Hugger ceiling fans, or low profile ceiling fans, are indoor or outdoor ceiling fans that mount directly to the ceiling bracket to allow more clearance in areas with low ceilings. Adding a ceiling fan to your home, indoors or out, can cut down on cooling costs for your home. So, how do you decide when a low profile mount is necessary?
In general, a standard mount ceiling fan will work in any area where the fan will have 8 to 9 feet of clearance from the floor. Most fans have a 3-6 inch downrod that provides a space between the ceiling and the fan blades to improve airflow.
In places where the ceiling clearance is 8 feet or less, a hugger mount will provide the clearance needed from the floor by mounting the fan’s motor housing directly to the ceiling with no downrod. This flush mount will provide an additional 3-6 inches of head clearance for spaces with low ceilings. In other cases, this type of fan will allow enough extra clearance to have an optional light kit on the fan in spaces where that would not be possible on a standard mount ceiling fan.
A major drawback of the hugger ceiling fan is that the decreased space between the ceiling and the blades results in weak air flow. Weak air flow means less cooling. For this reason, it’s critical that you choose a high quality brand with a good CFM rating and blade pitch. Blade pitch is the angle of the blades in relation to the horizontal and should be at least 12-14 degrees. Without enough blade pitch, the blades will not push enough air down as they spin. If possible, test out the fan in a showroom where you can stand underneath it and feel how much airflow it provides.
Despite this common complaint, new technology and design has improved the performance of hugger ceiling fans. These fans come in many different sizes, so be sure to get a large enough size to efficiently cool your space, but not so large that it overwhelms it. If you will be installing the fan in a location that is humid or exposed to water, consider an outdoor ceiling fan with a UL rating of damp or wet. Finally, consider the colors and architectural style of the ceiling fan location, and try to choose a fan color and style that will compliment the features of the room or outdoor space where it is installed.
Adding a high quality, efficient hugger ceiling fan to a room or space with low ceiling clearance will add comfort and value to your home and make the space more enjoyable for you!
Related posts:
