Ceiling fans are a great way to cool your place in summer, lower energy bills in winter and add interest to a room all year long. But by their very nature, they are hard to clean.

According to retailer Warmiplanet, the typical range for ceiling fans runs from 2,000 to 5,000 CFM. And a good CFM for a 400-square-foot room is between 3,000 and 4,000—about what a 52-inch fan ...

If you have a vaulted or very high ceiling, you may need a longer downrod so the fan is closer to you. Fans should be installed 7 to 9 feet from the floor so you can feel the air movement.