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Kitchen

Review: Westinghouse Industrial 3-Blade Ceiling Fan

With an outdoor ceiling fan, you’ve got options that go beyond a specific look or a certain performance level. You can also work with difficult ceiling installation situations, open spaces, and high airflow efficiency levels. The Westinghouse Industrial 3-Blade Ceiling Fan is specifically designed to make sure the job of moving air gets done in virtually any situation and for one of the best prices in its category.

Here are the key points to think about when evaluating this outdoor ceiling fan by Westinghouse.

  • This ceiling fan is 56 inches and rated for commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
  • We found that it works better when there is a higher ceiling. It is rated to work with ceilings up to 20 feet in height and rooms that are up to 360 square feet.
  • At its top speed, it offers a CFM of 7105. That gives it an airflow efficiency rating of 113, which is far above the 75 rating that is required for an efficient ceiling fan.
  • This is one of the few ceiling fans that is backed by a 15-year motor warranty. The blades and other components of the fan are backed by a 2-year warranty.
  • Once installed, it offers 5 different speed options and there are 4 different finish options.

For the purpose of this review, we looked exclusively at the brushed nickel finish for this ceiling fan model.

What to Expect with the Westinghouse Industrial Ceiling Fan

You will need to review your building codes before installing this fan. The blades are made with brushed nickel steel, complemented by a brushed nickel finish. Not every community allows for the installation of a metal-bladed ceiling fan in residential situations. 

The entire housing on this Westinghouse ceiling fan rotates, so installing a light kit onto it is virtually impossible. There is no reversible option for the motor either. The fan controls that install on the wall are definitely a throwback as well.

Some of the product literature that comes with this industrial ceiling fan states that it is an indoor fan. Other documentation indicates that it is rated for indoor and outdoor use. Although we wouldn’t recommend full water contact, there is a certain amount of moisture resistance built into this model. It works well for a covered outdoor patio, carport, or similar property location from our experience.

Getting this fan balanced correctly was our biggest issue. With just a bit of wobble, we found that weight placement at the end of the fan blade made the biggest difference in fan performance.

Although the highest setting provides a high level of air movement, the lowest setting provides ample relief on a warm day. We found the best results came from the third speed setting.

If you don’t want to pay several hundred dollars for a new ceiling fan, give the Westinghouse Industrial 3-Blade Ceiling Fan a closer look. Should it meet your building code expectations, you’ll find this ceiling fan to be a tremendous value option.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

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Kitchen

Review: Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze Outdoor Ceiling Fan

It has been said that ceiling fans are one-part furniture, one-part fashion accessory, and one-part HVAC. Many are designed to provide a central system of air movement within a room, extending the length of the blades for larger rooms. The Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze Outdoor Ceiling Fan takes a different approach. It offers a central light kit and then two smaller 3-blade ceiling fans that extend outward.

Here are the key points to consider when looking at this unique ceiling fan by Harbor Breeze.

  • The total span of this ceiling fan is 74 inches. This makes it an ideal installation for larger rooms, especially since it is rated for indoor and outdoor use.
  • The AC motor is reversible and provides 3 speeds to create the most comfortable environment possible. At its maximum setting, this ceiling fan achieves a CFM of 4450.
  • The light kit includes a frosted glass shade to soften the look of your lighting option. LED bulbs seemed to work the best with this model.
  • There are 6 blades in total with this ceiling fan, though this is separated into two smaller ceiling fans instead of one large central design. The support canopy and bar extensions are finished in oil-rubbed bronze, while the blades are a beautiful brown wicker.
  • A 4-inch down rod is included in the box with this ceiling fan.

Although this ceiling fan is designed to work with LED lighting, any standard bulb will work with this ceiling fan. Using an alternative bulb may change the energy efficiency rating, however, if that is personally important.

What to Expect with the Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze

You can change the light kit on this ceiling fan if you prefer a different look. You’ll just need to make sure your preferred configuration is of the same size. Products from the Harbor Breeze catalog seemed to work better than generic kits when looking for alternatives.

The setup of the fan makes it look like a central motor controls both fans, but the Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze is equipped with two motors. Even if one of the motors fails to work or loses a power connection, the other motor will spin its fan for you, continuing to work.

