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Kitchen

Best Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

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If you’ve got a room with a low ceiling, then a low-profile ceiling fan is your best option. Building codes require a minimum of 7 feet from the floor to the blades of the ceiling fan. That means a room with an 8.5-foot ceiling will require one of the best flush-mount ceiling fans to provide warming or cooling benefits.

For rooms with a ceiling lower than 8.5 feet, belt-driven ceiling fans and other vintage ceiling fan ideas may still bring you into the expectations of the building code.

Which Flush Mount Ceilings Fans Are the Best?

On first glimpse, many of the flush-mount units seem to have a similar design. After all, since these fans are ceiling huggers, there is only so much one can do with the fan. As you look closer, however, you’ll see a variety of blade designs that can make a big difference in your airflow measurements. These are the top-rated models to think about installing in your own home.

Why Choose a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan?

Low-mount ceiling fans have no space between the motor housing for the fan and the ceiling. If you live in a smaller space, especially a condominium or an apartment, then you can still get the extra airflow in a room without endangering yourself with an impact like you would with a traditional ceiling fan.

Although these designs are rated for low ceilings 8 feet high or lower, you will need to check the building codes for ceiling fans before completing your installation. Some installation locations may have higher requirements. For example: a ceiling fan that is installed above a spa or a patio or porch often has a minimum height requirement of 7.5 feet, along with GFCI protection.

Above a pool, the building code for a ceiling fan is often 12 feet.

Some building codes eliminate the “blade measurement” for coding and instead measure from the floor to the lowest portion of the ceiling fan. That is often the light kit and 7 feet is often required for this code as well.

Close-mount ceiling fans can also be installed almost anywhere. As long as there are 18 inches of clearance to the walls, you can safely install the fan.

Advantages of a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

  • They are just as easy to install as any other ceiling fan. As long as the electrical box can support the weight of the fan, most homeowners can install their new product in 1 hour or less.
  • There are fewer steps to the installation process. You don’t need to worry about the down bar, for example, or worry about threading your wiring through multiple steps.
  • You can still have the advanced features with this type of ceiling fan, such as a remote control or multiple speed options. LED lighting is available on some models as well.
  • Multiple size options are available. Fans from 30 inches to 84 inches can be found in this category so that almost any room can benefit from having a ceiling fan.
  • They are priced competitively to other ceiling fan categories.
  • There are damp-rated ceiling fans in this category for installations near bathrooms, patios, or kitchens where there is a high likelihood of moisture contact.
  • Cleaning isn’t difficult either. The same process to clean the blades and assembly in other fan categories is used for this design.

Common Issues with Flush Mount Ceiling Fans

The #1 complaint of a flush-mount model is that it doesn’t move the same amount of air that a traditional ceiling fan design typically provides. From a generic standpoint, these is true. When there are 8 inches of space between blade and ceiling instead of 18-24 inches, there isn’t as much room for air to circulate.

That is why blade design is such an important topic to consider when shopping for the best flush-mount ceiling fans. Here are some design considerations to look at to counter this common issue.

  • Blade Pitch. Many ceiling fans in this category offer a blade pitch that is around 10 degrees. That allows the fan to spin quickly, but not move as much air. Look for a ceiling fan with a pitch of 15-20 degrees to move more air and make sure the fan motor can support the steeper pitch.
  • Blade Width. Ceiling fans with excessively wide or extremely narrow blades will minimize the amount of air being moved.
  • Motor RPM. RPM stands for “rotations per minute.” It is an indication of how fast the fan motor will spin the blades. Faster speeds can generate more air movement when combined with the steeper pitch of a blade.

Another common issue with flush-mounted ceiling fans is the amount of heat they generate while operating. The fan motor is close to the ceiling, which negates the amount of cooling room available to it. Many of these fans have light kits that can generate heat with certain bulbs as well. That heat can affect the paint, drywall, wiring, and structural components of the home if left unsupervised.

Flush-mount ceiling fans (or any ceiling fan, for that matter) in a small bedroom with bunk beds are a bad combination. If the blades of the fan stretch over the bed, it is an unsafe installation and an alternative option should be considered.

Cost Expectations for a Flush-Mount Ceiling Fan

Although there are fewer components to these designs, there are advanced design concepts used to ensure high airflow levels. Ceiling huggers are therefore priced in the same range as any other household ceiling fan.

