Ceiling fans are available in different types. If you like them, you might have seen the words “hugger fan” while shopping for them. But you might be curious to know what does that mean? There are 4 types of mounting systems for all ceiling fans including standard mount, extended mount, flush mount, and sloped mount, so which one are hugger ceiling fans?
Hugger ceiling fans are flush-mounted ceiling fans that are not designed with conventional downward rods hanging from the ceiling. This type of ceiling fan can be used for rooms with ceilings 8 feet high or less. Hugger fans can also be suitable for sloped ceilings.
The hugger or flush-mounted ceiling fans are not similar to low-profile ceiling fans as low-profile fans come with downward rod, but flush mount ceiling fans do not have it. a standard mount may contain a 12 inches rod whereas low profile fans come with a much shorter downrod, usually 4-6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm). Go through this article for more information.
What Kind of Fans Are Hugger Ceiling Fans?
Hugger ceiling fans are flush-mount ceiling fans. This type of fan does not contain downrods. They only have a mounting ball and a stylish canopy between the ceiling bracket and the motor as well as the housing of the fan based on its design.
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For the installation of a heavy duty bracket, your handyman will drill the necessary number of holes into the ceiling and the screw in the base of the hugger ceiling fan.
Hugger ceiling fans are not weaker or smaller than conventional models. They may come with the same type of motor, blade size, and additional features as other contemporary ceiling fans have. The only difference between them is the height from the floor due to the lack of downward rod.
What Rooms Are Hugger Ceiling Fans Good For?
According to Energy Star and more or less all other safety & certification standards, such as UL, ceiling fans must be at the height of 7 ft (2.13 m) or more than that above the floor. If a ceiling fan or its blades are at the height of 8-9 feet (2.44 to 2.74 m) it will be ideal, so, a tall person raising the arm without noticing anything while standing upright does not get injured mistakenly.
Extended mounts over 10 inches (25.4 cm) are not safe for a room that has a ceiling height lower than 8 ft (2.44 m). Standard mounts of 6-10 inches (15.24 to 25.4 cm) are dangerous. Low-profile ceiling fans with a shorter rod of around 4 to 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) are safe, but the housing and motor or the body of the ceiling fan will also use some additional space. That is why the final height of the fan’s body and its blades will be shorter.
Hugger ceiling fans are perfect for rooms that have low or sloped ceilings. Hugger ceiling fans are ideal to install when they are installed above your bed, they are safer. They are commonly mounted in bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and dining and basements. In addition, they are cost-effective.
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Are Hugger Ceiling Fans Safe?
It is ideal to follow the recommended fan sizes per room dimension. The diameter of the whole area covered by the fan and the fan’s blades while working is the fan size, also called blade span or blade sweep. It is not based on one blade’s length.
Energy Star recommendation for a blade span or fan size, for rooms smaller than 75 square feet, of 29-36 inches (73.66 to 91.44 cm). These suggestions for fan size are a plus of height criteria for optimum safety.
Hugger ceiling fans can be ideal and safe for smaller rooms and spaces that have low ceilings. If the height of a room is 9-10 ft (2.74 m to 3.05 m), and you will have to use a fan above your bed or on a sloped ceiling, you need to opt for a flush-mounted hugger fan to remain safe.
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Hugger Ceiling Fans vs. Low-Profile Alternatives
The only difference between flush-mounted hugger and low-profile ceiling fans which is a physical one that is, the down-rod. If you have installed 4 inches (10.16 cm) rod for your low-profile fan, the fan will be closer to the floor and you by an equal distance. On the other hand, flush-mounted hugger fan will remain towards the ceiling by 4” without using a down rod.
The shortest down-rods in this age of technology are 3 to 3.5 inches (7.62 to 8.89 cm). 4 to 4.5 inches (10.16 to 11.43 cm) are very common. A lot of companies are making larger downrods rather than smaller ones. Emerson is one rare company that makes smaller down-rod of about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) downrod. This size of downrod is available on the market Emerson 2.5-Inch Ceiling Fan Downrod. This fan rod is constructed in such a way as to last more, and features hand-polished plated finishes.
The Downside of a Hugger Ceiling Fan
The only disadvantage of a hugger ceiling fan is its CFM or airflow capacity which is less than that of a low-profile or standard ceiling fan of the same specifications. It does not happen because of weaker motors or inferior design of huggers.
When there is no downward rod, it reduces the free space between the fan blades and the ceiling, put limits on the airflow of the fan.
Features of Hugger Ceiling Fans
Hugger ceiling fans can get similar features as those available in the alternatives:
- The certification of branded flush-mounted huggers is done by Energy Star and UL.
- They are available in anywhere from 3 to 6 blades.
- The fans are also available in different sizes, ranging from under 36 inches to 65 inches (91.44 to 165.1 cm).
- Huggers come with various speed levels, pull chains, remote control, and reversible airflow features.
- Some models are smart ones that come with voice and app control and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Fans like the Vox Indoor and Outdoor 5-Blade Smart Flush Mount Ceiling Fan and Aviator Indoor and Outdoor 3-Blade Smart Flush Mount Ceiling Fan, are those units that are compatible with smart home devices, such as Alexa and Vera.
- Huggers are made with different finishes: brushed, polished, painted, and oil rubbed.
- Many hugger ceiling fans contain lighting fixtures that consume energy from under 10 watts to over 70 watts.
Should You Buy a Hugger Ceiling Fan?
You should buy a hugger ceiling fan if the ceiling height of your room, basement or attic is 8 feet (2.44m) or less. They are also ideal for sloped ceilings and installation above a bed or other places that require more headroom.
Choose a hugger ceiling fan after doing a comparison of sufficient airflow or cubic feet per minute capacity and matching your needs.
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Final Words
Hugger ceiling fans are essential and safe for rooms with lower ceilings. These units are safe, durable and affordable and they are equipped with the latest tech. Compact huggers are ideal for dining areas, kitchens, bathrooms, basements and attics. There are stylish midsize huggers that look beautiful above your beds. You can also select hugger ceiling fans for other places like the patio, porch and sunroom.