The 4-inch down rod is somewhat limiting, especially since this ceiling fan is rated to work in rooms of up to 400 square feet. A down rod of about 20-24 inches provides the best results. Anything longer than that and there was some heavy vibration that came from the fan.

It would be nice for this ceiling fan to come with a remote control. Overall, however, it was quite easy to install. We tried installing without attaching the blades first and then installing with the blades attached before hanging and we definitely recommend the latter option.

We found the Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze Outdoor Ceiling Fan to be a superb fan that is a solid lighting, decorative, and air movement option. It will definitely work hard for you and that’s why it earns our recommendation.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

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Kitchen

Review: Casa Vieja Delta Wing Bronze Outdoor Ceiling Fan

An outdoor ceiling fan should bring grace and style to your property. There should be richness to its look without compromising its functionality. That’s exactly what you’ll receive when you bring the Casa Vieja Delta Wing bronze outdoor ceiling fan home with you. With its traditional propeller look, three 52-inch blades, and warm wooden tones, it is an affordable masterpiece for those who need the benefits of an outdoor ceiling fan.

Here are the key highlights of what we discovered when looking at the Delta Wing in brown.

  • The blades display at a pitch of 9 degrees, so wind movement isn’t forceful, but it is still present and makes an outdoor environment feel more comfortable.
  • The motor for the fan is finished with oil-rubbed bronze, providing a rich, traditional look that will complement almost any interior design.
  • It is a damp-rated outdoor ceiling fan, so it is not rated for environments where salt water or humidity are concerns.
  • The blades are finished with a wood walnut finish to create a stunning first impression.
  • In the box is a single 6-inch down rod. The specs on the canopy are 2 inches high and 6 inches wide.

There is not a light kit with the Delta Wing, but it still provides a look that is modern and clean once installed. It looks just as good indoors as it does on a 4-seasons porch or an outdoor installation location.

What to Expect with the Casa Vieja Delta Wing

Many ceiling fans look a little different in-person compared to the pictures you see on the box or with an online description. That isn’t the case with the Casa Vieja Delta Wing. It looks just as good when you get your hands on the product.

The look of the fan is beefy and solid, but the blades are surprisingly lightweight. It is quite easy to install, though you do need to take care when fitting the blades together.

Although ceiling fans with steeper blade pitches are usually recommended, the 9-degree blades on this model move a surprising amount of air. There are three speed settings that you can use to customize the experience as well.

Our one concern with the Delta Wing is that the instructions are intended for an electrical box that hasn’t supported a ceiling fan in the past. If you’re upgrading an existing ceiling fan, be sure to pay close attention to your wiring setup to make sure you get it right.

We did not experience any wobbling or humming when testing the ceiling fan at any speed. There is a slight amount of movement on the highest setting when there is a breeze outdoors, but that was it.

If you’re looking for an affordable outdoor ceiling fan that will exceed your expectations, then the Casa Vieja Delta Wing bronze outdoor ceiling fan has the tools to meet your needs. Avoid getting it wet and you’ll have a beautiful addition to your home for years to come.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

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Kitchen

Are Vintage Ceiling Fans Still Energy Efficient?

vintage ceiling fan

How energy efficient is your ceiling fan? You might own a great vintage ceiling fan, but is it costing you money every time you turn it on?

In the past, trying to figure out which ceiling fans were energy efficient and which ones were not efficient could be a difficult chore. Labeling changes and efficiency standards have changed that experience for brand-new ceiling fans, but what about those who own or inherit a ceiling fan that is 10+ years old?

Modern ceiling fans have their energy efficiency ratings determined by dividing the CFM with the wattage. You can do the same thing with your own vintage ceiling fan. Here is how.

#1. Determine the CFM of your ceiling fan.

Several features are taken into account when determining the CFM of a ceiling fan. The motor of the fan, the pitch of the blades, and even the shape or the length of the blades, all contribute to the cubic feet of air that can be produced by a ceiling fan.

Contracting Business has published the CFM formula you will need to create an accurate rating from your existing ceiling fan. The final figure you receive from these calculations will be your “airflow.”

#2. Determine your electricity use.

The amount of electricity your ceiling fan uses is a major part of your energy efficiency calculations. Electricity use is measured in watts. The manufacturer will usually publish electricity usage in the specs for your product. Check the owner’s manual if you still have it. If you inherited the ceiling fan or purchased it second-hand, you’ll need to calculate your electricity consumption.

The fan should have a stamp or label that says how many amps are used. It may be above the light socket or a blade. It may even be inside the fan base. Multiply the amps by 120.

#3. Determine your efficiency.

The efficiency of the fan is then measured by dividing the CFM by the total watts that are being used at full power. What you receive becomes a ratio measurement, not a percentage-based efficiency rating.

For example: If the CFM of a ceiling fan is 6200 and it uses 17.5 watts because no lights are used, then the efficiency rating will be about 350.

Your vintage ceiling fan is considered energy efficient if it has an efficiency rating, using this calculation, of 75 or greater.

What does this mean in practical terms? 

  • You can have a ceiling fan that moves a lot of air, but requires high wattage to do so, which means it will have a low energy efficiency rating.
  • Ceiling fans without a light kit are almost always more energy efficient than ceiling fans with a light kit.
  • Older ceiling fans are usually not as energy efficient as newer models, but that doesn’t mean they don’t meet efficiency standards.
  • You may be able to adjust the efficiency rating of a vintage ceiling fan by upgrading it with a modern universal light kit that requires less wattage.

Vintage ceiling fans may not be as energy efficient as modern models in many circumstances, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Use these calculations and standards to determine if your current ceiling fan is meeting your energy needs today.

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Kitchen

Can LED Bulbs Be Used in Ceiling Fans That Are Vintage?

One of the easiest ways to save some money at home is to replace older light bulbs with LED bulbs. Although LED bulbs are more expensive, they last for much longer, have similar brightness levels, and consume much less energy.

If you own a vintage, cottage, or antique ceiling fan, you’ve probably used CFL bulbs to be more energy efficient. You might still be using incandescent bulbs. Can you upgrade the light to an LED bulb with this type of ceiling fan?

The answer depends on how the ceiling fan is installed and what type of ceiling fan you own.

Is There a Dimmer Switch?

A dimmer switch should never be connected to a ceiling fan motor. You should not use an LED bulb if the lighting kit is directly wired to a dimmer switch either. A CFL bulb that is capable of dimming is still your best option in this circumstance. There are LED bulbs that are dimmable, but be sure the load going through the fixture is compatible with the bulb.

Check the minimum load requirement in the ceiling fan specs and then compare to what the actual bulb load happens to be. An LED with a 100w equivalency does not have the same minimum load (usually between 10-15w instead), which may not be compatible.

Does the Ceiling Fan Have a Pull Chain?

If you can turn your light on or off with a pull chain, then upgrading to an LED bulb should be possible. Some ceiling fans have pull-chain control, but are connected to a dimmer switch. In that circumstance, an LED bulb would not be a good option.

You will also need to double-check the minimum load specs on your ceiling fan to ensure that the LED bulb will work.

Is There a Remote Control?

If your ceiling fan is controlled by a remote control, then the quality of the LED bulb will be the determining factor. Manufacturing inconsistencies exist in the LED bulb supply chain, so not every bulb will perform with equal clarity. If you are unsure about the quality of the LED bulb you are thinking about using, then don’t use it with a remote-controlled ceiling fan. If you are sure of the processes involved, then it may be suitable to use.

Where Is the Ceiling Fan Installed?

Outdoor ceiling fans can benefit from an LED bulb. Their light is just as powerful as CFL or incandescent bulbs without generating the same levels of heat while on. Without the extra heat generation, there is less insect attraction and fewer structural risks. Indoor ceiling fans can benefit from an LED bulb as well, but must be connected to a toggle switch only in most circumstances.

How High Is the Ceiling?

If you have a high ceiling or a difficult installation point to access for your ceiling fan, an LED bulb is going to be your best option. Just make sure you check the type of base used and double-check the minimum requirements.

Can LED bulbs be used in older ceiling fans? Sometimes. If you have any doubts, check with the manufacturer of your ceiling fan before installing the new LED bulbs for best results.

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Kitchen

Can Indoor Ceiling Fans Be Used Outdoors?

