Ceiling fan height and downrods
How high the blades sit, and what sets it.
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Minimum height
ENERGY STAR says fans should be at least 7 feet above the floor. One maker's manual measures that from the bottom edge of the blade to the floor.
Preferred height
If the ceiling allows, ENERGY STAR suggests 8 to 9 feet above the floor for optimal airflow.
What a downrod does
A downrod is the metal pipe from the ceiling bracket to the top of the fan. ENERGY STAR says standard mounts come with a 3 to 5 inch downrod, and longer downrods are sold for tall ceilings, from 6 inches (9 ft ceiling) to 120 inches (20 ft ceiling).
Which length
ENERGY STAR says to check with the manufacturer for the right downrod length. Use only parts the fan's manual allows, and have your licensed electrician confirm the mount.
Sources: ENERGY STAR, Ceiling Fan Basics; Hunter Fan, Warrant Ceiling Fan Installation Manual (PDF). Brand names belong to their owners. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
FAQ
General information only. Ceiling fans and light fixtures are electrical equipment. Hire a licensed electrician for any installation, wiring, electrical box, switch, or light kit work, and follow the fan maker's manual and your local electrical code. Before cleaning, changing a bulb, or checking a fan, turn it off and let the blades stop and the bulbs cool; turn off power at the circuit breaker before any work near the fan's wiring. Use a stable ladder, and if you are not comfortable working overhead, call a pro. Never use a bulb above the maximum wattage marked on the fixture. If a fan or light flickers, buzzes, smells hot, or trips a breaker, stop using it and call a licensed electrician.
Next: ceiling fan size guide
Match blade span to the room.
