart or Wi-Fi capable. In saying that there is a work around, I propose asking your electrician to install a weatherproof housing where you can install a TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug or similar to your outdoor fan and link it to your network. My best advice is to make sure that the fan you choose is rated for outdoor use.
A good example is the Brilliant 132cm Black Matt Grace 4 Blade DC Ceiling Fan with Remote And LED Light. It comes with an LED light and has 4 blades, it's specifically designed for outdoors with a rated air movement of 11,200m3/hr.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