Ceiling fans for indoors and outdoors

If you’re looking for a new way to decorate your home, a modern or contemporary ceiling fan could provide the perfect look. One of the issues that comes into play with this category is that the looks of an outdoor ceiling fan can be very different from the look of an indoor ceiling fan.

Many outdoor ceiling fans come with an “outdoorsy” theme. You’ll find palm leaves and other nature-driven shapes etched into the blades of the fan. Not everyone likes that type of look, so they look for other modern options.

In the outdoor category, if you don’t like a nature-driven look, then your other option tends to be an industrial look. Sharp, straight lines, gray colors, and high-performance designs combine to create the air movement you may need.

That look isn’t right for everyone either.

Many find themselves asking this question: can indoor ceiling fans be used outdoors? Unfortunately, the answer is usually, “No.”

Why Can’t Indoor Ceiling Fans Be Used Outdoors?

Indoor ceiling fans offer the traditional look with great consistency, but they aren’t rated for outdoor use. Most indoor ceiling fans aren’t even rated to be used in an environment with high humidity levels.

When shopping for the best ceiling fans, you’ll want to look for two rating options: damp and wet. Only wet-rated ceiling fans should be used outdoors, but damp-rated ceiling fans do have some outdoor use possibilities.

Damp locations are defined as being outdoors, but within a covered area. You would also want to install a damp-rated ceiling fan in a bedroom that has a bathroom next to it. Damp-rated ceiling fans can handle the moisture that comes into contact with them from humidity, including salt-tinged humidity, but are not rated to be in direct contact with water, snow, or other forms of precipitation.

When to Choose a Wet-Rated Ceiling Fan?

The #1 reason to purchase a wet-rated ceiling fan over a damp-rated model is that it requires less overall maintenance. All you need to do to clean a wet-rated ceiling fan is to spray it down with a hose. If you do spray it down to clean it, remember to turn the power off to the ceiling fan to prevent a potentially hazardous situation.

A damp-rated model needs regular cleaning like a traditional ceiling fan to prevent corrosion from occurring.

Here’s a pro tip: For wet-rated ceiling fans, car wax can give your metal parts a glossy finish.

A wet-rated ceiling fan should also be installed when there is the potential for rain or snow contact with the ceiling fan. The finish and assembly methods used to achieve this rating work to prevent corrosion from occurring.

Indoor ceiling fans have no protections at all. Any moisture contact could ruin the finish, damage the motor, and void your warranty on the product.

Indoor ceiling fans might have the right look, but they have the wrong rating. Look for damp or wet ratings on your ceiling fan so that you can have the outdoor installation you need.

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Kitchen

Are Ceiling Fans Out of Style?

Find stylish ceiling fans

If you watch any home improvement or interior design television show, you’ll see that there is a general dislike for ceiling fans. To be fair, a ceiling fan can be disruptive to the environment of a room. They take up ceiling space, are somewhat difficult to clean, and they create some noise pollution in the home.

On the other hand, ceiling fans can move air efficiently without the need of an additional box fan or an air conditioner. They can make you feel more comfortable without changing the actual temperature of the room. In some homes that struggle with cold air settling, it is a way to feel warmer without changing the thermostat settings.

Are ceiling fans really out of style? The answer to this question will depend on the personal perspective of the individual being asked.

Why Did Ceiling Fans Become Popular?

There are three reasons why ceiling fans became a popular addition to homes around the world over the past generation.

  • They are a space-saver. You don’t lose any floor space with a ceiling fan, but you still receive the air movement that you may need. In smaller homes, every square foot you have becomes valuable real estate you can use.
  • They are often energy-efficient. Many ceiling fans are Energy Star-rated, providing a minimal impact to your monthly utility cost. Compared to the energy cost of a standard fan or an air conditioner, ceiling fans provide a similar benefit for a much lower cost.
  • They spread the joy. If you are in a room with an air conditioner, the space closest to the unit will be the coldest. As you get further away from the unit, the warmer the room becomes. With a ceiling fan, the temperature disbursement is better.

As the popularity of ceiling fans increased, new styles, looks, and finishes became available. Many homeowners could find a ceiling fan that matched their interior design schemes. This resulted in most homes owning at least one ceiling fan over the years.

When Did Ceiling Fans Lose Their Popularity?

