Search
Best →

How Fast Do Fans Spin?

Beth Huston Profile image

Written by:

Beth Huston
Updated August 16, 2022

Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More

Whether you have the best fans or the worst, they all work the same once you plug their power cable into the outlet. Their blades spin, producing a faster air speed that ventilates and cools an area. Today, we’ll tell you how fast fans spin.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Every fan is going to be slightly different, but there are averages. For a ceiling fan, you’re looking at between 50 to 200 RPM (rotations per minute).
  • There are a few different reasons why your ceiling fan might be slowing down when it comes to fan speed. Ignoring regular maintenance is the biggest.
  • You can maintain your fan speed by doing a few simple things. Regularly cleaning your ceiling fan is the most critical component.

What is the Rotation Speed of a Fan?

You’ve probably already learned how to change your fan’s speed setting, such as how to control ceiling fan speed. So, how fast they spin depends on your selected speed setting and the fan model. You can expect a ceiling fan to fall anywhere between 300 to 350 RPM (rotations per minute), which translates to roughly 43-50 miles per hour. A standing fan, however, is between 1300-2100 RPM, or 304 to 492 mph.

Insider Tip

You can keep energy bills to a minimum by keeping your fan on the lowest setting.

But the fan speed isn’t the only determining factor when it comes to cooling power; the CFM rating is also a factor. For example, you may want to know how many CFM is in a box fan.

Reasons for Slow Fan Speeds

There can be a few reasons your fan might not be spinning as quickly. You should always check the motor housing for any potential problems, such as wear and tear. A mechanical failure could be at play. However, not cleaning your fan is also a big reason why blade speed seems to be suffering.

Warning

You can damage your fan if you don’t clean the blades regularly.

How to Maintain Fan Speeds

Regular maintenance is the key to maintaining fan speeds. This is also how you can stop a ceiling fan from humming. Cleaning is a huge part of routine maintenance, so ensure that you give each ceiling fan blade a good wipe-down at least once weekly for best results. You should also have the fan serviced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

STAT: In 2020, the sales volume of ventilating fans in Japan amounted to approximately 6.61 million units. (source)

How Fast Do Fans Spin FAQs

How do I clean plastic blades on fans?

Cleaning your fan blades is easier than you might think. All you need to do is use a little cleaner and a microfiber cloth. You should also dust them regularly.

What happens if I don’t clean fan blades?

Unfortunately, you might end up with broken fan blades if you don’t clean them. This can lead to the destruction of your fan or a costly repair, depending on the type of fan you have.

Which fan has the best energy efficiency?

While every fan is different, you’ll typically find that box fans have pretty excellent energy efficiency. They use a small amount of power, but they can make a huge difference.

Is there a ceiling fan that spins the fastest?

Non-reversing ceiling fans tend to have higher rotations per minute than other types. If speed is essential to you, that’s the type to invest in.
Beth Huston Profile image
Beth Huston
Beth has an eye for all things editorial, overshadowed only by her drive to understand everything through dedicated research. You can find Beth reading fantasy in her spare time… especially if it’s by Brandon Sanderson.