Homeappliance Guru

If you have a low ceiling in a room, then a traditional ceiling fan isn’t a good idea. Most ceiling fans have a hanging bracket that keeps the fan about 18-24 inches from the ceiling surface. The math is simple.

An 8-foot ceiling with a ceiling fan that drops down 2 feet means you’ve got 6 feet of clearance. If you’re over 6-foot tall, you’d better duck to avoid having fan blades coming at your eyes!

That’s why the benefits of the best flush-mounted ceiling fans are worth considering if you own a home with low ceilings. You’ll maximize the amount of space you have underneath the fan while minimizing the risks of an unintentional injury.

The only problem is that not every flush-mounted ceiling fan looks good. That often leaves people asking this question: can all ceiling fans be flush-mounted?

It All Depends on the Parts of Your Ceiling Fan

You’ll know if your ceiling fan can be flush-mounted based on the installation instructions that you receive. Some owners attempt to make a ceiling fan be flush-mounted by removing the down rod from the installation. Doing this will often cause the clevis pin to be left loose on the ceiling fan, which puts the fan at-risk of falling.

For a close-to-ceiling mounting, you’ll need to have a mounting bracket that is designed to bear the weight of the ceiling fan without a DIY modification to the installation. You’ll also need to make sure that the motor for the ceiling fan is designed to work in a flush-mount setting.

If the motor is designed to operate with a down rod, there is a good chance that a surface-mount installation will generate too much heat. That could damage the structure of your ceiling, cause the motor to overheat and stop working, or worse – start a fire.

You May Have One Option Still Available to You

In some instances, you may be able to remove the light kit that comes with certain ceiling fan models. This will give you some extra space for the ceiling fan clearance, though it won’t technically “flush-mount” it for you. The disadvantage here is that you’ll now need a lamp in your room for light, which means another added cost.

Not every ceiling fan will let you remove the light kit, however, so you’ll need to look at that as an option while shopping. That’s why looking for a ceiling fan that is specifically designed to be flush-mounted is often to your advantage.

Is a Flush-Mounted Ceiling Fan Right for You?

Many flush-mounted ceiling fans are designed to move the same amount of air that ceiling fans with a down rod can move. They are able to do this because subtle adjustments to their design and the installation process have been added to maximize airflow in a minimum amount of space.

Other ceiling fans that are not designed to be flush-mounted do not offer this benefit. In the event that you do successfully flush-mount a ceiling fan by removing the down rod, you’ll find that there will be a lot less air moving in your room.

You’re running late, so you dash out the door and hurry off to work. Then you remember that you forgot to shut-off the coffee pot. Do you run back home to prevent it from overheating? You probably should.

Now you remember that you also left the ceiling fan running. Should you turn that off as well? You probably do not.

Whether you own one of the best garage ceiling fans or you have a great ceiling fan for the bedroom, keeping the fan on 24/7 could be beneficial for your home. Not only does the air movement help to regulate the temperature of the room, but it can help to manage pet odors, pull in outdoor air with a window open, and provide numerous other benefits.

Remember, however, that the answer was “probably.” Ceiling fans operate with a motor and motors generate heat. If you are stuck in the depths of a hot summer, the benefit of a ceiling fan is that it will blow cool air down on you. There’s no reason for the fan to be on if no one is in the room in that specific circumstance.

How to Maximize the Monetary Savings of a Ceiling Fan

Just because you install a great ceiling fan in your home doesn’t mean you’ll see an immediate dip in your utility bills. Many homeowners actually see their charges rise when using ceiling fans, especially in climates that are warm 9 months out of the year.

To save energy with a ceiling fan, there are three specific practices that must be incorporated into your daily routine.

• Keep the air conditioner off in your home if the ceiling fans can provide enough of a cooling effect for you.
• Set the thermostat in your home at a higher temperature so the ceiling fans can help to regulate the temperature for you on a room-by-room basis.
• Keep the ceiling fan turned off during the warmer months if the room is not occupied.

In the winter months, it makes sense to keep a ceiling fan running because you’re regulating the temperature in a different way. Hot air rises while cool air settles, so the ceiling fan works to displace the cold air so warmer air is kept near the floor instead of the ceiling.

When you follow these steps, and have a ceiling fan properly installed, it is possible to save up to 15-20% on your heating and cooling bills. Then you must add in the cost of operating your ceiling fans back into that cost savings.

How to Find an Energy Efficient Ceiling Fan

If you are shopping for a ceiling fan that you can leave running, then you will want to look for a model that has been given an Energy Star rating. These ratings are a voluntary certification program that ceiling fan manufacturers partake in with the US Government to prove energy use is maximized.

Other countries have similar programs and certifications as well.

Then, every year, a list of the most energy-efficient ceiling fans is produced by the US Environmental Protection Agency based on the certifications that have been awarded.

With some advanced planning, a ceiling fan can be a tremendous investment opportunity. You can leave them running when necessary or turn them on so you can be comfortable in your own space.

Which ceiling fan will be the best option for your home today?

Temperature extremes tend to hit the garage more often than any other part of your home. Even if the garage is attached to your home, there’s a good chance that zero insulation was installed above the ceiling unless local codes demanded it. The garage is also a buffer zone between your regular living space and your vehicles or your man cave or the toy room for the kids.

Regulating the temperature of your garage so it stays comfortable can be an expensive experience. From high-capacity heaters to industrial-quality fans, you could be expending energy to normalize the temperature of your garage all year long.

If you do need to regulate the temperature of your garage, the first step to take is to insulate it. Install proper R-grade insulation in the attic area of your garage if it exists. If not, you may wish to install a false ceiling and place insulation above it. Finish the walls of the garage as well and add insulation to improve temperature consistency as well.

Then you may wish to purchase one of the best garage ceiling fans to keep your space at a comfortable temperature. Here’s why.

1. Garage ceiling fans pull down the hot air. Hot air rises and cool air sinks. If the air could be mixed better, then the temperature would have more consistency and comfort to it. A ceiling fan in the garage is the easiest way to pull down the hot air so that you don’t feel so cold when you head out there to work or have fun.

2. They work on low garage ceilings too. If your garage ceiling is less than 10 feet, a flush-mount or a wall-mount ceiling fan can be installed in most locations. Just make sure your ceiling fan is out of the way of your garage door opening mechanisms.

3. You can install them directly over your work area. Although it seems counter-productive, if you install a ceiling fan right above where you work or play, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in the temperature of the environment. That temperature balance will then spread out from the immediate area over an hour or two to improve comfort levels throughout the entire space.

4. It’s not just about staying warm. A ceiling fan in the garage can help you stay cool in the warmer months too. Just make sure you purchase a fan that has a reversible spin so you can cycle the hot air upward to stay cooler in the summer months. As an added benefit, the moving air will keep insects off you while you’re working in the garage as well.

5. It is a long-term investment. Many garage ceiling fans are of an industrial quality because the environment of that space can be difficult. Dust, outside debris, and other hazards to a fan are almost always present. These fans may cost more than cheaper indoor fans, but they are workhorses that won’t quit on you.

Ceiling fans for low garage ceilings or even an unfinished garage will improve the comfort you experience in this space. Install one today and you’ll be amazed at how much time you will want to spend in your garage from now on.

You turn on the ceiling fan. The blades begin to turn. Pretty soon, you begin to hear a strange whining noise. Then the strange sound grows deeper. The fan begins to vibrate. Then there’s a puff of smoke and the thing stops working.

You’re left with a dead ceiling fan in your room. There’s one question on your mind at this moment: can ceiling fans be repaired?

The answer to this question depends on the type of ceiling fan you own, the cost of the ceiling fan, and how good you are at DIY repairs.

