How Big of a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan Do I Need?

Flush Mount Fans

• Most ceiling fans can be converted to flush mount simply by not installing the downrod and following the manufacturer's instructions for how to do this. Some fan makers produce a separate line of flush mount or "hugger" fans.

Cooling Rooms

• When the fan blades turn counterclockwise, they produce a slight breeze which evaporates moisture on the body and produces a cooling effect. This allows thermostats to be raised so air conditioning systems work less and energy is saved.

Helping Warm

• By reversing the blades so they turn clockwise, fans draw down warm air from the ceiling and push it down the walls to the floor so warm air is more evenly distributed. Most fans have a switch that reverses the motor.

Room Size

• One way to determine the size fan needed for a particular room is to measure the longest wall. If that wall is 12 feet or less, a 36-inch fan will work. For 12 to 15 feet, use a 42-inch fan and for 15 to 18 feet, a 52-inch fan works best.

Square Footage

• Energy Star recommends calculating the room's square footage to determine fan size. A 29 to 36-inch fan is appropriate for 75 square feet or less, a 36 to 42-inch fan for rooms 76 to 144 square feet, 44-inch fans for 144 to 225 square feet, and 50 to 54-inch fans for 25 to 400 square feet.