Low Profile Ceiling Fans: Do You Need One?

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 is to install one or more low profile ceiling fans. How are these fans different from the regular units? Well, the larger fan units are usually installed with a downrod - this is a metal rod that connects the fan unit (blades, lights and motor) with the ceiling overhead. You can get these downrods in many different lengths, but even the shortest of them might be too long for use in your smaller room.

Low profile ceiling fans eliminate that problem all together, as they install directly to the ceiling without a downrod. Without the downrod, your ceiling fan, of course, will not hang down quite as low. In some cases it is possible to mount the ceiling fan flush with the actual ceiling.

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.

After looking at all the available models, you are sure to find one that you like - but what if you don't? Well, a good alternative is to buy a regular ceiling fan and install it using a flush-mount kit. You can purchase these separately, and some regular ceiling fans also include them as an installation option.

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.

Some safety notes: low profile ceiling fans MUST be properly installed. You have to make sure that when the unit is operational, that the vibrations (or the weight) of the fan will not cause it to tear loose from the ceiling. You will also have to make sure that your ceiling fan is installed properly - it will require the use of a special junction box. My recommendation: if you are not qualified to do the installation, hire a professional to take care of this - an electrician or home remodeling professional.

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Author: Matt Roberts writes about home improvement and Ceiling Fan Reviews Learn more about Minka Aire Ceiling Fans by visiting his website.