Although it’s difficult to pinpoint when ceiling fans were first invented, they are a very old concept. They were probably invented in 1900. Then, many more people began making them. These pioneers included Philip Diehl, Schuyler Skaats Wheeler, Casablanca Fan Company, Hunter, and others.
Philip Diehl
Philip Diehl, a German-American inventor and inventor, invented the first electric ceiling fan in 1887. He modified an electric motor from sewing machines and fitted it into the ceiling fan. He also added a light kit to the ceiling fan and a ball joint. His work was the basis of today’s popular ceiling fan.
After the invention was commercially successful, Diehl faced intense competition. During this time, he continued to improve the design and functionality of his fan, including adding overhead lighting. By the end of the century, most ceiling fans had four blades, which improved the circulation of air and made them quieter.
Schuyler Skaats Wheeler
In the 1870s, an American engineer and inventor named Schuyler Skaats Wheeler invented the first electric fan. He was able to make an electric fan by using parts from a sewing machine. He was also responsible for the development of the electric arc lamp, which became a popular choice for home lighting. Wheeler was president of the Edison Electric Company from 1883 to 1888. After that, he became a consultant for A.B. Dick helped to install electric lighting throughout San Francisco.

Latin fanatic is a contraction of “fan” and the name fan. It means “uncritical enthusiasm”. Fanatic is a Tagalog word that means “affectionate”. Wheeler’s invention was a desk fan with two blades that had no protective cage around the blades. He also invented the first electrically powered ceiling fan in 1882. He applied for a patent in 1889 and used a sewing machine motor to power the motor.
Casablanca Fan Company
In 1974, the Casablanca Fan Company was founded by Burton A. Burton, a California entrepreneur who had a passion for antique fans. Many homeowners were looking for affordable ways to cool their homes during the energy crisis in the mid-’70s. Casablanca fans quickly became a favorite option due to their innovative design and superior flow. Their patented brass finish and unique belt drive system made them a hit, and they have been a leader in this industry ever since.
The company also developed the Comfort-Touch computerized ceiling fan control system in the 1990s, which was the first of its kind to feature a radio frequency remote control. Before that, handheld remote controls had been used. This new control system included a built-in LCD display and bracket for mounting the fan on the wall.
Hunter
The history of Hunter ceiling fans dates back to the nineteenth century. Although the original Hunter ceiling fan was powered by water, later models were electrically powered. Hunter was the first company to introduce ceiling fans that ran on electricity. Hunter ceiling fans are renowned for their unrivaled quality, style, and quiet performance. Masco Corp., a Cleveland-based company specializing in interior lighting, acquired the company in 2018.
In 1946, the company moved its headquarters to Memphis. Since then, the company has maintained its commitment to quality control and reliability. The company boasts one of the best testing labs in industry and its technicians are determined create quiet ceiling fans. In fact, they conduct twice as many tests as the government requires, and have even invented new testing protocols.
Encon Industries
The Encon brand is synonymous with the invention of ceiling fans. This company is known for producing ceiling fans that use less energy. A typical ceiling fan uses about 70 to 80 watts of power to operate. The ceiling fan is more energy efficient than air conditioning because it consumes less energy.
H.W. “Hub” Markwardt founded Encon Industries in 1977. The company began as a small operation with a letter of credit worth $20,000. It was a small operation with a letter of credit worth $20,000. By 1995, it was worth more than $35,000,000. Today, the company continues to grow and continues to innovate new products and enhance the design of existing ceiling fans.