Flush Mount vs Downrod Ceiling Fan

Have you ever got confused about choosing between a flush mount fan or a downrod ceiling fan for your room? If your answer is yes, then keep reading because we are going to help you choose the best option for you.

If you have a ceiling that is 8 or 9 ft high, then you may have to use a flush mount ceiling fan as it is more supportive for low ceilings, but if you end up getting downrod ceiling fan despite having a low ceiling, then there is a chance that you might bump your head into a ceiling fan. Thus, it would not be a wise decision to pick a downrod ceiling fan for your low ceiling room.

On the other hand, if your ceiling is high, then downrod ceiling fan is the best option for your room. You need a long downrod for your ceiling as it provides an effective flow of air when dropped further down from the ceiling. The blades of the ceiling fans should always be dropped 7 ft away from the floor, but if you install a flush mount ceiling fan for a high ceiling then you would end up getting low amount of air as the fan is way further from the floor. Thus, it is suggested to use a downrod ceiling fan for your high ceiling room.

So, it depends on the height of your ceiling, whether you should use a flush mount or a downrod for a ceiling fan. The difference between the two is that the flush mount is used when the ceiling is low as there are chances you might bump your head on the ceiling fan. Whereas, the downrod is used when your ceiling is high so there can be no air circulation problem.

Which Type of Ceiling is Best for Flush Mount and Downrod Ceiling Fans?

Now, when it comes to ceiling types, many people end up installing their flush mount ceiling fans on a vaulted ceiling, which then requires an adaptor and a downrod to fit on the ceiling. Due to this, the height of the ceiling fan increases, therefore, it is not a good decision to install a flush mount ceiling fan on your vaulted ceiling, flat ceilings are the best for flush mount ceiling fans.

Whereas, a downrod requires a standard type of ceiling. If you have an 8 ft ceiling, install a short downrod ceiling fan on your standard ceiling instead of installing a flush mount ceiling fan. Not only will it stay 7 ft above the ground, but will also provide a good flow of air.

Which One is More Affordable?

Now, since the downrod ceiling fans have better designs, they are more expensive on average. So, flush mount ceiling fans wins this round. However, you can still find some attractive options that fit your room in an affordable price without worrying about a flush mount fan being close to the ceiling.

Which One Makes More Noise?

Although, downrod ceiling fans are more expensive but they are also less noisy when turned on. Since the downrod fans are quite far from the user, they also have enough space between the blades of the fan and the ceiling, they operate much quieter.

Whereas, flush mount ceiling fans are mostly too close to smoothly flow across the blades. Manufacturers catch up on this by employing a less costly and fewer powerful motor to stop the air from bouncing through blades, which ends up in noisy motors. Manufacturers also use more powerful motors that can cause the air to bounce around the blades leading to more noise. Thus, downrod fans win this round.

Which One Consumes More Power?

Most residential ceiling fans don’t consume tons of power, which is why they’re such great options to keep your room cool during the summer. Also, the units with light generally use energy-efficient LED lighting with a brighter output and a longer lifespan than regular light bulbs. The amount of power consumed depends on the model you buy. Thus, this one may be a draw.

Which One Has Better Features?

Both fans have a variety of features including the capability to customize lighting and using a remote control to manage the speed and light. Both options are available with a reversible motor to vary the direction from downdraft summer mode to updraft winter mode. Both types have various speeds, counting on your mode.

From an innovation and design standpoint, you have more aesthetic features available in downrod than flush mount. Given that these two options are tight, the downrod ceiling fan beats the flush mount fan thanks to countless aesthetic features and more benefits.

Which One is More Convenient?

Since both options are available with remote controls, we should view this category without remote controls. The flush mount fan easily wins this one as downrod ceiling fans are only accessible by using a ladder, whereas flush mount fan can easily be reached. Pull chains to adjust the speed without requiring a remote control. Also, when the lightbulb goes off, flush mount fans are way easier to deconstruct and change the bulb.

Which One is More Maintainable?

Flush mount ceiling fan easily wins this one as it is closer to the ground. It can easily be reached without any dedication. That means lights can easily be changed and the blades can easily be cleaned or dusted.

What is the Main Difference Between Flush Mount vs Downrod Ceiling Fan?

The main difference between flush mount and downrod ceiling fans is that flush mount ceiling fans are installed directly to the ceiling, while downrod ceiling fans are suspended from the ceiling by a metal rod. Flush mount ceiling fans can be used in low ceiling rooms, while downrod ceiling fan are more suitable for higher ceiling rooms. Both types can be used to circulate and cool the room. However, downrod ceiling fan are more efficient at moving air than flush-mount ceiling fans.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are various advantages and disadvantages to each option that you must check out before choosing your ceiling fan type. These involve:

Advantages:

One of the best advantages of a flush mount ceiling fan is that you do not require a downrod which removes one complicated step during the installation process. This also means there’ll be less of a chance for tall people to bump their heads on the ceiling fan.

On the other hand, downrod ceiling fan provides the simplest performance available thanks to the airflow above the unit.

Since there’s space. They’re further faraway from the ground and therefore the motor doesn’t go to work as hard to move the blades. Additionally, they’re much easier to put into a sloped ceiling than flush mount fans.

Disadvantages:

One of the biggest disadvantages of a flush mount ceiling fan is the noise level. Since the blades are closer to the ceiling, they need to work harder to force air down. Thus, increasing motor usage. Also, many of the lightings aren’t as attractive as the other ceiling fans due to the limited space.

One of the biggest disadvantages of installing a downrod fan is that it is hard to wash and perform simple maintenance like changing a blub. Also, if you don’t measure the downrod length correctly, it might be much too short, therefore impeding airflow, or much too long, causing tall people to hit their heads.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it depends on the height of your ceiling whether to install downrod or flush mount ceiling fan. Like, if you have a low ceiling, it is recommended to use a flush mount ceiling fan. These types of fans are directly attached to the ceiling without any extra accessories.

Whereas, for a sloped ceiling or an area over 8 ft tall, downrod ceiling fans are the best option for you. If you’ve got tall ceiling or sloped rooms then consider getting a downrod ceiling fan to satisfy your needs.

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