Although a common sight in most households and residences, a downrod ceiling fan can cause issues for the residents. It can become a nuisance. So, can I convert downrod ceiling fan to flush mount?
Although the answer is a short yes, the procedure is not that short. It is a hard and difficult process to go through. Not to mention, time-consuming as well. Therefore, make sure you know what you are getting into, before undertaking this task.
This article will provide you with necessary instructions so that it may act as a guide for you.
Advantages of a Flush Mount Over Downrods
In regards to flush mount vs downrod ceiling fans, flush mounts can save space. For a room with low ceilings, this can be a huge improvement. Flush mounts also tend to be more secure with their connections and thus are seen as much safer than downrods.
Important Considerations for the Conversion
There are some things to keep in mind before you decide to convert a downrod into a flush mount. Firstly, some people ask, “can you make any ceiling fan flush mount?”
The answer is no. Not all ceiling fans are designed for this type of installation so you will need to confirm with your maker or manufacturer for more details.
Secondly, another question is “can you flush mount a ceiling fan with a downrod?” The answer is also no, as having a downrod in that installation will defeat the purpose and make the conversion impossible.
Finally, you can replace your flush mount ceiling fan with light if you want. Most of the wiring remains the same, so if you need one less fan and need more brightness, you can make a quick change.
Similarly, after making the conversion from downrod to flush mount, you can connect a light instead.
How to Convert Downrod Ceiling Fan to Flush Mount: Step-by-Step Process
The entire process of converting a downrod ceiling fan is provided in detail below. Carefully follow these steps below if you wish to convert your downrod ceiling fan into a flush mount.
Steps to Converting a Downrod Ceiling Fan to a Flush Mount:
- First and most importantly, you will need to turn the power off to your fan. If your fan remote is not working, it is recommended to turn off the switch or the circuit breaker
- Take the appropriate screwdriver and begin to slowly take the screws off the fan’s body. It is recommended to have someone help and hold the fan to make removal easier.
- Unscrew the mounting brackets and then take the fan down
- Remove the nuts on the wires and disconnect them from the fan
- Next, you can begin to unscrew the downrod and slowly remove it
- You can now opt to place the fan motor directly near the ceiling electrical box. An alternative is to use a small rod to make the connection easier. However, this will reduce the space
- Then, you will need to properly adjust the wiring. Either refer to a manual of your model for the electrical connections or request the help of an electrician. You can shorten wires if needed
- Now connect the flush mount and slowly bring up the fan
- Connect the fan to the mount
- Turn the fan on to see if it is working or not
What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan?
There are several benefits and drawbacks that a flush mount ceiling fan provides. It is like a double-sided coin with both the good and the bad. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan:
- By moving the air around the room, it can either raise or reduce the temperature by a noticeable amount. As a result, the workload of the HVAC system gets reduced and you get to cut down on energy costs.
- You can skip the hassle of using a down rod to install the flush ceiling fan.
- In addition, it reduces the chances of tall people accidentally hitting their heads on it
- Has an attractive and contemporary look
Drawbacks of a Flush Mount Ceiling Fan:
- A huge issue is the high noise level.
- Thanks to the blades being in close proximity to the ceiling, the blades have to push more air down. As a result, the motor also has to use more power.
- Due to the space constraint, the lighting fixtures are often not appealing enough
- Cleaning and maintenance are a significant hassle
- If you don’t get the rod length right, and it’s not long enough, the airflow will be negatively impacted
Summary
This article should answer your question, “Can I convert downrod ceiling fan to flush mount?”. You should also know the step-by-step procedure of how to perform the task yourself.
However, this is a tough job if you have no experience doing these types of work. And when conducting electrical operations, any small mistake can lead to a big accident. Make sure to take necessary safety precautions before proceeding.