Goldmedal Spacio BLDC fan: Can it replace your old ceiling fan?
The conventional ceiling fan in my living room had started getting old, and the noise it made while running had become hard to ignore. I was already thinking of replacing it, so I figured I might as well switch to a remote-controlled BLDC fan instead of buying another conventional model. I started researching different options, comparing their features and prices to figure out which one would make sense for my living room. Around the same time, Goldmedal sent us its Spacio BLDC fan, which worked out well since I was already looking for a replacement.
I’ve been using the Goldmedal Spacio for almost a month now, which has given me enough time to get familiar with its design, build quality, speed settings and additional modes. The Space Blue variant is installed in my living room, where it contrasts nicely with the white ceiling. Priced at around Rs 5,500, it costs more than a basic ceiling fan, so I wanted to see how it holds up in everyday use and whether its features make it worth considering.
First impressions: Design and finish
The Goldmedal Spacio has a distinctive three-blade design, with broad blades and a cylindrical motor housing that gives it a more contemporary look than a conventional ceiling fan. The ribbed finish on the motor housing, silver-coloured trim around its lower edge and textured detailing near the blade joints add character to the design without making it look overly elaborate.
I’m using the Space Blue variant in my living room, and it looks good against the white ceiling. The darker shade creates a nice contrast, while the matching finish on the downrod and canopy keeps the design consistent. Goldmedal also offers the fan in other colour options, including Snow White, Ash Grey, Magna Matt and Tuscany Gold.
The fan has an aluminium body, and in my experience, its build feels quite sturdy. The blades and motor housing have a solid feel, and the overall construction doesn’t give the impression of a flimsy product. Despite the substantial appearance of the motor housing, the design remains fairly neat once the fan is installed.
At the centre, six small blue LEDs are arranged in a circular pattern. When the light is switched on using the remote, all six LEDs remain illuminated. However, when you change the fan speed, the LEDs briefly indicate the selected level. For instance, at speed level three, only three LEDs light up before all six illuminate again a few seconds later.
Five speeds, with a Boost option
The Spacio has five regular speed levels, which cover most everyday needs. However, there are times when even the highest regular setting doesn’t feel sufficient, particularly when you want more airflow. That’s where the Boost button on the remote comes in. It takes the fan to a sixth, additional speed level that isn’t part of the regular five-step selection.
I found this more useful than having another decorative feature. Instead of being limited to the usual speed range, you get an extra setting when you need a stronger breeze. You can return to the regular levels when that much airflow isn’t necessary.
The airflow has been sufficient for my 200 sq ft drawing room. Even without running the fan at full speed all the time, I found the air circulation adequate for everyday use. The Boost mode is available when I need stronger airflow, but I haven’t felt the need to keep the fan at its highest setting throughout the day.
Goldmedal claims an air delivery of 225 CMM and a maximum speed of 350 RPM for the Spacio. While I haven’t measured its air delivery independently, my experience in a 200 sq ft room has been satisfactory.
Remote and controls
The Goldmedal Spacio comes with a white remote that has a solid feel to it. It doesn’t feel flimsy in the hand, and the buttons are clearly labelled, so you don’t have to keep guessing what each one does. The remote has dedicated buttons for increasing and decreasing the speed, switching the fan on or off, Boost, Timer, Sleep, Breeze and Mop modes. There’s also a button for the integrated light, while a small display at the top shows the selected setting.
The Boost button takes the fan beyond its five regular speed levels, while the Timer button lets you set a duration after which the fan switches off automatically. Sleep mode is available for those who prefer using the fan while sleeping, Breeze mode varies the airflow, and Mop mode starts the fan at its highest speed before gradually reducing it to help dry a freshly mopped floor. Having dedicated buttons for these functions makes them easier to access without navigating through complicated menus.
I did initially notice the fan slowing down and then suddenly jumping to full speed. The cause turned out to be the wall regulator, which I had left at a low setting while controlling the fan through the remote. Once I set the regulator to full, the issue stopped. If you already have a regulator on your switchboard, set it to full and forget it even exists. If you’re installing the fan, you can ask an electrician to remove or bypass the regulator where appropriate.
The timer is genuinely useful
The timer has become my favourite feature. I’m usually rushing to get ready for the office in the morning, and I’ve often left home without switching off the fan. I only remember in the evening, by which point it has been running for hours with nobody in the room.
With the Spacio, I now set the 2 hour timer right after waking up. If I forget to switch off the fan before leaving, it turns itself off after the selected duration. It’s a small convenience, but one that makes sense in everyday use, especially if you’re often in a hurry in the morning.
Mop mode and Breeze mode
I use a robot vacuum cleaner that also mops the floor, so Mop mode is an interesting addition to the Spacio. Once the cleaning cycle is over, the fan can help with drying the floor, and the gradually reducing speed means I don’t have to keep adjusting it manually. This could be particularly useful during winter, when damp floors can take longer to dry. Running a fan at full speed for too long isn’t always comfortable if you’re sitting in the same room, so the automatic adjustment makes sense here.
Breeze mode varies the airflow rather than keeping it constant. It’s an additional option for those who prefer changing airflow intensity instead of running the fan at one fixed speed. I wouldn’t consider either mode essential, but Mop mode has a more specific practical use, particularly in homes where a robot vacuum handles the daily cleaning.
Noise in everyday use
The Spacio is fairly unobtrusive at lower speeds, but the sound becomes more noticeable as you increase the speed. I measured 53.8 dB at speed level 3, rising to 63.3 dB at level 5 and 65.1 dB in Boost mode. That’s a noticeable jump, and the fan gets relatively loud at the higher settings, particularly when the room is otherwise quiet.
There’s also an occasional mechanical clicking sound, which I’ve noticed mostly in Boost mode. It doesn’t happen every time, but the kat-kat noise is noticeable when it does. Honestly, this is something I wouldn’t expect from a fan costing over Rs 5,000. While the decibel readings reflect the overall sound picked up by the meter and can include background noise, the clicking noise is a separate concern that I would have preferred not to encounter during regular use.
Power consumption
The Spacio uses a BLDC motor with a rated power consumption of 32W. BLDC fans generally consume less electricity than conventional fans, making them worth considering if you run your ceiling fan for several hours every day. The actual savings will depend on the fan you’re replacing and how you use it.
A small upgrade to everyday comfort
After using the Goldmedal Spacio for almost a month, I can say that moving to a BLDC fan has been a practical upgrade for my living room. The lower power consumption is certainly appealing, but what matters more is how comfortably it fits into my daily routine. At the same time, I wouldn't rush to replace a perfectly functional ceiling fan just to get a BLDC model. For me, the Spacio makes more sense as a replacement when the time comes to retire an old fan, rather than an upgrade that every household needs to make right away.