Take the hassle out of controlling your fan with a new or upgraded smart ceiling fan! No more struggling with pulling fan strings or waking up in the middle of the night to change speeds. Smart ceiling fans are designed to automatically control your home's ambient temperature, and you can even connect them to smart hubs like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Smart Ceiling Fan Approaches
There are three approaches to achieving a smart ceiling fan:
- New Smart Ceiling Fan - These are completely new smart fans that replace your existing one. This is the most expensive option.
- Retrofit with a Smart Control Kit & Hub - Smart fan control kits and hubs use radio signals to remotely control your existing "dumb fan".
- Retrofit with a Smart Switch - Smart ceiling fan switches involve replacing your existing wall switch with a smart switch.
Top Smart Ceiling Fans
Whether you want to install a smart ceiling fan in your living room, bedroom, or patio, this fan is perfectly sized for medium spaces. With its stylish and minimalistic design, this fan combines four weather-resistant wood style finishes with 316 marine grade stainless steel elements, making it durable enough to withstand harsh climates.
Fig.1: The Modern Forms Wyn 52 Smart Ceiling Fan
Its RF wall control offers a wide selection of functions and can also be paired with up to 4 fans. Some of these key functions include fan on/off, fan speed adjustment with audible beep confirmation, light on/off/dimming, fan modes for winter/summer, and a kill switch.
What sets this smart fan apart is its compatibility with iOS and Android devices through proprietary downloadable apps. With smart devices, you can enjoy 7/365 scheduling, adaptive learning, fan grouping, and advanced smart home integration.
With up to 5 integrations, you can customize your fan to your heart's content. Integration options include Amazon Alexa, Google Home Assistant, Samsung Smart Things, Ecobee Thermostat, and Control 4 / Josh AI.
Tech Specs:
- Material: ABS and brushed stainless steel finish
- Blades: 3 nickel-plated plastic blades
- Motor: WhisperWind motor for smooth and powerful performance
- Reversible design for year-round use
- Integrated light kit and fan/light remote control
Top Smart Ceiling Fan Control Kits & Hubs
With the Bond Smart ceiling fan control, you can turn any of your home systems into smart ones. Whether it's your ceiling fans, fireplace, or curtains, you can easily activate your fan, control the speed, and switch on lights from the comfort of your sofa or bed using your iOS, Amazon Echo, Google Home Assistant, or Android device.
Fig.2: The Bond Smart Ceiling Fan Control Kit
Thanks to its Alexa- and Google-certified design, you can also voice-control your fans, shades, or fireplace. With a single Bond bridge device, you can control up to 30 devices across an area range of up to 2500 square feet. Control fans from different rooms and floors in your home.
To make operation easier, the Bond device doesn't require complicated installation. Simply plug the device in, download the app onto your phone, point your fan remote at the Bond device, and begin enjoying a smart home.
Tech Specs:
- Compatible with iOS, Amazon Alexa, Google Home Assistant, and Android devices
If you prefer a control kit that works with a wide range of regular ceiling fan brands, including Hampton Bay and Harbor Breeze, the Ostrich fan remote control kit is your perfect choice. With 4 separate buttons for fan control and timing remote setting and control, this kit offers convenience and ease of use.
Installation is simple, and the control kit is equipped with a DC/AC motor and an extremely low power load of less than 0.5W. By downloading the app on your phone, you can easily control your fan and enjoy smart ceiling fan operation.
Tech Specs:
- Compatible with most regular ceiling fan brands
- DC/AC motor for low power load
Another versatile option is the Chapo smart ceiling fan control kit. Its universal design allows it to fit up to 95% of regular ceiling fans and lights, converting them into excellent wireless control fans. The installation process is quick and easy, and the control kit comes with all the necessary tools for installation.
With multifunctional settings, you can customize the fan and light operations to your needs. Set fan speed, turn the fan and lights on and off, and even mount the remote on the wall near your bed or sofa for easy control.
Tech Specs:
- Universal design compatible with most ceiling fans and lights
- Multifunctional settings for fan and light operations
Top Smart Ceiling Fan Switches
If you prefer to upgrade your existing ceiling fan with a smart switch, we have some great options for you. The Leviton Decora smart ceiling fan switch offers 4 fan speeds and on/off control capabilities. It comes with a sleek-looking single-gang screw-less wall plate to add a stylish touch to your home.
Fig.3: The Leviton Decora Smart Ceiling Fan Switch
You can use this switch with multiple ceiling paddle fans and even connect it with ceiling fan light kits for independent control. The switch is compatible with any iOS or Android phone, allowing you to control your ceiling fans from anywhere without the need for a hub. For a better smart experience, you can also voice control the fans and fanlights with Amazon Alexa devices or Google Assistant.
Tech Specs:
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- Single-gang screw-less wall plate for a sleek look
The Lutron smart ceiling fan switch offers a neat and convenient fan operating style. With 4 fan speed options and an on/off control, you can enjoy personalized comfort with just a push of a button. The switch even has a "favorite" speed button, allowing you to easily access your preferred fan speed.
