The difference between a low profile and a normal ceiling fan is simply that the former is designed in such a way that the blades are closer to the ceiling than the latter. The blades of low profile ceiling fans are usually, 6 to 10 inches from the ceiling as opposed to 12 to 14 inches of normal fans. They are also referred to as Hugger Ceiling fans or Flush Mount Ceiling Fans.
Now, let’s get into our topic for today: what is a low-profile ceiling fan?
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Where Should I Use A Low-Profile Ceiling Fan?
A low–profile ceiling fan should be your option if your room size is lower than 8 feet. Whether you go for a flush-mounted fan or a fan with short rod, just make sure that your fan blades are not less than 7 feet from the floor.
Now, this rule did not appear out of the blue, there is a building safety code that requires that fan blades should be at least 7 feet from the floor. Normal ceiling fans that have 12-inch blades are only allowed to be used in rooms where the ceiling is 8 feet high or more. So before you fix a new fan, consider these numbers to know which option is best for your room.
What Brought About Low-Profile Ceiling Fans?
The low-profile ceiling fans came to be for your safety. If you fix a standard ceiling fan in a room with a low ceiling, you are at risk of being injured because the blades will be too close to you. You don’t want to always bend your head in your own house to prevent a literal head-on collision with a fan you bought with your own money. Therefore, a low-profile ceiling fan is the best choice for rooms with low ceilings or tall individuals.
Essential Features Of A Low-Profile Ceiling Fan
It Does Not Need A Down Rod
Generally, low-profile ceiling fans fit flush with your ceiling so you shouldn’t need a down rod. However, you do need a down rod to fix some low profile ceiling fans. The down rod is usually between the mount or base of the fan and the center of the fan blades and it is what allows the fan to be closer to the ceiling. However, it is only for large rooms with high ceilings. For a low-profile ceiling, the fan is usually directly anchored to the ceiling.
It Is Safer
One of the reasons low profile ceiling fans came to be was to reduce the risks of accidents caused by standard ceiling fans. Imagine you have a fan that was fixed with a 24-inch down rod and the blades are just 2 feet down the ceiling and 6 feet above the ground. This will expose a person that is 6 feet tall or taller to the risk of bumping into the fan blades. Low-profile ceiling fans are installed to adhere to the building codes of at least a 7-foot distance between the ceiling fan and the floor.
A Sleek Look
One of the interesting features of a low profile ceiling is its sophisticated look that gives your house a new spice. The low-profile ceiling fans are mostly made of stainless steel in various colors and they give off a shiny look.
Remote Option
Many low-profile ceiling fans can allow for the installation of a wall switch or a wireless remote as opposed to several older versions that have two pull chains, one for light and one for the blades. This also offers better safety measures, eliminating the need to stand on a chair and put on or off the fan.
Types of Low-Profile Ceiling Fans
1. Hugger Fans Or Flush Mount Fans
Hugger or flush mount ceiling fans are kinds of fans that are anchored to the ceiling to allow its base fit flush against the ceiling. It is usually fixed without down rods and it is the go-to fan if you are looking for a sophisticated product. It likewise works very well with lights. Flush-mount fans are the most commonly used type of low-profile ceiling fans.
(Click here to learn How To Install A Flush Mount Ceiling Fan)
2. Low Profile Ceiling Fans Hung With A Rod
These types are usually hung from a rod with its blades attached towards the top of the motor instead of it being at the bottom. It uses a short rod instead of the long rods that standard fans use. Since we will not be dwelling much on them, you can watch the video below to learn more about them
Can I Convert My Standard Ceiling Fan Into A Low-Profile Ceiling Fan?
This all boils down to the parts of your ceiling fan and the instructions on the installation manual provided for the fan. Some owners, after purchasing a standard ceiling fan attempt to make the ceiling fan flush by removing the down rod from the installation. However, this might cause the clevis pin to be loose on the ceiling fan. This leaves the fan at the risk of falling and injuring somebody.
If you intend to mount your ceiling fan close to the ceiling, you will need to make use of a mounting bracket. A mounting bracket is designed to carry the weight of fan after installation without any form of improvisation to it.
Also, you will need to confirm that your ceiling fan’s motor can meet the needs of a flush mount setting. If the fan motor’s design is meant to be for a down rod and you go ahead to use it, it might result in too much heat because it is a surface-mount installation. This could in turn damage the ceiling structure, overheat the motor and even ignite a fire.
So What Can I Do Instead?
Well, while it is not entirely the best option to make your ceiling fan a low profile one, you might be able to use this secret tip that could work something out.
If your ceiling fan package has come with a light kit, removing the light kit will allow for extra space to make your dreams of low profile ceiling come true. However, you will need an alternative way to illuminate your room which might also incur you extra costs.
More so, not every ceiling fan will be designed to allow you remove its light lit. So why not just get a new low profile ceiling fan and enjoy it?
Do Low-Profile Ceiling Fans Reduce The Amount Of Air?
Usually, the closer the blade gets to the ceiling, the more obstruction to airflow between the blades and the ceiling. If the blades are too close to the ceiling, the air begins to hover between the ceiling and the fan blades. In fact, if the fan is of low quality, there is tendency it begins to make vibrating noises.
Most times, manufacturers build low-profile ceiling fans to blow less air, using flatter blades and smaller motors. On the flip side, some low-profile ceiling fans can provide the same amount of air a standard ceiling fan would provide. These are quality built fans that have undergone adjustments to their installation process and design. They have the ability to maximize the movement of air in a small space and handle a higher volume of air.
Common Issues With Low-Profile Ceiling Fans — Blade Pitch And Width
Most low–profile fan models come with a blade pitch that is about 10 degrees. This speeds up the movement of the fan but reduces the airflow. Also, fans with extremely wide and narrow blades reduce the amount of airflow around the room.