Expect to pay between $100-$150 for a flush-mount ceiling fan with a light kit. Premium models are priced in the $200-$350 price range for the most part. Much of the price determination is based on the quality of the finish and the materials used in the product manufacturing.

Some entry-level models in this category are priced at $50 or less. Although these fans tend to be less than 52 inches in diameter, they still maintain a good airflow rating when installed in a smaller room.

Flush Mount Ceiling Fans: Our Reviews

Emerson

In total, you’ve got 7 inches from the ceiling to the blades once you have this ceiling fan installed. There’s no real way to improve upon that spacing. If you have a room with a ceiling that is lower than 8 feet, you’re probably not going to want to use this ceiling fan. It would be likely run afoul of local building codes if you did. Control the ceiling fan by using a standard pull-chain toggle switch. You have access to 3 speed settings from this switch. If you wish, the installation can include a light kit and a wall control, though these are sold separately from the ceiling fan.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

Casa Vieja

The quality of the air movement is excellent. The amount of light that is distributed from this fan, however, could be a little too dark for some homeowners. Its design accommodates the standard socket, so minimum wattage issues can occur with this fan. Halogens work better than LEDs or CFLs. It offers a 14-degree blade pitch for maximum air movement and works with a pull-chain operation.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

Minka Aire

You can use this ceiling fan with a wall control if you prefer. It is sold separately from the fan, however, and availability may be limited. If you do use the wall control, we found that a GFCI faceplate worked well with the mechanism. Although there is some noise pollution with this ceiling fan, Minka Aire has eliminated the bothersome hum that has plagued other models within their line of products. You’ll still hear the air movement from the blades spinning, but you won’t hear the motor humming along in the background if you’ve installed the fan correctly.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

Westinghouse

The installation process for this ceiling fan was a bit more challenging than some others. You’re provided a 12-inch lead wire only, so you’ve got virtually no room for error with this model. Take some time, get your tools ready in advance, and be patient with yourself. It took us about 60 minutes in total. Once you finish the installation, there is a tendency for the motor to hum a little bit as the ceiling fan begins to warm up. When the fan reaches the intended speed, the humming noise tends to fade away.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

Hunter Fan Company

Low profile ceiling fans have certain challenges to their design. They must move air efficiently, be reasonably quiet, and not overheat. To solve those issues, some manufacturers have adapted to a “low profile” design instead of a true ceiling hugger design, but you can’t tell the difference with this fan. As an added benefit, the blades of the fan from this manufacturer are specially coated with a nanotechnology called “Dust Armor.” It is a patented technology from Hunter and it repels nearly 60% of the dust build-up that other ceiling fans experience.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

The best flush-mount ceiling fans can give you the benefits of air circulation in difficult-to-install locations. Although this is one of the more challenging categories of ceiling fan, they work well in challenging spaces. Match up fan features to room needs and you’ll find a perfect make and model that will work with you all year long.

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Kitchen

Best Paint for a Brick Fireplace

Table could not be displayed. A brick fireplace offers your home a timeless look that speaks of tradition and family gatherings. It might also look out of place if you have decided to remodel your home. Or maybe you’ve just grown weary of the traditional look and you want to make a change. Either way, you’ll need to find the best paint for a brick fireplace to get the job done.

The best paint for a brick fireplace will be rated to withstand the heat that is generated by the fire and absorbed by the brick. Any indoor latex paint, either gloss, flat, or semi-gloss, will be able to get the job done. It just has to be rated to withstand temperatures of 200°F or greater.

Once you’ve selected your paint, you’ll also want to make sure you follow these steps to get the best possible results for your fireplace makeover.

#1. The bricks must be absolutely clean to take on the paint. If there is any soot residue, dirt, or other debris on your fireplace bricks, then the paint will not adhere or dry properly. To clean your bricks, you’ll want to have a wire scrub brush, TSP-cleaner, and personal protective equipment. Once the TSP has been applied, wash the brick thoroughly with a high-quality cleaner. Then rinse and allow to dry.

#2. Tape off any areas that should not be painted. Standard painter’s tape will usually take care of this issue. Do not apply the tape until the bricks have properly dried.

