Ceiling fan air flow/electrical issue?

6 years ago

When we moved into a new house, we replaced the master bedroom ceiling fan because we felt zero air coming from the fan. We bought a Hunter fan we had at our previous home because we knew we liked the look and air flow. We also can’t feel any air coming from this fan! There is a tray ceiling in the bedroom, but the fan has a 3” down rod and the blades sit lower than 3” below the ceiling. There are two levels to the tray ceiling (see picture).

We’ve had 2 electricians come out and both seem baffled. All voltage looks good, so we’ve been told it’s the fan. I’m doubtful, since we replaced the first fan for the same issue. I’ve replaced the wire harness in the fan already, but that also didn’t solve the problem. It’s like the blades aren’t spinning fast enough at the highest speed. The CFM is 3608. I have a new fan coming from Hunter this week, but I’m curious as to what else could be the problem?? Do Tray ceilings really prevent zero air flow, even if the distance is correct below the ceiling? I could possibly lower it another 3”, but that may make it too low. Any help from a professional would be great!!

Featured Answer

weedmeister

6 years ago

It's too big for that recessed ceiling. I'd say you need at least 6" to a foot from the tip of the blade to the edge of that recessed area. Or lower it so that the blades are a foot or so below the main ceiling height.

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Comments (8)

Ron Natalie
6 years ago
I presume you checked the rotation direction? If the blades are turning, there's nothing "electrical" to be baffled about. Fans mounted very close to the ceiling indeed don't move air as well as those hung lower. You have a double whammy here because the fan is sitting up in a recess which is blocking the airflow.

In order to blow, the fan has to suck air from somewhere else, that is along the ceiling above the fan blades.
Libby K.
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes, the fan blade direction is correct. So, you think it’s the tray ceiling that’s causing the issue?
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User
6 years ago
How tall are your ceilings? The minimum distance allowed from floor to fan is 7 feet and 8-9 feet being optimal if ceiling height allows.
DavidR
6 years ago
If you'll look at the power supply fan on the back of a desktop computer, you'll see what's wrong here. The blades are surrounded by a round hole in the fan body, just slightly larger than the blade diameter.

They're made this way because a fan that's trying to "pump" or mov air from one area to another works best when it's surrounded by a baffle.

Well, your tray ceiling is acting as a loose baffle. The fan tries to pump air from above, but it's mainly pulling air from (effectively) a closed box. That's why it moves less air than it should - there just isn't much in that little box behind it.

So, the solution is to lower the fan until you get the breeze you're seeking.
formulaross20
6 years ago
Yes, "the fan is sitting up in a recess which is blocking the airflow" as Ron Natalie pointed out. Your last pic shows the fan diameter is the same dimension as the box width. Bad news! Either lower the fan to get it out of the "box" or go with a smaller diameter fan.
Libby K.
Original Author
6 years ago
Ok, thanks for the comments! I measured and have 3” I can lower it and still abide by the 7’ rule. Hopefully, 3” will be enough to get the strong air flow I’m accustomed to.
Libby K.
Original Author
6 years ago
Update: we installed the 6” down rod and FINALLY, we feel air coming off the fan. I can’t believe what a difference 3 more inches made! We’ve been dealing with this for 9 months and no one knew what to do, except you all on Houzz. I appreciate your feedback and expertise!