The majority of ceiling fans are sold with the basic pull chain method for controlling fan speeds and lighting, but your options don’t end there. You can also choose from an assortment of remote controls and wall switches/controls, in order to manage your fan with greater ease.
For wall controls/switches, you will need to run wiring from the fan to the wall panel, but it will afford you the convenience of being able to control your fan from a safe distance. This can be especially helpful (not to mention safer) if your ceiling fan is also the primary source of light for your living area. The wall panel works similar to your standard light switch, except the controls can vary in appearance. You can choose from a single slide control, dual slide controls, a knob, or basic buttons. There are also combination options, where you can have the wall switch and a remote control, or a remote control that is cradled in a wall unit.
Wall controls/switches are ideal for those who don’t want to constantly tug on pull chains, which can become tangled, or break mid-pull, and maybe aren’t crazy about another remote control to their arsenal. Wall units don’t require battery changes, since they run on electricity, and therefore could be more cost effective for the thrifty consumer. Wall switches can be installed in convenient locations, close to doors, saving you from walking to the middle of a crowded or dark room, in order to operate your ceiling fan. The downside to the wall controls is that, like the pull chain, you have to get up and walk to the panel every time you want to adjust your fan speed or lighting.
There are many different models of remote controls for use with your ceiling fan. There are basic controllers that operate a standard 3 or 4 speed fan, or the more advanced LED controls which can operate the ceiling fan functions, plus the accompanying light kit. You can dim the lights, turn them on and off, change the fan speeds, and even change the direction of the blade rotation, which comes in handy when you are switching from cool to warm weather, or vice versa.
Remote controls are great for those with limited mobility, or who are constantly adjusting the fans to accommodate their fluctuating body temperatures. With the remote, you won’t have to continually get up and/or walk to the fan or wall panel in order to operate your fan. Others may not benefit from the use of a remote control, if they have a tendency to misplace them easily, or dislike having to replace batteries frequently.