#3. You will need to prime the brick before you paint it. The best primer for a brick fireplace will be oil-based and offer stain-blocking features. Make sure you place protective plastic or a drop cloth on your floor before applying the primer. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, making sure the entire surface which will be painted has been given a good primer coat. Allow the primer to thoroughly dry.

#4. Now you are ready to start painting. You may need 2-3 coats to receive the exact results you want. To apply the paint, you will want to have a roller available which is specifically adapted to the rough surface of the brick. Paint brushes are not recommended because the bristles can get stuck in the brick – use foam touch-up brushes instead to reach difficult spots. Smooth rollers will leave debris in the paint as well. Allow each coat of paint to thoroughly dry before proceeding.

Never paint the interior firebox of a fireplace. The exterior of a brick fireplace is what should be addressed.

What is the best color to paint a brick fireplace? Color is about personal preference. Any color will work. Lighter colors may collect more soot and require frequent cleaning, however, so choose the color based on the planned amount of use of the fireplace.

What about paint that has primer mixed in with it? Some latex paints have primer mixed into it so that you can apply it directly to a surface without the need for multiple coats. This works adequately for interior walls but does not generally work well on brick. You will need to apply the primer coats before applying the paint to achieve the best possible results.

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Kitchen

The Best Chimney Liner Kits Reviewed

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Whether you’re using a fireplace insert or you’ve just installed a brand new cast iron wood stove, the way you vent the exhaust from these home heating options is incredibly important. The best chimney pipe inserts will help you do so, often using your existing chimney structure, without much difficulty. Sometimes called a flue pipe or a stove pipe, the best inserts have unique qualities that will enhance your home heating efforts. What could your home use today?

There’s a good chance that you’ll need to purchase some stove pipe for your new stove. Even side venting pellet stoves require exterior venting that needs good inserts! The best chart below will help you quickly compare and contrast the best options on the market that are available to you right now.

Why Are Good Chimney Pipe Liners So Important?

The exhaust from a fire, no matter what kind of fuel or type of wood you are burning, can be hazardous to your health. The most important reason why you’ll want the best chimney pipe inserts with your stove is so that these noxious fumes, smoke, and exhaust gases can leave your home in the safest manner possible. That means good stove piping should be able to cleanly seal on its own or be receptive to sealing tape.

The structure of the flue pipe is also important. As your chosen fuel burns, it creates fly ash that floats within the exhaust itself rather than settling to the bottom of your stove or fireplace insert. As the exhaust is sent to the outside, any bends or crevices in your chimney pipe will begin to collect this ash and soot, eventually accumulating enough to block the output of exhaust. The better the design of the pipe, the better your long-term performance will be.

The best stove pipe inserts should also be as easy to remove as they are to install. Unlike chimneys that can be easily swept, many homes require a routed pipe design that will need to be cleaned two or three times per year at minimum. Although up a straight chimney is easy enough to clean with specialized equipment, the interior bends are easier to clean if you can quickly access them by hand.

What Are the Advantages of a Good Chimney Liner?

The primary advantage of having good piping installed with your stove relates to your home’s energy efficiency. If the stove or fireplace insert that you are using to heat your home is the heart of the house, then the flue pipes are like the blood vessels. A solid, air-tight system will eventually transport heat and exhaust to where they need to go, giving you the money savings that you deserve from an off-the-grid heating system. If there are leaks in the system, then you won’t be heating your home as well.

A good flue pipe insert can actually increase the length of the burn that you receive within the firebox as well. If you have too much air flowing through your stove, then you’ll end up burning your fire too hot and will go through your fuel too quickly. On the other hand, a low airwash will cause a fire to burn too low and the home won’t get enough heat.

The best chimney inserts also are made with a double wall design. With an inner and an outer wall, there’s added space for additional insulation to be placed along the length of the chimney pipe and this will help to make your heating system more efficient. You’ll get an outer wall that is cool to the touch for the little fingers in your home without compromising the high temperatures that are needed for the best draft performance of your stove.

How Do You Find the Best Chimney Liner Kits?

The first part of the selection process here is to determine the right size of pipe for your stove and home’s structure. Sizes begin as small as 5 inches in diameter, but can be as wide as 24 inches. If your pipe is too large, you’ll impact performance just as negatively as a pipe that is too small. Whatever the requirements of your stove happen to be is generally the rule of thumb to use throughout your entire heating system.

