Low Profile Ceiling Fan

 

Do you have a room in your home with a ceiling under 8 feet?  Have you always wanted to install a ceiling fan in it, but you worried about the blades being too low?  Are you simply looking for a modern fan that won’t hang down too far from your ceiling?  If any of these apply to you, a low profile ceiling fan might just be the solution to your problems!

A low profile ceiling fan, also known as a “hugger ceiling fan”  or “flush mount ceiling fan,” doesn’t hang from a short downrod.  The motor housing on this type of fan is mounted directly against the ceiling of your room.  Typically, the blades on this type of fan are between 6 and 10 inches from the ceiling.  Most common fans have a distance of 12 to 14 inches between the blades and ceiling.  This ensures safety if you need to install the fan in a room with a low ceiling.

Many of these types of fans have the same luxuries of their standard model counterparts.  Several models are available with remote controls, varying speed controls, and lighting systems.  A low profile ceiling fan can even be installed in an outdoor setting.

Things to Consider: 

There are many things to be aware of when purchasing a low profile ceiling fan.  The following list will help you make the right decisions when selecting a new fan:

Distance: A low profile ceiling fan needs to comply with the blade to floor clearance required by National Electric Code (NEC).  Code states that there must be a minimum of 7 feet between the blades and the floor.  The closest a typical low profile ceiling fan blade will come to the ceiling of a room is 6 inches.  You need to keep this in mind when selecting a ceiling fan to ensure that you are in compliance with local code.  Some fan blades hang down further than others, so you need to check the blade to ceiling distance of each model you are interested in.  This will ensure that you do not end up with a ceiling fan that will not fit in your room.

Your quick calculation should look like this:

(Floor-to-ceiling height) – (Blade-to-ceiling height) ≧ 7 feet (84 inches)

≧ This symbol means greater than or equal to.  Basically you cannot have a fan blade less than 7 feet from the floor of the room in which it is mounted.

Another helpful reference:

Performance: Ceiling fans produce airflow.  This is the reason they can be so effective.  Many people feel that a low profile ceiling fan will not produce enough airflow.  This belief stems from the fact that there is a shorter distance from the ceiling to the top of the blades.    This can prevent air from properly flowing around each of the blades.  For this reason, you must be certain of the quality of the fan you are purchasing.  Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air moved.  Obviously, a ceiling fan that moves more air will earn a higher rating.  When pricing a low profile ceiling fan, make sure to check each model’s CFM rating.  This can be determined by looking at the specifications on the side of the box.

If you have a room with a short ceiling, there is still hope!  Many people have chosen to install a low profile ceiling fan in their homes and/or working spaces.  These types of fans have many of the features and benefits of a standard fan, and are often more economical and eco friendly than other forms of cooling systems.