Troubleshooting Your Ceiling Fan

If your fan isn’t spinning, but is humming, then you likely have a broken flywheel to fix. In the example above, however, you may have a fan that is completely dead. The first thing to do is to ensure the fan is receiving electrical power. Go check the circuit breaker and the fuse box. Either may have tripped.

You may also have the fan hooked up to a GFCI circuit that tripped. Reset the trip at the outlet and your fan might just work again.

If power is going to the fan, then you will want to check the switch. Use a voltage tester to check the screw terminals to ensure they aren’t active before proceeding. You may need to unscrew the wires from their connection, remove corrosion, or replace the connectors. This could restart your fan.

Should none of this work, you may need to complete a flywheel replacement. Each fan is a little different. Here’s a good video that can help you repair an Emerson ceiling fan.

Common Problems with Ceiling Fans and How to Fix Them

Maybe your ceiling fan works just fine. The problem that you’re facing is a pull-chain that came out of the unit. These chains break off inside the switch all the time. Although you could reattach the chain with some ceiling fans, you’ll need to replace the switch.

Today’s Homeowner takes you through the 11 steps to replace a ceiling fan switch if this is your repair issue.

If your ceiling fan has started to wobble more than 1/8-inch when on the highest setting, Family Handyman takes you through the process of balancing your ceiling fan properly.

There are several additional problems which might creep up with your ceiling fan. The light kit might stop working. The ceiling fan might not reverse. There could be airflow issues. Del Mar Fans and Lighting have put together a comprehensive Troubleshooting 101 guide for ceiling fans that can help you navigate this issue.

If all else fails, you may find that the cost to repair a ceiling fan is higher than the cost of one of the best cheap ceiling fans that are available today.

Ceiling fans can be repaired, but sometimes the time and cost of that repair do not make sense. Troubleshoot your ceiling fan, discover the problem, and then decide if a repair or a replacement is the best option.

Can a ceiling fan be installed in an apartment? The simple answer is yes. As long as the ceiling fixture is capable of supporting the weight of the ceiling fan, you can receive the many benefits that owning one can provide.

In reality, the answer is more complicated. A ceiling fan can help you warm up your space or cool it down, but you’ll need to review your lease first.

There is a good chance that you’ll need the permission of your landlord or property manager before you install a ceiling fan. In most leases, any changes that add value to the apartment will become the property of the building owner as well. That means you will lose the value of the ceiling fan if or when you need to move.

That is why the best cheap ceiling fans are your best option. Energy-efficient budget-friendly models can keep you comfortable, help save you some money on the utilities, and eventually pay for themselves if you stay in the apartment long enough.

If you’ve been given permission to install a ceiling fan in your apartment, here is what you will want to do to get the job done.

1. Place the ceiling fan in the center of the ceiling. If your apartment doesn’t have the light fixture in the center of the room, then you can’t install the ceiling fan. You’ll need to ask your landlord to move the fixture to the center and there’s a good chance that won’t happen.

2. Install your junction box (optional). You’ll need the electrical main shut off to your apartment. Use a voltage indication tool to ensure there is no power to where you are working. Then install the junction box, if needed, by removing the old fixture and replacing it with the one that works with your ceiling fan. If the current box works for your fan, make sure it is fixed to a support beam so that it will support the weight of the fan.

3. Assemble the ceiling fan. Depending on the brand of ceiling fan you purchase, you will find a handful of steps or a complicated series of assembly instructions to follow. Always assemble your ceiling fan on the ground. If you are installing a flush-mount ceiling fan, then you’ll want to attach the blades to the motor on the ground as well.

4. Attach the ceiling fan to the box. You’ll want to place the hanger pipe into the hole on the top of the motor. Pull the wires in the center. Then use a set screw to tighten the pipe placement. Install the hanger bracket on the box with included screws, bolts, or washers and attach it to the box.