The best stove pipe inserts will also be insulated in some way or at least allow you to insulate them to increase the efficiency of your heating system. This is particularly important in any joints you may need to install in your venting system. These joints are where you’ll typically need to access your pipe inserts for cleaning and maintenance, so the better they are insulated and receptive to your access, the easier it will be to maintain the system.

According to UL 103 testing guidelines, you’ll also need to have your piping be able to withstand temperatures of at least 1,400F for a minimum of one hour. Although many of today’s products do so, there are always a few rogue product listings that may not meet this requirement. Always double-check the answers portion of the Amazon listing to make sure your preferred pipe insert will be able to meet your home’s requirements.

What Are The Best Chimney Liner Prices?

There are two pricing considerations that you’ll need to consider when installing your chimney pipe. Not only will you need to install piping for your stove, but you’ll also need to make sure that your chimney has been properly insulated per local regulations. All total, the average price that most homeowners will pay for the average chimney upgrade is about $500 including flexible liners, insulation, and piping.

For pellet stoves where flexible piping is required, the average price for a long enough section of stove pipe is about $100. Small elbow joints and other specific sections you may need start around $25 on websites like Amazon and may be as high as $100 or more.

Reviews Of The Top 5 Chimney Liners

Fireside Chimney Supply FireFlex 316Ti Basic Flexible Chimney Liner Kit

Made with a stainless steel liner and coming with a rain cap and appliance connector, this chimney liner kit will give you everything you need to get the exhaust vented properly out of your home. The price is quite nice at just $310 + shipping and you get one excellent advantage: the chimney pipe insert is flexible. This allows you to route your flue pipe insert how you need it to go without having to force-fit joints and connectors as you would with other typical installations.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and get a great deal on this chimney liner kit.

Fireside Chimney Supply FireFlex 316Ti Stainless Steel Chimney Liner

If all you need for your chimney is to reline it, then this flexible option from Fireside is your cost-effective, all-in-one solution. Instead of having to attached seams and joints, you can purchase a customized size and length that can give you a one pipe solution for your venting needs. This improves your home’s heating efficiencies without compromising on the product itself. It’s made from stainless steel and is easy to sweep, making your maintenance chores a snap.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and get a great deal on this chimney liner kit.

ChimCap Single Ply Stainless Steel Chimney Liner Kit

If you’re looking for single-ply stainless steel in your new chimney liner kit, then this option from Chim Cap might be a better option for you. It also includes a rain cap and all of the extra supplies you’re going to need to successfully utilize your home’s existing structure. It will help you fix a draft in your current unit, improve ventilation, and ultimately give you a better output temperature that will give you a more consistent burn.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and get a great deal on this chimney liner kit.

Fireside Chimney Supply FireFlex 316Ti Stainless Steel Chimney Liner

If you don’t need the whole chimney kit to get your new stove up and running, but you don’t have a chimney that’s outfitted yet to meet your new fireplace insert’s needs, then this basic flexible kit may just be what you need. It has a 13×13” top plate with a rain cap to protect your system while the flexible stainless steel chimney liner will quickly connect for vertical connections. It’s easy to install, comes in variable lengths and diameters, all so you can quickly get your home’s structure upgraded.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and get a great deal on this chimney liner kit.

Fireside Chimney Supply FireFlex 316Ti Basic Flexible Chimney Liner Kit

If you need to connect Point A with your exterior Point B, nothing is easier than doing so with this chimney liner. You can use it in a brand new construction if you wish or use it to reline your existing chimney to make it work with a new off-the-grid heating system. It fits all standard connections at your preferred diameter and can be used for wood burning, pellet, and even coal heating systems. Using certified alloys and an interlocking system that prevents leaks, this is an investment that will pay off for you every year.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and get a great deal on this chimney liner kit.

With the best chimney inserts, you’ll be able to make the most of your new stove and existing structure to save on your heating bills. Combine these products with a modern, efficient stove to save the most money possible in the cold months of the year!

