The right ceiling fan height can make a huge difference in a room. It affects circulation and also ensures that the blades do not reach too low, which could pose a risk to anyone walking underneath them. Thankfully, building codes provide strict guidelines for a safe ceiling fan and they should always be followed.
To meet building codes, the bottom of a fan should be at least 7 feet above floor level and 18 inches from the nearest wall; for optimal airflow 8 – 9 feet is ideal. This is achieved by using a piece of metal pipe called a downrod (or a rod in fan lingo), which is attached to the top of the fan and then hangs down from the ceiling bracket. The length of the downrod depends on the ceiling height, and is typically either a 3 or 5 inch diameter.
Most people do not know that they can install a fan without a downrod, which is known as a “hugger.” While these fans are a great option for lower ceilings, they prevent air from being pulled through the fan and forcing it down efficiently. This is because there is no place for the air to go, and it instead gets stuck in the space between the ceiling and the fan.
When deciding what size fan to purchase for your room, you must first consider the total square footage of the room. This will help determine how big or small of a fan you need for the room’s size, as well as the desired aesthetic. For example, larger fans will have a longer fan blade span than smaller ones, which means they will have a wider span and therefore move more air than smaller fans.