Down Rods
Determining the proper height for your fan
Down rods are very important features when it comes to ceiling fans. Ceiling fan down rods allow you to determine the proper height for your fan. Setting your fan to an appropriate height will not only look pleasing to the eye, but it will also provide you with the most efficient airflow in your home.
The height of your fan will highly affect the overall performance of your unit. Use the chart below to determine the appropriate height for your fan.
| Your Ceiling Height | Down Rod Length |
8’ |
3” |
9’ |
6” |
10’ |
12” |
Generally, ceiling fan blades should sit between 7 feet and 9 feet from the floor for the most efficient cooling. For ceilings which are 9 feet or higher, there are down rod extensions which can be used to lower the fan to an appropriate level. For example, a 14 foot ceiling is going to require a 5 foot extension down rod in order to position the blades at an appropriate 8 feet above the floor.
Down rods are available in two standard sizes. It is important that you know the appropriate down rod size before you purchase one because each fan model requires a specific diameter size. Most commonly, a fan will require a ½” diameter down rod for maximum support. However, in some instances, extension rods will require a 3/4” diameter.
Down rods are available in a number of materials including gold, brass, nickel, and silver. These are the most popular choices and provide an ideal amount of support for your fan. Although generally used as a functional feature of a fan, a down rod is also capable of adding decorative value to the fan as well. There are a number of spiral designs, colored designs, and other decorative choices to select from when it comes to these fan accessories.
