A well known brand from a respected factory would not have sloppy construction causing clicks and hums or second grade ball bearings which causes a grinding noise. A good fan usually has a dual or triple capacitor which helps cut down the 60 cycle hum caused by the speed control. Another thing to look out for are the blades, warped blades and blades of inconsistent weights cause wobbles.

An increased pitch of blades with a corresponding increase in motor capacity will increase air flow dramatically whereas a cheaper fan with less pitch and a lighter duty motor may look nice but throws less air. Another method to make a cheap fan would be use a motor designed for a 42" fan and use blades from a 52" fan, this would create too much drag
on the motor and would slow the fan down lessening its usefulness. Air flow difference between a 4 blade or a 5 blade is too small to worry about instead concern yourself more with the motor size and blade pitch.

Dual mount stem drop fans, this means you can mount them as a stem drop using the stem, or as a close up fan without using the down rod. Vaulted ceiling canopies and the availability of extra length down rods. Now most (all) stem drop fans can be mounted on vaulted ceilings usually with the extra purchase of a longer down rod, the blade on the lower side should miss the ceiling by a minimum 6" to a preferred 12.

Most building codes require a flush to the ceiling fan if your ceiling is 7'6" or lower if you are 8' or higher you should use a standard drop fan because flush mounting a fan will cause it to lose about 1/3 of its air flow.

Ceiling fans can be used in almost any room in the home, they will not only cut down on your cooling costs in the summer but also it will save on your heating bill in winter. There are also fans made for outdoor use, be advised do not use an indoor fan for outside its lifespan will be dramatically reduced and the warrenty will be voided.

Sizing a fan is very simple...a room up to 10'x10' will use from a 32" to 42" a room up to 12'x12' will use a 42"to 48", larger then a 12'x12' should use at least a 52" or larger. Also if you have a very tall cieling (2 story) try to get the best, strongest motor in your budget.