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Quietest Ceiling Fans of 2023: Cool Off in Silence

In humid conditions, the simplest way of cooling down is to stand in a room with a ceiling fan in operation.

Although found in many homes, some of the older models are outdated and worse still, noisy.

They attach to the ceiling via a metal arm that invariably wobbles with the power of the motor – a motor that whirs and grinds loudly.

The Quietest Ceiling Fans

ANDERSONLIGHT
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HAKKATRONICS
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1. Hunter Fan Company Dempsey Indoor Low Profile Ceiling Fan

If you're looking for a ceiling fan that suits both style and functionality, then this Hunter model is worthy of serious consideration.

It is sturdily built to avoid rotation wobble. It has a contemporary design to enhance most rooms. The motor housing unit is brushed nickel that contrasts perfectly with the brilliant white glass bulb cover.

Each of the 11-inch long blades is reversible to suit any décor; one side is black oak and the other is rich chocolate brown.

Installation is relatively simple; the instructions are concise, and everything is well-labeled.

Operating the ceiling fan is done entirely remotely; there is a compatible wall switch available for a further cost.

From the remote you can control:

  1. The brightness of the bulb
  2. The rotational speed
  3. The direction of the blades

During summer, the blades create a down-draft to perfectly aerate the room and keep you cool. In winter, they rotate in the opposite direction to keep the room warm and cozy.

The design of the ceiling fan caters to lower ceilings, especially those less than 9-feet tall. The unit has a low 10-inch profile ensuring it is safe in any room in the house. It fits flush; tall residents don't need to worry about ducking beneath it.

Finally, it is quiet – whisper quiet. It is suitable for keeping a bedroom cool overnight, even if the occupants are light sleepers. The slightly angled blades slice through the air effortlessly, creating virtually no sound.

2. Andersonlight Chandelier Crystal Ceiling Fan

If you're looking for a more traditional ceiling fan with a touch of added glamour, the Andersonlight model might be the one for you.

It is the perfect combination of vintage and contemporary and creates a welcoming atmosphere in any room.

It is made from bronze-colored metal and has 5-wooden blades. There are hanging crystals to catch the light; they don't chink together to create a disturbance, even with the fan on full power. The blades have reverse direction, to create a strong cooling breeze in summer and to warm up the room in winter.

Installation is easy for someone with electrical experience, Andersonlight has also released an easy-to-follow instructional video online too.

There are 2-down rods in the box, 5” and 10”. The manufacturer offers a bespoke service if you wish to purchase a longer rod for extra-high ceilings.

The motor operates at an exceptionally quiet 27dB, even when running on the highest setting of the 3 available. The remote control adjusts both blade speed and direction.

The ceiling fan holds 3 x 40W lightbulbs emitting sufficient light for rooms up to 300ft².

It looks opulent when illuminated, either with or without the optional crystals.

3. Hakkatronics Solid Wood Ceiling Fan

The Hakkatronics ceiling fan offers a simplistic design with cool clean lines, ideally suited to modern living.

It is feature-packed and the first of our reviewed fans to have a timer setting. It operates from the handheld remote in hour-long increments and automatically switches the fan off. This proves vital during the night as it prevents you from waking up feeling very cold in an even colder room.

The energy-efficient LED light has 3-color settings. Soft, warm, or bright are the options which are easily programmable from the remote control. The bulbs have a 50,000-hour life span.

The balsa wood blades have a slight reddish tint and are slightly angled to provide optimum air circulation. Reverse operation alternates airflow from down-draft to up-draft, ideal for recirculating warm air around a room.

They attach to the stylish black motor housing that fits flush to the ceiling. Unlike many other styles of ceiling fan, this one is safe for use on sloped ceilings.

The fan speed has 6-levels, the powerful pure copper DC motor ensures that they all run exceptionally quietly with no vibration.

The fan is damp-rated; it has gone through a rigorous paint baking process to ensure it is safe for use in wet areas such as bathrooms, porches, or sheltered patios.

4. Honeywell Carnegie LED Ceiling Fan

Industrial-style home accessories are currently very popular. The Honeywell fan combines a geometric steel drum, 5-dual finish wooden blades, and matte black and bronze motor and housing units; it is rugged and retro.

It is a very versatile fan; it can be mounted flush to a flat ceiling, has a down rod for a 4” extension on a standard ceiling, or angled fitment for sloped ceilings.

Everything is operated from a remote control that works up to 30-feet away from the fan.

It has options to set the speed of the fan, medium, low, or high. It also dims the lighting, from 100% at its brightest, all the way down to 20% to set a cozy or romantic mood.

The Honeywell fan is the first in our reviews that has a light delay mode; once activated, the room remains illuminated for a minute, giving the user time to vacate the room safely.

The rough pine/chestnut blades create a comfortable down-draft, quiet enough to comfortably sleep through. The reverse function helps circulate warm air during the winter.

The fan is capable of circulating air around an 18ft² room.

The fan is for indoor use only and gives timeless appeal to a lounge, kitchen, or bedroom. The mesh drum, surrounding the long-lasting bulbs, is open – this prevents the build-up of bugs. Not only is the Honeywell ceiling fan affordable, but it is also energy-efficient, and robust.

It takes a diy'er with averages skills a short time to install and will remain an impressive centerpiece for many years.

5. Prominence Home Marshall Ceiling Fan

The Marshall ceiling fan from Prominence Home is the perfect blend of old-school traditional with modern industrial styling.

It has twin black metal chains to operate both the fan speed and the light strength; it is dimmable down to 10%. However, it is compatible with a universal remote control; they are readily available for a small cost.

The integrated LED bulbs emit plenty of light from within their cage-style basket. The energy-efficient, long-life bulbs are included. It looks robust yet elegant at the same time.

The Marshall is one of the easiest fans to assemble; it has descriptive instructions. Installation shouldn't take longer than an hour, especially if it's replacing an existing light. It can be flush to the ceiling or, in rooms with plenty of ceiling height, used with the supplied 4” down rod. It is also compatible with an angled fitment on a sloped ceiling, with an additional bracket.

It has 5-blades, all of which are dual-sided. Choose between gray oak or rich bamboo brown, whichever compliments your décor best.

They have an overall circumference of 52”, this is more than enough to cool a room 18ft x 20ft.

The industrial farmhouse-style ceiling fan has a powerful motor that runs smoothly and quietly. It eliminates vibration and the annoying wobble noise associated with revolving fans.

The Marshall chain operated fan enhances anywhere it is installed, keeping cool air circulating in medium and large-sized rooms.

What to Look for in a Quiet Ceiling Fan

quiet ceiling fan

There are many factors to consider when choosing a quiet ceiling fan for your home.

Where it Will be Installed

Ceiling fans fall into one of three categories;

  1. Dry-Rated – For indoor use only, away from areas where moisture might accumulate. There is the broadest selection of this type of fan.
  2. Damp-Rated – For areas that connect indoors and outdoors, such as screened porches, covered patios, pool enclosures, and garage space. They should never be directly exposed to the outdoors elements.
  3. Wet-Rated - Anywhere that a fan might come into contact with water needs a wet-rated model. This includes rain, snow, and ocean spray; Patios, pergolas, and pool areas are regular places to see them. Rust-resistant metal and all-weather blade construction ensure their safety.

Easy installation is another consideration. Most manufacturers provide online instructional videos as well as manuals.

Only attempt to fit a ceiling light yourself if you're competent with electricity; otherwise, call a professional.

Room size

Small fans are ineffective in large rooms and the biggest ceiling fans overpower small rooms. Use this table as a guide:

Room SizeRecommended Blade Span
80ft² or less24 - 42”
100 - 150ft²44 - 50”
150 - 300ft²52 – 60”
300ft²62” +

Extra-large rooms are more evenly served using more than one ceiling fan.

Ceiling Height and Pitch

Take a floor-to-ceiling measurement before choosing your fan as it has an impact on your choice.

Lower ceilings need a flush mounting system to ensure enough clearance space to walk beneath.

Ceilings between 8' and 10' high should utilize a downrod style mount.

Ceiling heights greater than 10-feet benefit from extended downrods, enabling the circulated air and light to reach the ground.

It is possible to fit ceiling fans to sloped ceilings with an adapter bracket. You will need to know the exact gradient of the pitch before buying the mounting kit.

A guide to ceiling height and recommended downrod length

Ceiling Height in FeetDown-rod Length in Inches
96
1012
1118
1224
1336
1448
1560

Noise Output

Loud whirring and vibrations are very off-putting, especially when using a fan in a quiet room such as a bedroom or lounge.

Modern ceiling fans are much-improved; smooth-running motors and sturdy design eradicate unwanted sound.

Fans with DC motors generate increased torque and less heat. Not only does this make them 70% more energy efficient, but it also makes them virtually silent.

Certain models contain a rubber grommet within the mounting unit. This reduces vibration, absorbs noise, therefore, reducing sound transmission.

Fan Control

How the fan is operated is important, especially if it has multiple features.

  1. Remote Operation – The ability to change blade speed and direction, light strength, power, and timers from one handy control. It is convenient, and a must for high ceilings.
  2. Wall Control – Ideal in multi-purpose rooms. No need to worry about battery replacement or lost remote control.
  3. Pull Chain – The traditional operating style, only compatible with low profile ceilings.

Design

With so many varied designs available, it is easy to find one that complements your décor.

The motor housing might be brushed metal, matte black, or highly polished chrome; the blades will be varying styles and shades of wood. All of which are worth considering.

Antique-style fans tend to be very decorative and have fancy filigree metalwork. They are ideally suited to traditional style homes that favor a vintage style. Some feature crystals, either integrated or in droplets, giving the appearance of a grand chandelier, others have glass shades.

Modern designs might have an industrial, contemporary feel. They have smooth clean lines, often with white glass and chrome-colored construction that blends well with minimalistic living.

Rustic ceiling fans look best in a country-style setting due to their dark wood blades and robust design.

The Blades

ceiling fan blades

The amount of blades on a ceiling fan has little effect on its performance, they are more to do with aesthetics.

Traditional fans have 4 or 5 blades, however, they can have as few as 3 and as many as 7.

Many manufacturers make double-sided wooden blades each offering a different color or effect. Whether you fancy a change or have altered your interior design, flipping the blades is a cheap alternative to sprucing up a room.

Lights

Most ceiling fans have a dual purpose; to illuminate the room as well as circulate air.

The light options are usually LED fluorescent or halogen.

LED bulbs are by far the most energy-efficient and have life-spans of 50,000 hrs. They are suited to modern designs and high ceilings.

Fluorescent bulbs provide cool or warm lighting and are likely to last 75% longer than standard incandescent lighting; They have a life expectancy of 10,000 hours.

Halogen bulbs emit a warm glow and are 15% more energy-efficient than standard bulbs. They last for approximately 1500-hours and are best used in ceiling fans that are easily accessible.

How Ceiling Fans Work

The main parts of a ceiling fan are an electric motor, capacitor, blades, metal arms, rotor, and flywheel.

When power is sent to the fan, each component plays its part:

  • The capacitor pumps until the motor fires up.
  • This electric current causes the coils wrapped around the metal base to spin.
  • It produces a magnetic field, which, in turn, creates a rotating force.
  • The motion transfers via the metal arms to the blades, enabling them to rotate.
  • The air in the room begins to circulate.

Fans fitted with a reverse function turn the blades clockwise to create an updraft. This recirculates the warm, less dense air at the top of the room, keeping the room warmer during colder months. It is a good way to help reduce energy bills.

Counter-clockwise creates a downdraft, moving air from ceiling height towards the ground. The hottest air remains up high, the milder air is moved around the room.

Although it might feel as if a downdraft creates cold air, what happens is the moving air causes body temperature to decrease. The air evaporates sweat quickly, leaving you to feel instantly cooler.

Maintenance

To maintain optimal performance, a ceiling fan should be kept dust-free. A weekly wipe-over with a feather duster is sufficient.

Occasionally, all moving parts need a drop of oil to ensure they move freely, with no resistance.

Final Thoughts

The performance and noise output of ceiling fans is integral to your choice. However, don't overlook the aesthetics, as it will be a focal point of your room for many years ahead.

Clayton Dillon
Clayton, like millions of people, suffers from issues related to sleep. After decades of poor sleep and hundreds of hours of independent research, he decided to create a resource and share his findings with fellow snorers.
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