5. Wire it up. Now you’re ready to attach the fan to a power source. White house wires go to the fan white wire. Bare or greenhouse wire is your grounding wire. Black goes to ceiling fan black, though sometimes the ceiling fan may have a blue wire.

Always test your connection before finishing the job. 

When you have the right set of permissions, a ceiling fan can be a great addition to any apartment. Talk to your landlord today if you’re interested in having one installed.

New parents face many challenges the first few days home with their newborn. I can remember my first two days with great detail. We’d had twins, a boy and a girl, and the idea of putting two newborns to sleep instead of just one seemed like an impossible task in the world.

That first night, I didn’t get any sleep at all. My son wouldn’t get to sleep at all. I wound up holding him upward as I sat on the ground because only the feeling of suspension would comfort him. I held that position for 6 hours until he woke up.

I watched 3 excellent Bruce Campbell movies that night.

As they got toward the 1-month age, my wife and I had this deep fear that SIDS would come around if we didn’t get everything right. Sudden infant death syndrome is super scary to a new parent. You get to a point of pure fatigue that you become unsure of what you’ve just done, so you keep double-checking everything every 5 minutes throughout the day.

We made the cribs be safe and kept toys and blankets out of it. We used sleep sacks since they were born in January to keep them warm. And then we installed a ceiling fan in the nursery.

Medical Professionals Highly Recommend a Ceiling Fan

There are three reasons why babies and a bedroom ceiling fan are a good combination.

1. The fan provides some white noise for the nursery, which helps the infants fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
2. The fan circulates air throughout the room, which prevents overheating while sleeping.
3. It may help encourage continued breathing should the baby roll over for some reason.

We liked to use the portable cribs for our twins, especially for the first 3 months, because that allowed us to use our bedroom as a secondary nursery. There were nights when responding to the baby monitor seemed like a journey of a thousand miles. By keeping the cribs next to our bed, we could get up, tend to their needs, and then we could all get back to sleep.

Now that is not to say that a ceiling fan solved all our worries. Far from it. My wife and I were all about reducing every possible risk factor for our children. We offered the twins a pacifier at bedtime. No one was allowed to even smell like cigarette smoke if they came into our home for a visit. If someone had a cold or something, you were banned from touching the twins for a minimum of 14 days.

We also gave the twins plenty of time on their tummies. Strengthening the neck muscles was incredibly important, even if both of them hated “tummy time” with a passion.

Can babies sleep under a ceiling fan? Absolutely. From my personal experience, I’d highly recommend it. The twins are now enjoying third grade and we’re very thankful for the research and advice we received that helped us to get to this point

It’s been a few days since you turned the ceiling fan in your bedroom on. Now that it is warm, you put the fan speed on high. Just seconds later, you’re bombarded with a cloud of dust, and so is your bed. If you own pets, there could be some fur in that debris as well.

You’ve encountered ceiling fan lint.

Because of their high location, the blades of a ceiling fan are not always cleaned as often as they should be. When a ceiling fan spins in the same direction on a consistent basis, the edge of the blade can accumulate sticky, greasy gunk that can be difficult to remove.

Over time, ceiling fan lint can damage the finish of the blades.

Here is the best way to clean ceiling fans so you don’t need to worry about breathing in some ceiling fan lint the next time you turn yours on.

1. Use the pillowcase method. Standing on a chair or ladder, take a clean pillowcase. Place the entire blade inside the pillowcase. Now pull the pillowcase back toward you slowly as this will trap the lint inside of it. Work your way around the ceiling fan, performing the same action on each blade. Be careful not to place any weight on the blades because this can cause the fan to become unbalanced. Then place the pillowcase into your washing machine.

2. Use a clean, damp cloth. If you have more dust than lint on your ceiling fan, a clean, damp cloth will clean the ceiling fan quickly. The dampness of the cloth will prevent the dust from becoming airborne. You can also use a disinfectant product to clean the blades, though you will want to make sure that the finish will not bubble, fade, or discolor after you use the cleaning agent.