Ceiling fans were popular because they were the only real option for homeowners looking to save money while staying comfortable. Since the 1990s, technologies in this industry have evolved, providing consumers with numerous new options for temperature regulation. Personal fans, central air conditioning units, and energy-efficient furnaces with cold air controls have eliminated the need for a ceiling fan in many homes.

Some fans are smaller and even more energy-efficient than a ceiling fan today. That caused the popularity of the ceiling fan to begin dropping.

From a design perspective, the options that ceiling fans offer to complement a look are still available including a range of modern and contemporary ceiling fan designs. Today’s ceiling fan looks to meet personal preferences while working in indoor or outdoor environments.

Ceiling fans are still effective at what they can do. If you like the look of one, then it is a good investment option. If not, then you may look at other technologies.

The bottom line is this: ceiling fans are always going to be around. They have been a staple in homes for more than a generation and will continue to be because of how well they work.

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Kitchen

Ceiling Fans for Small Rooms

Even though the room may be small, some air movement could really help it to become a more comfortable place to be. Small rooms don’t require large ceiling fans. They can also be space savers thanks to the inclusion of a light kit.

That’s why the best ceiling fans with lights are a great investment for a smaller room. With blade dimensions as small as 30 inches, you can still achieve a high CFM without taking a large hit to your budget.

A small room is defined as being 12 feet by 12 feet in size or less.

Here is what you’ll want to think about if you’re installing a ceiling fan in a small room.

#1. Larger fans in smaller rooms can be a good thing. It takes less energy for a larger fan to create the same air movement as a smaller fan. Although the cost may be a little more, try going to a 44-inch fan for a small room so you can run it at a lower speed. Over time, you’ll make up the difference in utility savings.

#2. Lower ceilings don’t always require a flush-mounted fan. The standard ceiling height in the United States is 9 feet. Most ceiling fans are designed to provide the correct clearance levels with blade height, at 7 feet or above. Unless you’re above 7 feet tall, you generally don’t need to worry about smacking your head into the ceiling fan. Consider a flush-mounted ceiling fan if your ceiling is below 9 feet.

#3. Smaller rooms cause ceiling fans to wobble. Ceiling fans wobble because they have been installed improperly or the blades are not balanced. The wobble has nothing to do with the air movement that is generated within a small room. Even with a correct installation and perfect balancing, a slight wobble is normal for most ceiling fans – up to 1/8-inch in either direction.

#4. Motor size is sometimes more important than blade size. The amount of air that a ceiling fan can generate is dependent upon the size of the motor relative to the size of the blades. An undersized motor with lengthy blades will move less air than a powerful motor equipped with smaller blades. Stronger motors are a better representation of CFM expectations than the overall blade size.

#5. Minimize the number of blades on a small room ceiling fan. Many small room ceiling fans are equipped with 4-8 blades. Look for models that have 2-3 blades instead for better results. If one of the blades on your ceiling fan happens to break, you’ll need to replace them all to prevent vibration or balance issues. Replacing 2 or 3 blades is a lot cheaper than replacing 6 or 8 blades.

#6. Damp ratings are important for certain rooms. If the small room is adjacent to a bathroom, then you’ll want to find a ceiling fan that is damp-rated. Wet ratings are for outdoor ceiling fans and unnecessary for an indoor installation. The damp rating can handle the humidity that occurs in a room next to a bathroom.

Ceiling fans in small rooms are a good combination. Think about what you want to accomplish with this installation and you’ll be able to find the perfect ceiling fan for your space.

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Kitchen

Can Dimmer Switches Be Used with Ceiling Fans?

Dimmer switches can be awesome when installed in a home. It is a way to set the right mood, change a routine, or create a custom living experience. Installing dimmer switches is a common DIY project that most homeowners can complete in just a few minutes.

The problem with a dimmer switch is that it can be easily overloaded. It can also cause problems for the ceiling fan if it is directly connected to it. The switch could damage the motor on the ceiling fan. If the switch is overloaded, it could heat up and start a fire.

Both are bad outcomes. Now here’s the good news: these bad outcomes are associated with a standard dimmer switch. Some switches are designed specifically to work with ceiling fans and will have a speed control that will provide the customization you may want or need at the switch.