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Kitchen

Review: Emerson Snugger Low-Profile Hugger Ceiling Fan

Let’s talk about blade pitch. For many ceiling hugger fans, the blade pitch is 10 degrees or less to accommodate the proximity of the fan to the top of the room. The Emerson Snugger Low-Profile Hugger Ceiling Fan offers homeowners a 12-degree blade pitch instead. Although the difference is only a couple of degrees, the improvement in airflow quality is quite profound. This flush-mount design is competitive with any of the best ceiling fans for the bedroom currently available.

You receive 5 reversible blades with this ceiling fan. One side offers a cherry veneer finish, while the other offers a medium oak veneer finish. There are these additional features to consider as well when looking at this ceiling fan by Emerson.

  • The housing is offered in three finishes: oil-rubbed bronze, brushed steel, and white.
  • Two size options are available for blade width as well. This model is available in a 42-inch size or a 52-inch size.
  • Control the ceiling fan by using a standard pull-chain toggle switch. You have access to 3 speed settings from this switch. If you wish, the installation can include a light kit and a wall control, though these are sold separately from the ceiling fan.

We got a chance to take a look at the 52-inch oil-rubbed bronze ceiling fan in this collection by Emerson. Although the other sizes and finishes should perform similarly, that is not something we evaluated.

What to Expect with the Emerson Snugger Ceiling Fan

In total, you’ve got 7 inches from the ceiling to the blades once you have this ceiling fan installed. There’s no real way to improve upon that spacing. If you have a room with a ceiling that is lower than 8 feet, you’re probably not going to want to use this ceiling fan. It would be likely run afoul of local building codes if you did.

Although this ceiling fan is quiet, the proximity of the blades to the ceiling does create an echoing effect for the blade wind noise that all ceiling fans produce. In a smaller room especially, you can hear the wind movement in an amplified way. The motor doesn’t really hum when operating, though it does a little upon startup.

We had a small issue with balance once the installation was completed. Balancing weights were included in the box and this helped to stabilize the fan.

Overall, we felt that the installation process was about as simple as it could be. The directions were accurate and the job was finished in about 30 minutes. The fan performed flawlessly and provided us with no additional concerns beyond what has already been discussed.

Although the Emerson Snugger Low-Profile Hugger Ceiling Fan may be more of an investment when compared to other flush-mount fans, it is a product that will offer consistent dividends all year long for the room where it is installed. Choose your preferred size and finish, and then enjoy what this fan can do as much as we did.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

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Kitchen

Review: Casa Vieja Habitat Brushed Steel Hugger Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan should provide you with options. It must do more than just provide a nice breeze when you’re warm. The Casa Vieja Habitat Brushed Steel Hugger Ceiling Fan goes out of its way to make sure it can do whatever it can to provide the perfect look for your home. It also makes sure you receive a consistent, durable user experience.

One of the easiest ways to change the look of a room with this fan is to switch the blades. They are reversible, with one side offering a steel finish and the other offering a white finish. This complements a brushed steel finish motor to offer a touch of the traditional, but a touch of the modern as well.

There are these additional features to look at with this ceiling fan by Casa Vieja as well.

  • It comes with a light kit that includes a frosted white glass bowl. Two 60w light bulbs are included in the box with the assumption that you’re installing the light kit.
  • The fan features a 44-inch blade span. Once installed, there are 6.5 inches from the ceiling to the blades. The light fixture extends downward from there, an extra 5 inches, but this design does help to support the installation of a ceiling fan on low ceilings.
  • It offers a 14-degree blade pitch for maximum air movement and works with a pull-chain operation.

There is an optional wall control that can be used with this fan, but that does require a third wire for the installation.

What to Expect with the Casa Vieja Habitat Ceiling Fan

If you have an 8-foot ceiling, this ceiling fan must be at the top of your list. The installation is straightforward and simple, making it easy to hang the fan. The pull chains come through the center cap, which is a little unusual, but also makes it fairly easy to access the toggle switch. You can shorten the pull chains if you wish since they do hang a little long.

The quality of the air movement is excellent. The amount of light that is distributed from this fan, however, could be a little too dark for some homeowners. Its design accommodates the standard socket, so minimum wattage issues can occur with this fan. Halogens work better than LEDs or CFLs.

Many ceiling fans benefit from a prior assembly. If you do so, make sure to have the mounting plate attached to the ceiling first. Skipping the first step in the instructions can be a time-consuming mistake. Take some time with the connectors on this fan as well. They can be a little finicky.