3. Vacuum the blades. Another easy way to clean the blades of a ceiling fan is to use a vacuum attachment designed to complete the task. Look for an attachment that is small and has brushes that surround a central suction point. Make sure that you drag the attachment in straight lines down the blade to remove as much dust as possible. Some debris will fall onto the floor with this method. Just use the vacuum to remove it after you’ve finished cleaning the fan. Follow up with a damp rag if necessary.

4. Use a ceiling fan duster. Static cling dusters that are designed to clean ceiling fan blades do an excellent job of removing dust and debris. These are disposable products that may require you to stand on a chair or ladder. Some models have a long handle that ends in an “L” shape to make cleaning easier. The key to using this product successfully is to not place weight on the blade as you swipe downward.

It is a good idea to clean a ceiling fan a minimum of once every 2 weeks to maintain a healthy breathing environment.

What is your preferred method of cleaning a ceiling fan?

A ceiling fan is an easy way to add comfort to the bedroom. Because they don’t lower the actual room temperature or remove humidity, you’re not stuck with a high energy bill at the end of the month.

Most websites won’t actually rate ceiling fans for the bedroom because so many of them perform similarly well at any operational speed. That means the way to determine the best and worst ceiling fans for the bedroom is to look at the specific features that are available in this category.

You could spend more to get a preferred finish or a nicer motor cover… or you could be smart about your purchase to find one that operates perfectly within your space. 

What Are the Best Ceiling Fans for the Bedroom?

• The shape of the blade matters when shopping for the best bedroom ceiling fans. You can gauge the effectiveness of the blade shape by looking at the cubic feet per minute of airflow that the fan can provide. Called CFM, high ratings indicate more air movement. The best results for the bedroom tend to fall around a CFM of 5,500.
• Balancing matters for a bedroom ceiling fan as well. Many fans may have a slight wobble to them because of small weight variances in the blades. A basic balancing kit that is compatible with your preferred ceiling fan manufacturer can eliminate most wobbling.
• Energy Star ratings are important. A ceiling fan that earns this rating moves up to 20% more air than other ceiling fans and are up to 60% more efficient with their lighting.
• Size matters when looking for a brand-new ceiling fan as well. The most popular size of ceiling fan is 52 inches, but a fan of that size is intended for a room that is at least 225 square feet in size. If your room is 150 square feet, a 42-inch ceiling fan is a better option and you’ll likely save some cash at the same time.
  

What Are the Worst Ceiling Fans for the Bedroom

• Know what the damp rating for your ceiling fan is going to be if you have a bathroom that adjoins your bedroom. The presence of a bathroom exposes the ceiling fan to a higher level of moisture over its lifetime. Without the UL damp rating, you may find yourself replacing the ceiling fan sooner rather than later.
• Noise is an important factor when looking for a bedroom ceiling fan. If the unit is too noisy, it could create sleep disturbances.
• Light kits are not always a necessity for the bedroom. You can save some money by purchasing a standard ceiling fan and then a universal light kit if you decide that some more light is required in the bedroom. Check for adaptability before finalizing your purchase, however, because not every fan is universally compatible.
  

The right ceiling fans for your bedroom is dependent upon your specific needs. You deserve to be comfortable in your bedroom. Shop for features first and fashion second to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

You want to install a ceiling fan or two in your home, but you’re not sure you can afford to do so. How can you make sure that you’re finding the best deals on ceiling fans, but still purchasing a product that will still meet your needs?

Here are some key points to think about as you shop around for a great deal.

1. Review the reviews. Public reviews are an incredible resource, but they can also be misleading if they are approached incorrectly. Pay more attention to reviews that come from a verified purchase on your preferred site. Look at any included videos or photographs to see how the ceiling fan looks or operates and the compare what you’ve seen to your own installation point.