Fig.4: The Lutron Smart Ceiling Fan Switch
Wireless capability enables you to control your fan from anywhere, and the switch continues to function even when there are issues with the wireless connection.
Tech Specs:
- 4 fan speed options and on/off control
- "Favorite" speed button for easy access to preferred fan speed
For wireless fan speed and on/off control, the GE Z-Wave smart fan control is a great choice. This switch allows you to wirelessly select up to 3 fan speeds and switch your fan on and off. You can easily program scheduled events and operate, schedule, and create custom scenes for your fan wirelessly using your smartphone or voice commands through a compatible smart home hub.
Fig.5: The GE Z-Wave Smart Ceiling Fan Control
The smart fan control replaces your fan's switch, making it more convenient to control. It offers a 50% improved wireless range, 250% faster processor, 400% more memory, and energy efficiency compared to other Z-Wave fan controls. It can also work with previous generations of Z-Wave devices to expand your home's smart system.
Tech Specs:
- Wirelessly selects up to 3 fan speeds and switches fan on/off
- Compatible with Z-Wave smart home systems
The Insteon fan and light controller integrates both fan speed and light control within your smart home network. With a dual-load responder that doubles as a light fixture dimmer, you can set the mood in your room. The fan speed controller offers 4 fan speed options: off, low, medium, and high.
Fig.6: The Insteon Smart Ceiling Fan and Light Controller
This controller is smartphone-compatible and voice-controlled, making it easy to adjust fan speed and the brightness of connected lights. However, please note that it is only compatible with AC motorized ceiling fans and not with DC motorized or built-in remote-controlled ones.
Tech Specs:
- Dual-load responder for fan speed and light control
- Compatible with Android and iOS devices and voice assistants
Why Invest in a Smart Ceiling Fan?
Convenience - Voice Control
If you're looking for convenience, opt for a smart ceiling fan, switch, or control kit that can be voice-controlled. Check if the device can be paired with a home smart hub compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Cool Down When Needed!
With a smart fan, switch, or control kit, you can have different levels of automated operation and wireless usage. Control the fan speed and turn it on and off. Some models even allow you to program them with timers to cool down your space at specific times.
Furthermore, fans with reversible motors let you enjoy cool air during summer and warm air during winter.
Smart Home Integration
One of the most useful perks of smart ceiling fans, switches, and controls is their ability to integrate with your smart home system. While basic models allow remote operation, more advanced options like the GE Z-Wave or Insteon smart ceiling fan switches can be fully integrated into your smart home system. They can also be voice-activated via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Save Energy!
Program your smart ceiling fans to turn on and off based on room temperature. This way, you only use energy to power the fan when it's needed. You can also configure the fan to turn on only when you're in the room via a smart hub. Voice control and smartphone control make it more convenient to turn off the fan when not needed.
Smart Ceiling Fan Features to Consider
Installation
Installing smart controls is a fairly easy task. However, installing a smart ceiling fan may require the assistance of an electrician due to its complexity. It's also recommended to consult an electrician when replacing a regular fan switch with a smart switch.
Size
Consider the size of the ceiling blades to determine the cooling capacity of the fan. Larger blades can cool larger spaces. For smart fan control kits, look for ones with a slim profile for compatibility with a wider selection of ceiling fans.
Power
The power of the fan determines its performance. High power load means greater airflow, but it also means higher energy consumption. Cross-check the motor compatibility when choosing a smart ceiling fan, switch, or control kit. Some support both DC and AC motorized fans, while others only support one type.
Voice Control - Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
If you want a voice-controlled fan, ensure that the fan, switch, or control kit is equipped to support voice control. Typically, these devices are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.
Smart Hub Integration
If you already have a Z-Wave or Zigbee smart home hub, look for a ceiling fan, control, or switch that can integrate with your hub. This allows you to control the fan settings and even lighting in your home.
Price
The price range for smart ceiling fans, switches, and controls varies depending on the features you're looking for. Prices can range from $40 for a smart remote control to $900 for a brand-new smart fan. These devices can be integral parts of your home's energy-saving solutions, reducing the need to run high-cost air conditioners and optimizing airflow based on temperature sensors.
Remote Control and/or Smartphone App
Smart ceiling controls, switches, and fans can be remote-controlled, smartphone-controlled, or both. Remote controls can often be wall-mounted for easy access near your bed, sofa, or home office desk. Smartphone control offers even more convenience, allowing you to control the fan from anywhere via wireless connection and a dedicated app.
The Verdict
Whether you choose a new smart ceiling fan, retrofit your existing fan with a control kit, or upgrade with a smart switch, investing in a smart ceiling fan system offers convenience and energy savings.
Our top pick for a new smart ceiling fan is the Modern Forms Wyn 52. If you prefer to keep your existing ceiling fan and retrofit it with smart features, the Bond Smart Ceiling Fan Control Kit is a great option. For smart ceiling fan switches, the Leviton Decora is our top pick.
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