Once installed, the speed of the ceiling fan does cause the pull chains to sway just a bit. Given the right set of circumstances that could cause them to click into each other, making it sound like someone is typing in the room. A lower speed reduces this issue, but is a concern of note.

Overall, we found the Casa Vieja Habitat Brushed Steel Hugger Ceiling Fan to be a solid choice when looking for the best flush-mount ceiling fan. Work around the few concerns and we believe you’ll be pleased with the look and outcome of your investment.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

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Kitchen

Review: Minka Aire Concept II LED Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

In the world of ceiling fans, you often get what you pay for. The old adage rings true up and down the pricing spectrum. That’s why the Minka Aire Concept II LED Flush Mount Ceiling Fan is such an exciting opportunity. Although its cost is comparable to 5 similarly sized ceiling fans of lower quality, the results that are provided to a room can be quite profound.

What stood out to us on our first impression of the ceiling fan is its incorporation of damp-rated items. The blades on this fan, for example, are constructed using molded ABS. Then a silver finish is applied to the blades to give it the stunning and modern look that it provides to a room. It is definitely a conversation piece.

Here are the key features to consider with this modern flush mount ceiling fan from Minka Aire.

  • The blade span of this ceiling fan is listed at 44 inches, which gives it enough power to provide a consistent airflow once installed.
  • It incorporated a flush-mount motor that is protected by a brushed steel finish to give the look of the ceiling fan a beautiful final touch.
  • Each blade is formed so that a 14-degree pitch is created, which helps to promote such strong air movement.

If you prefer, this model is also available in a 52-inch size. Oil-rubbed bronze, polished nickel, white, and mahogany finishes are also available in this model, though availability is sometimes limited. This review is for the brushed nickel finish.

Observations About the Minka Aire Concept II

You can use this ceiling fan with a wall control if you prefer. It is sold separately from the fan, however, and availability may be limited. If you do use the wall control, we found that a GFCI faceplate worked well with the mechanism.

Although there is some noise pollution with this ceiling fan, Minka Aire has eliminated the bothersome hum that has plagued other models within their line of products. You’ll still hear the air movement from the blades spinning, but you won’t hear the motor humming along in the background if you’ve installed the fan correctly.

You can use this ceiling fan with or without a light kit, depending on your personal preference. The bulb and lens are included with the fan, along with a matching finish cover if you don’t want to install the light kit.

Take the LED component of this ceiling fan design seriously. If you use halogen or traditional incandescent bulbs, the heat of the bulb can crack the glass shade that comes with the light. We highly recommend using LED bulbs only, despite their added cost.

If you’re looking for a fan that is quiet, beautiful, and modern, then the Minka Aire Concept II LED Flush Mount Ceiling Fan is a wonderful option to consider. It may not be the fastest ceiling fan on the market, but it moves the air nicely and provides the perfect finishing touch to virtually any room.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

 

Categories
Kitchen

Review: Westinghouse Casanova White Flush Mount Ceiling Fan

Many flush-mount ceiling fans attempt to give you the basics of air movement, but don’t include any additional features. The idea is something like this: your main feature is the ceiling hugger design, so you don’t need anything else. The Westinghouse Casanova White Flush Mount Ceiling Fan would disagree with that kind of logic.

It is one of the few ceiling fans in this category that can be controlled by remote or wired into a wall control… though you must purchase those options separately. Installing from the box, you’re given a 3-speed pull-chain toggle to use instead.

Here are some of the other features you can find on this ceiling fan by Westinghouse.

  • It offers homeowners a CFM rating of 5098. Because it uses 60w without a light kit, you are installing a fan in a standard room that has an efficiency rating of 85.
  • The 52-inch ceiling fan offers the blades at a 11-degree pitch, which moves the air very efficiently after installation, despite its proximity to the ceiling.
  • The motor on this ceiling fan is manufactured with cold-rolled steel and offers a quiet user experience.

The Casanova ceiling fan is rated to work in rooms of up to 360 square feet while maintaining is CFM and efficiency ratings.

