If the fan you purchase does not come standard with a remote control, whether or not you purchase a compatible one separately depends on two things: one, the logistics of where the ceiling fan is mounted and two, whether or not you consider such convenience a necessity.

 

In some instances, such as when a ceiling fan is mounted out of arm’s reach, a remote control is the only realistic means of control. In that case, the answer to getting a remote control would have to be a resounding, “yes.”

 

When mounting location is not an issue, the main advantage to purchasing a remote control is one of simple convenience. You can control a ceiling fan’s speed, direction and lighting (if included) without having to get up and manually pull chains and flip switches on the fan itself. If such convenience is important to you, then yes, you should invest in a remote control. (The answer is yes for many people, which is why an increasing proportion of ceiling fans on the market today come standard with some sort of remote control.)

 

There are two basic remote control types: handheld and wall-mounted. With a handheld remote, a ceiling fan can be controlled from any location within the remote control's range. With a wall-mounted remote control, you'll still have to get up and go to the control. However, it doesn't have the potential to get lost and can be installed as easily as a light switch. Sometimes the convenience of both can be combined, with a wall-mounted holder supplied to hold a portable, handheld unit.

 

Adding a Remote to an Existing Ceiling Fan
It is possible to add a remote to some ceiling fans that have already been installed--it depends on the fan's capabilities. Keep in mind, though, that the receiver for handheld remotes (and some wall-mounted controls) needs to be installed inside the fan body. So, the process will likely require that the fan itself be opened up.