2. Research multiple sources. Ceiling Fan Choice is just one site of many that offer reviews and advice about ceiling fans. Multiple sites do the same thing. Be sure to review top sites and publications, such as Popular Mechanics or Consumer Reports, to discover more about the tech specs of the ceiling fan and how it may operate in your home.

3. Understand your energy needs. Some ceiling fans are designed to work with incandescent bulbs only. Know what the wattage requirements happen to be so the fixture or fan isn’t damaged by an output that is too high. Compact fluorescent bulbs are not usually a good option in ceiling fans either. Look for ceiling fans that use LED lights or will accept a halogen bulb so you can save some energy without compromising your output.

4. Shop around. Online deals on ceiling fans are one of the most consistent value options that are available right now. With that being said, local stores run local sales and deals that are not always available online. If your budget is tight and every dollar counts, it will be worth a trip down to your local retail or discount store to price out your preferred models.

5. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many stores will offer up to a 10% discount on items if you just ask for it. On a $70 ceiling fan, that’s enough money that’ll buy you a nice sandwich for lunch before you install your new ceiling fan. You can ask for any discount percentage, but an unrealistic request will usually result in a denial and that ruins your negotiating position. You can also ask if there are in-store coupons or discounts that might apply to your preferred ceiling fan, even if you’re shopping online.

6. Wait it out. The latest models of ceiling fans will always be priced at the highest possible margin. Look at models from past years to purchase a new, in the box, but an older product that will still perform adequately for your home. Refurbished ceiling fans are another option for securing a great deal.

Great deals on the best outdoor ceiling fans and in other categories are out there. Choose your style, set your budget, and have fun shopping!

You’ll find many options available for a new ceiling fan in today’s market. There are traditional designs, contemporary designs, and even specific designs for outdoor use is you need a new ceiling fan.

An emerging category of ceiling fans that shows a lot of promise in terms of design value is the vintage ceiling fan. Many vintage or antique ceiling fans look like they come straight from a steampunk demonstration.

One popular option from this category is the belt-driven ceiling fan.

How Does a Belt-Driven Ceiling Fan Work?

Belt-driven ceiling fans are a technology that has been around since the turn of the 20^th century. These fans work from an independent motor. The motor spins to turn a belt, which is stretched to the ceiling fans that have been installed in the room. The motor can be attached to the wall or ceiling and is connected to your home’s electrical system.

Some belt-driven fans will turn a single set of blades, but it is not uncommon to see 3-5 ceiling fans connected to the same motor in some rooms. As long as each ceiling fan is about 15-20 feet from each other, it is possible to have full room coverage with multiple fixtures, but only one electrical connection.

How Effective Are Belt-Driven Ceiling Fans?

Belt-driven ceiling fans are designed for fashion more than function. Many of them will create air movement, but not at the same levels as a traditional ceiling fan. They can be effective in small spaces or if multiple fans are installed to cover a larger area. If you’re trying to create coverage for a room that is 15’x15’ in size, however, the CFM may not be enough to provide adequate comfort.

There is also the cost of purchase and installation that must be considered when looking at the best belt-driven ceiling fans. It is not unusual to have the ceiling fans in this category be priced above $1,000. Several models are priced above $2,000. The Fanimation 220v Bourbon Street Short belt-driven ceiling fan has an MSRP of $5,865.

For the average homeowner, an entire home can be outfitted with traditional ceiling fans for less than the cost of just one belt-driven ceiling fan.

When Is a Belt-Driven Ceiling Fan the Right Option?

Some homeowners may wish to install a fan in a room without any fixture connection access. Rather than remodel the home to run an electrical line behind the wall, a belt-driven ceiling fan might make more sense. The motor could be installed at the current electrical line and then the belt could be extended to the location where the fan would be.

Belt-driven ceiling fans are always a great option for those times when a specific look is desired. Many of the fans in this category have a “propeller” look to them.

If a vintage or antique look is desired, then take a closer look at this ceiling fan option. Although these ceiling fans come with a premium price, those who own them love the world-class experience that has been brought into their home.