Observations of the Westinghouse Casanova Ceiling Fan

The installation process for this ceiling fan was a bit more challenging than some others. You’re provided a 12-inch lead wire only, so you’ve got virtually no room for error with this model. Take some time, get your tools ready in advance, and be patient with yourself. It took us about 60 minutes in total.

Once you finish the installation, there is a tendency for the motor to hum a little bit as the ceiling fan begins to warm up. When the fan reaches the intended speed, the humming noise tends to fade away.

You can reverse the blades in addition to reversing the spin direction on this fan. You do need to unscrew the blades from their mounts to do so, however, so it isn’t the best option. Having the wood side of the blade be visually represented does present a nice look for many rooms, especially with the ceiling hugger design.

There is a definite blade wind noise issue that can be experienced with this fan on a higher speed when it is installed in a smaller room. We’d recommend using this fan in a room that is at least 150 square feet in size to reduce this issue as much as possible.

The bottom line here is this: the Westinghouse Casanova White Flush Mount Ceiling Fan is a moderately priced unit that offers a snug fit and an excellent value. Although the overall power of the ceiling fan is somewhat limited by its design, it is far from an underwhelming experience. Install a light kit if you wish or enjoy the fan without one. Either way, this ceiling fan will provide a positive impact for your home.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

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Kitchen

Review: Hunter Fan Company Low Profile New Bronze Ceiling Fan

Flush-mount ceiling fans have certain challenges to their design. They must move air efficiently, be reasonably quiet, and not overheat. To solve those issues, some manufacturers have adapted to a “low profile” design instead of a true ceiling hugger design. That’s the case with the Hunter Fan Company Low Profile New Bronze Ceiling Fan. This option is more of a traditional look than the Anslee ceiling fan by this manufacturer, but provides many of the same benefits.

For starters, you still receive the WhisperWind motor with this low-profile model. That gives you the airflow benefits that you want without the hum or added noise that other ceiling huggers tend to cause.

There are these key features to take a look at as well with this ceiling fan by the Hunter Fan Company.

  • The blades of the fan are specially coated with a nanotechnology called “Dust Armor.” It is a patented technology from Hunter and it repels nearly 60% of the dust build-up that other ceiling fans experience.
  • The fan blade length is 42 inches on this model and the 5-blade design does a good job of providing a consistent feeling of airflow at every available speed.
  • The motor on this Hunter model is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. It provides a flush-mount look, but in a low-profile setting that increases the airflow potential in any room.

Three different finishes are available for this specific model: white, antique pewter, and new bronze. Our review involves the new bronze finish only.

Observations About the Hunter New Bronze Ceiling Fan

Unlike other flush-mount ceiling fans, this specific model does not come with a light kit in the box. There are some light kits that will work with this fan, however, but they must come from compatible models manufactured by Hunter only. Look for light kits from the “9 Series” if you’d like to equip one to this model.

Some “5 Series” light kits may work with this ceiling fan as well.

From the top of the ceiling to the bottom of the fan, this model measures 7.5 inches. Adding a light kit will extend that length somewhat.

We did notice that there was just a bit of a balancing issue with this ceiling fan during our installation process. It tends to be a little touchy on its form based on the direction it is going. You’ll likely need to rebalance the fan every time you reverse the direction of the motor.

The fan itself puts out a surprising amount of air once you finish the installation. Don’t be fooled by the CFM rating of 2902. When you have the highest speed setting on, you’ll feel the downdraft right away. You can control speeds on this fan by using an attached pull chain.

Although there may be stronger ceiling fans out there, the combination of value, ease of installation, and durability with the Hunter Fan Company Low Profile New Bronze Ceiling Fan is difficult to ignore. Give it a try and you’ll see why we ended up loving this fan so much.

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Categories
Kitchen

Review: Progress Lighting 52-Inch Ceiling Fan

If you have finished your garage, then the idea of having an industrial ceiling fan seems silly. Why pay more for commercial-quality products when a traditional indoor product could potentially meet your needs? That’s where we like the benefits of the Progress Lighting 52-Inch Ceiling Fan. With 5 blades and a 3-speed reversible motor, it gives you a wonderful combination of value and performance for a price that won’t break the budget.

This ceiling fan offers 80-inch lead wires as well, which most garage ceiling fans from other manufacturers don’t offer. You’re also given a 30-year limited warranty on the product, which is one of the best in this category.

