Flushmount Ceiling Fans and When to Use Them
Flushmount ceiling fans offer an efficient and stylish solution to regulate indoor temperatures without the constant need for air conditioning. By seamlessly integrating into the ceiling, these fans are particularly suitable for rooms with lower ceilings where a traditional fan would be impractical. On sweltering days, these fans promote a refreshing airflow that helps maintain a comfortable environment, effectively reducing the need to lower the thermostat. Moreover, they are available in a variety of designs and finishes, ensuring that they enhance rather than compromise the aesthetic of a room.
During the colder months, flushmount fans prove their year-round value by redistributing warm air that naturally rises and accumulates at the ceiling. This feature allows for more even heating throughout the space, eliminating cold spots and reducing the frequency with which heating systems need to run. Consequently, homeowners can enjoy significant savings on their heating bills. Additionally, many models come with reversible motors, allowing for easy switching between cooling and heating modes, thus optimizing energy use throughout the seasons.
Important Information on Flushmount Ceiling Fans
Why Not Use A Standard Mount Fan?
Unfortunately, due to building codes and safety concerns, not all ceilings can handle conventional standard mount fans. The blades of a ceiling fan should be no less than 7 feet from the floor, and if your ceiling is 8 feet high or less, then a standard mount fan won’t work for you.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT A FLUSH MOUNT CEILING FAN?
Standard mount ceiling fans typically have 12 to 14 inches of space between the ceiling and fan blades. Flush mount fans, on the other hand, only need between 6 and 10 inches between the ceiling and the fan blades. Make sure to figure in that number, in addition to the distance from the fan blades to the floor, when deciding if a flushmount fan is the right choice for your home.
A SIMPLE WAY TO KNOW IF YOU NEED A FLUSHMOUNT FAN
As a simple rule: If your ceiling is 7.5 feet high or less, you need a flushmount ceiling fan. A standard mount ceiling fan will not meet the 7 foot minimum distance requirement (fan blades to floor).
How Are They Different From Regular Ceiling Fans?
Flushmounts, designed for low ceilings, sit flush against the ceiling to save space and prevent head bumps in rooms with ceilings under 8 feet. They offer a minimalist look ideal for smaller spaces. Regular ceiling fans, however, hang lower and often feature longer blades and decorative elements, enhancing air circulation and decor in rooms with higher ceilings.
While flushmounts blend seamlessly with the ceiling, their proximity can restrict airflow, making them less effective in large spaces. In contrast, regular ceiling fans, adjustable through different downrod lengths, improve air movement and cooling efficiency in larger areas, providing greater versatility.
Important Things to Consider
SAFETY
It is important to factor head room into your ceiling fan selection for the safety of yourself, and anyone who comes into your home. Flush mount fans are definitely the safest choice for rooms with low ceilings, or even rooms with tall occupants!
Flush Mount Fans Work Best on A Flat Ceiling
Flush mount ceiling fans are meant to be used on flat ceilings. Since flush mount fans are anchored directly to the ceiling, they require an adapter and downrod to fit vaulted or sloped ceilings. The adapter and downrod both add height to the ceiling fan which may defeat the idea of a flush mount ceiling fan for your purposes.
FLUSHMOUNT FANS SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR ROOMS WITH LOW CEILINGS
Flushmount fans should really only be used for rooms with low ceilings, as they don’t always produce the same airflow as standard ceiling fans since the blades are closer to the ceiling. If your ceilings are more than 8 feet high, then a standard mount fan should work for you, unless it has a light that hangs down low enough to impede on that 7 foot gap.
Tips to Install A Flushmount Ceiling Fan
When installing a flushmount ceiling fan, it is important to be sure that you have the proper clearance, so that you don’t have to take it down later, because it turned out that the ceiling was lower than you anticipated. Before you begin installing anything:
- Measure the height of your ceiling one more time! It's worth it.
- Factor in the height of the ceiling fan when mounted. You can either get this info from the fan manual or, if you have a helper, have the helper hold the ceiling fan up to the ceiling and take a measurement.
- Verify that you have all the parts you need. It's surprising how many times we hear that people got half way through an install only to find that a critical part was missing, or not included by the manufacturer.
- You should also be sure that the electrical box that you will connect the mounting base to is not plastic - plastic will not be strong enough to mount the fan to.
- Carefully! Pull down on the base after installing, to be sure the base will support the fan when it is being operated.
- If you have a light kit, it should not be installed until after everything else has been installed, and the fan blades are securely in place. However, it's a good idea to put everything together on the floor first to ensure all pieces fit properly and there are no issues before you begin mounting the base to your ceiling.
The Perfect Choice for Your Living Space
Flushmount ceiling fans are a versatile and economical choice for maintaining comfort in your home all year round. Not only do they help in reducing reliance on costly heating and cooling systems, but their low-profile design makes them ideal for homes with height restrictions.
With a wide range of styles to choose from, these fans can complement any decor while providing practical benefits. Investing in a flushmount ceiling fan means enjoying a more comfortable indoor climate, lower utility bills, and a touch of style that elevates your living space. Whether battling the summer heat or distributing warmth in the winter, these fans are an essential addition to any efficient, modern home.
