I also don't like ceiling fans because to me having an appliance hanging down from the middle of my ceiling is not attractive -- especially if it has a light kit to boot. We live in the Dallas area and we only have them in a couple rooms upstairs which my husband inhabits during the day (he works from home and likes them, so what can I do, lol.) We moved here mid-September a year ago, kept them up for several months, then took all the ones out there were downstairs. Very honestly, I didn't notice much of a difference in the AC or heating bill, but this is a brand new house so that might make a difference. I will admit I've seen houses where they go with what's there and actually look nice, especially if they're up higher and it's a large room and the space can absorb the bulk.

If this ceiling box was not intended to have a fan, it likely only has a black wire and a white whire (and a bare) which are likely inside the sheath you are looking at. One end probably runs to a switch (or switch box) the other to the power, but that's just a guess. It will take someone who knows what they are doing to ascertain what you have. Furhter, if this box wasn't designed to hold a fan, you CAN NOT hang a fan from it, lest some day your children get smashed by a falling fan.

I would not recommend fans with metal blades, they will rust and typically require ceilings over 10 feet because they are not considered safe in residential applications. You are best off with fans that have special UV protective ABS plastic blades or thicker solid wood blades that are rated for outdoor wet or damp locations. Wet rated fans have the highest tolerance for abuse from the elements and are the best choice, but a covered porch like yours can use a damp rated or wet rated fan. Also, in outdoor locations it is critical to consider the amount of airflow that the fan produces because open outdoor locations do not allow the air to escape on the sides and the breeze you feel from a fan is a lot less than what you feel in an enclosed area indoors. So you need more powerful fans than those listed above. The Donaire fan recommended below has a wind speed factor of about 3.8 MPH, which is over 50% more breeze than the Westinghouse fan above. The ultimate outdoor fan is made of marine grade 316 stainless steel and has ABS blades. It is the Donaire by Matthews Fan Company and is available in brushed nickel or bronze stainless steel. Here are some pictures of the fan taken from the product detail pages using the Room Settings Viewer at Hansen Wholesale. This feature allows you to add your own room setting so you can see how any fan on the website looks in your own setting, so you may want to give that a try. Donaire in Brushed Nickel Donaire in Bronze There are many other high quality outdoor ceiling fans available from Hansen Wholesale. To add your photo to use the room settings viewer email some pictures to: DesignService@hansenwholesale.com with the subject "Room Settings Viewer - Houzz" Response provided by: Hansen Wholesale https://www.hansenwholesale.com 1-800-201-1193

Thanks everyone for your comments. At least I know I am not CRAZY for not being able to decide as there are so many good opinions/reasons/options! For now, I decided to do nothing..ha! Well for the time anyways, I am making other changes and then will figure out what to do in regards to this fan. In fact, turns out I am using it way more than I had expected as I’m doing painting and other work in my condo through the HOTTEST July in DC! And this thing doesn’t quit, so it’s a blessing in disguise that I could not decide what to do with it! Maybe I will post an update later but for now, hooray to 1982 appliances! Thanks!