What Can I Do If the Ceiling Fan Is Already Wired?

The best option you have for a ceiling fan that is wired to a standard dimmer switch is to change it out for a simple toggle switch. Although this will eliminate your ability to dim the light on the ceiling fan, it will also reduce the risks of damage to the fan or your home.

If your ceiling fan has wiring already in place where you have a separate switch for fan control, then you can have the separate controls wired to independent switches. In this circumstance, the light kit could be connected to a dimmer switch and the fan motor connected to a toggle switch.

You may be required to hire a professional electrician or qualified handyman to complete this job. Not every homeowner’s policy will cover a DIY installation.

If you have an existing ceiling fan that is more than a decade old or your new ceiling fan with lights was given a retro install, then you likely don’t have the wiring in place for the separate controls. You can still have the same benefits, however, if you use a remote and receiver combination that is wired directly to the ceiling fan.

SFGate offers instructions on how to install a ceiling fan light dual dimmer switch that will take you through the complete DIY process if you wish to avoid hiring a professional.

What Can I Do If There Is Only One Switch Available?

If you only have one switch available for your ceiling fan, then there are two options available to you.

  • Install the ceiling fan with a standard toggle switch and control the light intensity with the fan’s pull switch.
  • Separate the wiring between the light kit and the fan and install a second switch in the wall.

The latter option may require running wiring over the ceiling and down the wall to the box, where you can then change the single switch to a dual switch. Some communities may require a building permit for this action to be taken.

For many homes, a dimmer switch is a nice feature, but not always something that works well with a ceiling fan. Make sure your wiring meets coding requirements and never hook up a standard dimmer switch to the actual fan motor to avoid potentially devastating results.

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Kitchen

Flush Mount Ceiling Fans That Move a Lot of Air

One of the biggest knocks against a flush-mount ceiling fan is that its design does not move the same amount of air as a more traditional fan design. Because it “hugs” the ceiling, there is less room for air to move over and then through the fan blades.

Yet some rooms, with their low ceilings, must have one of the best flush-mount ceiling fans because it would be dangerous to install a traditional ceiling fan.

How can you make sure that you’re purchasing a flush-mount ceiling fan that can move a lot of air? You’ll need to look at the fan’s cubic feet of air per minute rating. Referred to as the “CFM,” this figure is somewhat subjective to the manufacturer, but is a somewhat decent standard to consider when shopping.

A flush-mount ceiling fan with a high CFM will move the most air for you. You’ll want to look for a high-flow model that has a 7000 CFM rating at minimum if you want a lot of air movement in your room.

Features of High Flow Ceiling Fans

Although many flush-mount ceiling fans do struggle to move large amounts of air, a well-designed model can compete with any other type of ceiling fan. To create wind movement, longer and wider blades are often necessary with the “hugger” design. A standard ceiling fan blade dimension might be 52 inches, but for higher air movement, you may need a model that is 60+ or 70+ inches instead.

The size of your room is going to come into play as well. Small rooms require smaller fans to achieve a high CFM. If your space is only 100 square feet, you’ll receive a higher CFM rating from the same fan installed in a room that is 200 square feet in size.

Wattage, the efficiency rating of the motor, and other factors must be considered as well.

There is another type of method to judge airflow from ceiling fans that is gaining some traction as well, especially in the flush-mount category. Called the “Breeze” rating, it takes into account the actual wind speed that can be generated through blade rotation.

The best ceiling fans in this category can achieve a speed greater than 4 miles per hour. Anything above 3.5 mph will provide you with enough air movement to offer comfort.

Know Your Building Codes Before Starting

In the United States, building codes require a ceiling fan to be a minimum of 7 feet from the floor. Some homes and apartments have rooms that have a ceiling height of 7.5 feet. Since the closest flush-mount ceiling fan gives you 18 inches of clearance, a ceiling must be 8.5 feet high to support a ceiling fan installation if building codes are being followed.

How the room will be used also matters. A bedroom ceiling fan will be ineffective if bunk beds are in that space. The person on the top bunk will also be in a potentially dangerous place should the ceiling fan be on.

With time, care, and the best ceiling fan reviews providing assistance, it is possible to find a great flush-mount ceiling fan today. Find your affordable room upgrade right now.