I am getting ready to purchase 10 ceiling fans for my tropic home in Costa Rica. I was told I should buy Hampton Bay fans (because they are a sealed unit?). Does anyone know if I shouldn't purchase other brands such as Designer or Westinghouse. There is more of a selection and better price here than Hampton Bay. Is there any maintanace I can do to regualr fans to make them more resistant to the salt and moisture?

Many manufacturers make fans rated for outdoors use due to humidity. I would consider that and listen less to the "sealed unit" person who knows little about fans. This link is a good read for you, post 7 makes some recommendations.https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electrical-lighting/ceiling-fan-troubleshooting-repair-frequently-asked-questions-46738.html#post771285

I only recommend Casablanca Fans.

Their fans rated for outdoor "Damp Location" are shown here:
Casablanca Fan Company (http://www.casablancafanco.com/productlist.php?cid=14)

If price is your concern, then Casablanca is not for you.

Buy the cheapest fan available, and replace as necessary.

Between the brands Desighner and Westinghouse, does either stand above the other?

I have heard of Westinghouse products, but have no direct knowledge of their fans, and never heard of the other.

They are so proud of their ceiling fans, all their website is go to the hardware store to see what they have.

Not sure if you intended Desighner or Designer, but neither comes up on Google, so no info available for that either.

My sense is both are inexpensive, and will last as long as they last. Could be 6 months could be a few years, all depends on the amount of use and the environment. I can tell you this, I believe they will last longer the more they are used, as use will help keep the unit dry.

Any necessary maintenance will be listed in the owners manual or instructions found in the box.

A few ideas... Do you know any of the people who live near your house? If so, pick their brain as to what they did regarding this purchase. Word of mouth always seems to be the best advice. I would buy them locally near the house. I would think that only ones that are acceptable there would be sold with any success. If those ideas don't work for you, do as tk suggests... buy cheap and expect to make changeouts. (Buy an extra one or two initally)

Hunter makes the "Mariner Series" Stainless and plastic. They work good.
Costa Rica, Near the Whales Tail?

I only recommend Casablanca Fans.

Their fans rated for outdoor "Damp Location" are shown here:
Casablanca Fan Company (http://www.casablancafanco.com/productlist.php?cid=14)

If price is your concern, then Casablanca is not for you.

Buy the cheapest fan available, and replace as necessary.

TK, why only Casablaca? Their fans with the XLP motor are still very good, but expensive, and the brand certainly isn't what it used to be.

I personally recommend Hunter, Casablanca, Emerson, and Envirofan. The Envirofans are commercial fans but are excellent for residential settings 10' and higher, and also for outdoor settings (their Agrifan is COMPLETELY waterproof). TK you getting this memo too? :)

DO NOT PURCHASE HAMPTON BAY. If your only options are Hampton Bay and this Designer brand, which I've never heard of, go with Designer, simply because it's not Hampton Bay.

Ceiling Fan Buying Guides - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-buying-guides.php)
Kichler, Hampton Bay, and Casablanca ceiling fans - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-brand-recommendations.php)
Kichler, Hampton Bay, and Casablanca ceiling fans - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/tips-for-buying-purchasing-a-ceiling-fan.php)
Kichler, Hampton Bay, and Casablanca ceiling fans - Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/industrial-ceiling-fan-brand-guides-and-reviews.php)

A couple of those links aren't working, I'm about to email the webmaster.

Roger...



TK you getting this memo too? :)

Got it.

I'll add, Casablanca with the XLP motor and Emerson with the K55 motor are comparable if not identical in quality, but neither is very affordable any more. If you get a no frills fan sometimes it is under $300.

Anyone else like the Hunter Mariner, don't like?

It would not be my choice but it is better than similar models by Hampton, Harbor, etc.