Low Profile Ceiling Fans: Do You Need One?

By: Matt Roberts

Perhaps you've been wondering what to do if you want to install some ceiling fans in your home, but have rooms that are very small. Perhaps you have a small youth (child) bedroom - perhaps a walk-in closet that is very small. Perhaps you or a previous owner have installed suspended ceilings, thereby reducing the height of the room. What do you do?

Your answer: low profile ceiling fans. Typical ceiling fan installations make use of something called a 'downrod' - it connects the ceiling fan motor and blades to the ceiling itself. You can buy these downrods in many different lengths, but you may find that the shortest of them will not allow for an unrestricted movement of the fan blades in the smaller room.

Low profile ceiling fans solve that problem: they install directly to the ceiling without a downrod. This means that they will not hang down as low. They mount much closer - in some cases they mount flush with the ceiling itself.

A great thing about low profile ceiling fans is that you won't have to sacrifice on quality, or various features or accessories. You can buy a unit that has all the bells and whistles of the larger units, the only difference: they take up less space.

But what will you (you may be asking) if you don't see a low profile ceiling fan that you like? Well, an excellent option would be to buy a regular ceiling fan and install it using something called a flush-mount kit. You have the option of purchasing one of these separately, however many regular ceiling fans will also include them in the box as an installation alternative.

When should you use these types of fans? For sure, if your room is less than 8 feet high, and also if you have to put a fan anywhere that kids might be - you don't want them jumping around on their beds and couches, injuring their head or arm on the overhanging fan blades!

One very important fact: low profile ceiling fans do not move as much air around in your room as other types. Why? Because the air flow is restricted due to the fact that the fan blades are closer to the ceiling.

Now, if you are not very handy around the home, give a care: low profile ceiling fans MUST be properly installed. The mounting hardware must be securely attached to the ceiling - and it must be able to bear the weight of the unit. It must also be wired properly, using a special junction box. If you are out of your depth here, your best bet is to contact your local electrician and have them take care of the installation for you.

Niche Article Directory: http://www.thatsmyniche.com

Author: Matt Roberts talks about home repair and Ceiling Fan Reviews Learn more about Minka Aire Ceiling Fans by visiting his website.
This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated