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Frequently Asked Questions

Ceiling Fans

Bathroom Fans

Accessories

Ceiling Fans

  • How do I install my ceiling fan?

    For installation information and helpful how to videos visit our Install a Ceiling Fan section.

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  • How much air do ceiling fans move?

    Ceiling fan air movement is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. The greater the CFM, the more air that is being moved. The air moved by the fan creates a wind chill effect that makes you feel more comfortable in a warm room. There is a direct relationship between air movement and comfort - the more air moved, the greater the wind chill effect. Our fans generally move more air than competitive models because of custom-engineered motors and blades pitched at the maximum possible angle.

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  • What is the difference between a four and five blade ceiling fan?

    The main difference between a 4-blade and 5-blade fan is aesthetics, with some additional wind noise associated with 5-blade fans. For a given motor, a 4-blade fan will move more air than a 5-blade fan. The 5th blade puts additional drag on the motor, slowing down the RPM of the blades, which decreases the CFM. All our fans, whether 4 or 5 blades, are designed for optimal air delivery

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  • How do I know what size fan to purchase - there are so many sizes available?

    You need to choose the right size fan for a room to get optimum comfort and energy savings. If the fan is too small for the room, it will not move enough air to make you feel comfortable. If the fan is too big, it could move too much air. Hunter recommends the following:

    For Rooms Up To:Fan Blade Span:
    100 sq. ft. 30-48"
    400 sq. ft. 50-54"
    400 sq. ft. or larger 56"+
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  • Why do some fans require oil and others do not?

    The Hunter Original® has a very unique motor that uses an oil-bath lubrication system. This system keeps the main bearings lubricated at all times, for quiet operation and long-life. It is part of the reason why this fan has a limited lifetime motor warranty. Most other fans use motors that do not require oil. There is no need to oil the fans we sell.

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  • What makes your so unique in the market compared to all other fans?

    The Hunter Original® is the most unique ceiling fan on the market, with a design that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Cast iron is used in the motor housing construction to more effectively draw heat away from the electrical windings; heat is a major enemy of electrical motors. The extra weight of the cast-iron construction also reduces the potential for fan wobble. The motor is also larger than any other ceiling fan, making it the most powerful motor available. This allows the blades to be pitched at a 15 degree angle, which produces greater air movement with less noise. The oil-bath lubrication system protects the major moving components of the motor, and prolongs the life of the motor. Added up, these unique design elements produce a powerful, quiet fan that is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

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  • How do fans cool the room - do they actually lower the temperature?

    A ceiling fan cools by creating a wind chill effect; it does not lower the room temperature. Wind chill effect makes you feel cooler by accelerating the evaporation of perspiration on your skin. It is the feeling you get when you open the window in a moving car. If you have a ceiling fan in a room whose temperature is 80 degrees, running the fan can create a wind chill effect that makes you feel as if the temperature is 72 degrees. When used in conjunction with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan can lower energy costs, because you can set the thermostat of your air conditioner at a higher temperature.

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  • Can the fan be used in the winter for any beneficial purpose?

    A ceiling fan can help lower energy consumption in the winter by up to 15%. The temperature of the air in a heated room varies in layers; the air near the ceiling is warmer than the air near the floor, because warm air rises. A ceiling fan can help push the warmer air that is trapped near the ceiling back down into the room, thus de-stratifying the layers of warm air. As a result, the warm air is circulated where it is needed, and the heating system does not overwork to warm the room. To properly de-stratify a warmed room, the ceiling fan should be run in a clockwise direction. This pushes the air up against the ceilings and down the walls, to gently re-circulate the warm air without creating a cooling wind chill effect.

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  • How much electricity will a fan draw?

    On average, a ceiling fan run on high speed will consume less power than a 100-watt light bulb.

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  • How much can I expect to save in heating and or cooling costs?

    A ceiling fan can save up to 47% on cooling costs, and up to 15% on heating costs. Savings will vary depending on local climate conditions and energy rates.

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  • How easy is a ceiling fan to install - is it a project I can do myself or does it require a certified technician?

    Installing a ceiling fan is a Do-It-Yourself project. You will need to be able to:

    • locate a 2" x 4" or other suitable support in the ceiling
    • drill holes and install wood screws
    • identify and connect electrical wires
    • lift the fan (most weigh less than 35 pounds
    Visit our install section for more information regarding ceiling fan installation and helpful how to videos.
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  • What is covered by the fan warranty - how does the Hunter warranty compare to other fan company warranties?

    Most fan warranties are limited warranties that cover the motor parts for the stated life of the warranty; that is, a 20-year warranty will cover the motor parts for 20 years. Labor for the motor is generally covered for 1-year, as are parts and labor for all other components of the fan. All Hunter fans are backed by a “limited lifetime motor warranty.” Most importantly, Hunter is the only fan company with over 115 years of experience behind its warranties.

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  • Can my fan be adjusted by remote control?

    Most ceiling fans can be adjusted with an accessory remote control sold separately from the fan. In fact, remote controls can really enhance the performance and operating flexibility of ceiling fans since many include one-touch multiple speed settings, instant fan "off" operation, and full range light dimming -- all possible from the comfort of your favorite chair or bedside table. Ceiling fan and light remote controls can easily be installed either with the fan during new installations or on fans which have been previously installed and in use for some time. The installation is an easy, do-it-yourself project and does not require any professional wiring. Remote control kits include a handheld transmitter for sending commands to the fan and a receiver which either conceals inside the fan canopy or mounts just beneath the ceiling. Remote controls can operate the fan or light reliably up to 40 feet away from the fan.

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  • How do I install a ceiling fan remote control?

    This video will take you step-by-step through the installation process that is outlined in your Owner's Manual. While each fan and remote control may have unique components specific to their installation, this video applies to the installation of remote controls on most "5xxxx" series model ceiling fans.

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  • How do I properly install multiple remote-controlled fans?

    Click on the appropriate link below for instructions.

    Installation Instructions (English)
    Installation Instructions (Spanish)
    Installation Instructions (French)

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  • Can ceiling fans be mounted on angled or vaulted ceilings?

    Yes, ceiling fans can be installed on angled or vaulted ceilings by using a fan canopy (the "cap" visible closest to the ceiling which covers the electrical box) which has been designed to accommodate sloped ceilings. Many quality fans will include this type of adjustable canopy, like Hunter's Installer's Choice® and HandsFree™ Canopy systems, but if not included with the fan at original purchase, accessory canopy adapters are sold separately at retail outlets.

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  • What length downrod should I use with my fan? Will the fan be more prone to wobble if I use a downrod?

    Downrod Chart

    A general formula for calculating downrod length is: ceiling height in feet minus 9' = downrod length. This formula is based on the fan-to-floor distance of 8 feet plus 1 foot for the dimension of the fan. So if your ceiling height is 12 feet, you need a 3 foot downrod in order to properly position the fan 8 feet from the floor. Using long-length downrods for fan installations actually help stabilize fans and reduce the potential for wobble. Think of a grandfather clock pendulum and its slow, heavy swing versus a smaller clock pendulum with a fast, unsteady swing. Weight and length combine to create stability, reducing wobble, whether it is in a ceiling fan or a clock pendulum.

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  • Why does my fan “hum” when I installed a variable speed (solid state) control?

    Most quality ceiling fans are operated by a certain type of electrical control system called capacitors. Capacitor electronics in ceiling fans create distinct speed "steps" like high, medium, and low. Capacitors control the fan speed in a way that does not produce a hum. Variable fan speed controls, which create a speed control "range" from low to high, are operated by solid state electronics. Variable controls can create a hum because they control the fan's speed in a different manner. For quiet fan operation, capacitor type fan controls are recommended for most ceiling fan installations.

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  • Can a ceiling fan and a light kit be controlled from the same wall switch?

    The answer here depends on how your wall switch is currently wired. If you have a single wall switch with two wires (one black, one white), the answer is "no" unless you purchase a control specifically designed for this type of switch (Hunter offers three models). The answer is "yes" if you have a three wire set-up in the single wall switch and purchase a more common, dual control that will operate a fan and light separately from a single switch. Having an electrician install a third wire can be expensive.

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  • What is the difference in having a ceiling fan installed close to the ceiling versus on a downrod - I have seen both ways.

    For maximum performance and greatest energy savings, ceiling fans should be installed approximately 8 to 9 feet above the floor. Extension downrods are used to properly position fans from ceiling heights greater than 8 feet. For example, a 12 foot ceiling would need a 3 foot downrod to position the fan at 8 feet (one foot must be allowed for the distance from the top of the fan motor to the switch housing bottom).

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  • Why can't I find my fan model on your website?
    Only models we are currently manufacturing and selling to retailers are shown on the website. However, if you’re looking for owner’s manuals and parts guides for older fan models, we do have those on the website under the Support section.

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  • Where can I locate the model number of the fan?
    There’s a gold sticker on top of your fan’s motor (the part that faces the ceiling once it is installed). Holding a mirror above the fan motor can help you read the numbers. It may also be found on the parts guide that was packed with your fan or on the box that contained your fan. You’re looking for a 5-digit number and it sometimes has a suffix…i.e. 22345A

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  • Where can I find the date code of the ceiling fan?
    There’s a gold sticker on top of your fan’s motor (the part that faces the ceiling once it is installed). Holding a mirror above the fan motor can help you read the numbers. You’re looking for a 4-digit number with a space between the 2nd and 3rd…i.e. 03 12

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  • Which downrod do I need? Double-threaded or single-threaded?
    You most likely need a single-threaded downrod. Only Hunter Original fans require double-threaded downrods.

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  • What speed is the fan in when it comes out of the box?
    The fan could be at any speed out of the box.

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  • Are the lights set to off when it comes out of the box?
    The lights could be set to on or off when it comes out of the box.

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  • Why can’t we purchase limiters, pull chain switches or capacitors?
    Because we advise against homeowners wiring parts, we provide the entire switch housing versus providing the individual parts found in the housing. The switch housing is connected to the fan by a simple plug type connector and is easy to install for anyone.

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  • Can my fan be installed without the light kit?
    To determine if your fan can be installed without the light kit, you can look in three places. Check the outside of the box from when you purchased your fan. The parts guide will show alternate parts that are needed once the light kit is removed. The manual will reference that your ceiling fan can be installed without a light kit. If you can’t find this information anywhere, it is unlikely the light kit can be removed from the fan.

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  • How do I install my fan without the light kit?
    Click on the appropriate link below for instructions.

    Installation Instructions (English)
    Installation Instructions (Spanish)
    Installation Instructions (French)

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  • How do I remove the light kit from my ceiling fan?
    This video will take you step-by-step through the removal and installation processes that are outlined in your Owner's Manual. While each fan and light kit may have unique components specific to their removal/installation, this video applies to the removal of light kits on most "5xxxx" series model ceiling fans.

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  • How do I install a multi-arm light kit to my ceiling fan?
    This video will take you step-by-step through the installation process that is outlined in your Owner's Manual. While each fan and light kit may have unique components specific to their installation, this video applies to the installation of multi-light kits on most "5xxxx" series model ceiling fans.

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  • The ceiling fan warranty mentions motor parts. What is an example of a motor part?

    The motor is made up of many parts but these parts are not serviceable. If the motor is found to be defective, regardless of the age of the fan, we will repair it, replace the motor and housing, or replace the fan. Per our warranty, proof of purchase is required.

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  • My fan stopped working. Why is this not considered a motor failure?

    We will attempt to troubleshoot the fan by asking you questions about the age of the fan and its usage and operation. We will recommend replacement parts to try to fix the problem. We may ask that the fan be sent into our location for servicing. Once all avenues are exhausted to repair the fan, we will provide a replacement under the lifetime motor warranty. Per our warranty policy, proof of purchase is required for parts or fan replacement.

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  • When I opened my box, the globes were damaged. Is this covered by the warranty?

    We will provide replacements in this case at no charge to you. Glass that is damaged after installation is not covered under warranty. Per our warranty policy, proof of purchase is required.

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  • I just moved into my house and the fans that came with the house are not working? Am I covered under warranty?

    No. the warranty only covers the original owner of the fan. The warranty does not transfer to the new fan owner

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  • I registered my product. Do I still need proof of purchase?

    Yes, per our warranty policy this is required.

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  • If my fan finish peels or becomes rusted, what will Hunter do for me?

    The finish is not covered under warranty as we have no control over where a consumer may hang the fan or what is used to clean the fan. Humidity, salt water spray and/or certain cleaners can damage finishes.

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  • The light bulbs were broken in the box, is this covered under warranty?

    We will cover this since it is likely damage in transit. Once the fan is installed, bulbs are not covered under warranty. Simply replace them by buying bulbs that are the exact type and wattage of the ones we supplied.

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  • I bought and installed my fan in Canada. Does this mean I have no warranty?

    If the model number for your fan indicates that it is a Canadian version of a Hunter product, then your fan is covered under our warranty. We can furnish parts for your fan from our US location. If a replacement product is needed, we will work with you to arrange shipment of a Canadian version fan to you. As per our warranty policy proof of purchase is required.

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  • I bought a US fan and am using it in Canada – is my fan covered under warranty?

    No – fans made for the US do not meet the guidelines for usage in Canada.

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  • I tried to fix my fan by using a non-Hunter part. My fan worked for a while but now it is having problems. Is the fan covered under warranty?

    No – all parts used must be Hunter parts. The fan cannot be adulterated in any way.

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  • What if I had a bad part after a year of owning the fan and bought a new part. What is the warranty on that part?

    Replacement parts are covered for 90 days from purchase.

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  • If my fan was replaced under warranty, what is the warranty on that fan?

    At the time we replaced your fan, you were sent a letter asking for certain parts of the fan to be returned to us. If we show that this has been fulfilled, then your new fan is covered under warranty.

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Bathroom Fans

  • I just opened my box and the glass/light bulb was broken. Is this covered under warranty?

    We are willing to replace light bulbs and glass under these circumstances since it is likely that the items were broken in transit.

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  • Do I need proof of purchase for my warranty to be in effect?

    Yes. This is stated in our warranty.

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Accessories

  • The lights on my new ceiling fan are much dimmer than my older one. Is something wrong?

    Since 2009 the Dept. of Energy mandated that ceiling fans and other lighted products can only consume a maximum of 190 watts. This means that the total wattage of all the bulbs combined can only be 190. This wattage is regulated by a limiter in the switch housing. If more than 190 watts is detected, the limiter will either dim the lights to the 190 watt level or turn them off altogether. It is important to use the bulbs that came with your fan. Replace these bulbs with the same type.

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  • What wire powers the fan and what control the lights?

    The black wire controls the fan and the black and white wire or the blue wire controls the lights.

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  • What is the common wire the fan?

    The common wire on the fan is the white wire. It is also referred to as the neutral wire. This wire should be connected to the common or neutral wire from the ceiling which is typically a white wire. If you are unfamiliar with household wiring and unsure of the connections, you should hire an electrician to wire your fan to avoid possible electrocution or fire.

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  • What is the black wire with the white stripe for?

    This wire powers the lights. The black one powers the fan

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  • How do I pair a transmitter that has dip switches to a receiver that has jumpers?

    There are 4 dip switch and 4 jumper positions. If jumper 1 is in place, then it dip switch 1 has to be on also. Continue to match the three other positions as either on or off.

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