Smart Ceiling Fans Buying Guide
A smart ceiling fan connects to your home Wi-Fi so you can set the speed, direction, light and timer from your phone as well as the remote. This collection features the Martec Avoca Smart, a 52 inch (132cm) DC fan in white, white and oak, or black, each available with or without a light. It suits bedrooms, living areas and covered outdoor spaces where you want quiet running and flexible control.
What is a smart ceiling fan?
A smart ceiling fan is a fan you can control from an app over Wi-Fi. You can turn it on or off, change the speed and direction, dim the light and set schedules, from inside or outside the house. Most smart fans use a DC motor, which is controlled electronically, runs quietly and offers a very low lowest speed for bedrooms.
What does the Martec Avoca Smart do?
The Avoca Smart connects through the Martec Smart Life app and comes with a 5 speed remote in the box. It has a quiet 45 watt brushless DC motor that moves up to 10,530 cubic metres of air an hour at top speed, three ABS blades, a steel canopy and an ABS body. The remote sets a timer of up to 8 hours and reverses the fan for summer and winter use.
Does a smart fan still work without Wi-Fi?
Yes. The Avoca Smart is supplied with a remote, so you can change the speed, reverse the fan and set the timer even if the Wi-Fi drops out. The app adds remote access and scheduling on top of normal control. If you plan to use voice assistants or a particular smart home platform, check the product documentation for supported systems before you buy.
Should I choose the version with a light?
Choose the lit version if the fan will replace the main ceiling light. It has a 20 watt LED of 2,500 lumens with step dimming and a colour temperature that switches between 3000K, 4000K and 5000K, so you can use warm light in a bedroom and cooler light in a kitchen or study. If the room already has good lighting, the no-light version keeps the fan slimmer and avoids flicker from nearby downlights.
Will it fit my ceiling, and can it go outdoors?
Fan blades need to sit at least 2.1 metres above the floor. The Avoca Smart has a drop of 263mm without a light and 331mm with one, so subtract that from your ceiling height. It suits ceilings with a pitch of up to 15 degrees, and higher ceilings can take a compatible Martec downrod listed on the product page. At 52 inch, it is the standard size for most bedrooms and living rooms. The Avoca Smart is rated for indoor use and for covered outdoor areas that are not exposed to the weather, such as an enclosed patio or alfresco under a solid roof. Keep it out of direct rain and wind.
Do smart fans need an electrician?
Yes. A ceiling fan is a fixed electrical appliance and must be installed by a licensed electrician. Once it is in, pair it with the app and test the remote. Wipe the blades every few weeks and have the fan checked if it starts to wobble or hum.
Completing the room
See the full Martec Avoca range and other Martec ceiling fans, or compare DC motor fans, quiet operation fans and ceiling fans with lights at The Blue Space.