Here are some of the key features to think about when looking at this ceiling fan from Progress Lighting.

  • It is an Energy Star-certified ceiling fan, though the CFM rating of 5182 is below average in this category.
  • The ceiling fan does come with a remote. You can turn the fan on when installed in the garage before you head out there to work, allowing you to improve the comfort of your environment with the push of a button.
  • For the overall look of the fan, it gets the basics right. It offers a white finish and the blades are finished in white to match. You can install the fan without the down rod as well to create more of a flush-mount experience in a garage with a lower ceiling.

The total height of this 52-inch ceiling fan is 13.5 inches, but the CTC is just 9.75 inches. That means it can accommodate most workshops and garages, though some homeowners may find issues with rail interference.

Observations of the Progress Lighting Ceiling Fan

We really liked the canopy system that comes with this particular ceiling fan. It allows you to install the ceiling fan in garages that have angled or peaked ceilings. Even if your pitch has a 12:12 ratio, you can still benefit from what this Progress Lighting ceiling fan can provide.

There aren’t rich features that come with this ceiling fan, but that’s okay. It does a great job of getting the basics right. The fan isn’t noisy when you operate it at a higher speed. The blade wind and noise doesn’t interfere with what you’re working on. You can use it all year long and enjoy its low-maintenance ownership experience thanks to its triple-capacitor motor.

This ceiling fan does struggle when operating in environments that would require a damp rating. If your garage or workshop experiences high humidity or you live along an ocean coast, this ceiling fan may experience a shorter lifespan than expected.

Progress Lighting offers a number of light kits that can work with this fan if you wish to take full advantage of what it can do. They are sold separately from this fan, however, so it is an added cost.

The Progress Lighting 52-Inch Ceiling Fan was one of the best surprises we were able to experience. It may be more of a traditional ceiling fan, but it works very well in a garage setting and could be the affordable solution to meet your needs today.

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Categories
Kitchen

Review: OEM Tools Oscillating Wall Mount Garage Fan

If you want a garage fan that will give your space full coverage, you’ll find that your options are quite limited. Most ceiling fans are either stationary or require you to point the fan in the direction that you want the air to flow. The OEM Tools Oscillating Wall Mount Garage Fan gives you the extra options that you may need.

This 30-inch fan is designed to mount on a wall instead of a ceiling, giving you the oscillating feature that is so often missing in this category. When the installation instructions are followed with precision, you can achieve a 90-degree oscillation with this fan.

Here are the additional features to consider with this garage fan by OEM Tools.

  • It offers a CFM rating of 9500, making it possible to cool down a garage or workshop in a very short period. You’re given access to 3 different speed options with this fan so you can control your airflow volume as well.
  • The blades of this wall-mount fan are constructed from aluminum, giving you a durable user experience that can withstand moisture exposure.
  • It operates through the use of a 6-foot UL-listed power cord. You can control the speed of the fan through the use of a standard pull-chain toggle.

We did find that the pull-chain on this garage fan was fairly sensitive. If you pull on it too firmly, it does break.

Outcomes from the OEM Tools Oscillating Garage Fan

What makes this fan so powerful is its high-efficiency motor. Rated at 2.4 amps, it provides a consistent performance that can give your space the airflow it needs all year long. This power does come with added noise, however, as the fan is rated to produce a total noise output of 76 decibels at its highest speed.

Installing this fan is pretty easy. Just install the mounting bracket onto one of your wall studs. Be sure to use a stud finder if your garage or workshop is finished. It will pull the screws out if they are only secured in your drywall. Be sure to lock the mount down tight because this fan will shake and vibrate if it isn’t because of the power that is behind it.

That switch is something that you’ll want to pay attention to using with this fan. Every other component speaks of a high-quality manufacturing process. The switch is basically a cheap plastic toggle. Swapping out the switch on your own could void the warranty on the product, but so will damaging the switch by “using it neglectfully.” We recommend having a plan in place or to just choose one fan setting and leave it there.

Once you get it up and running, the OEM Tools Oscillating Wall Mount Garage Fan does a great job. It is the real deal when it comes to whole-area airflow, even if it is a bit noisy compared to traditional ceiling fans. If you need to improve the environment of your garage or working area, this fan has the power to help you quickly and efficiently.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.