Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How do I find the SKU number or model number for my product? Why would I need it?The SKU is a six-digit number (e.g., 123456). Look for the SKU on your product's box on the paper insert inside the plastic packaging. The model number is usually indicated as such. You can find the model number in several places, including your owner's manual, on product packaging, on the product itself or on the product information page of this Web site.
The SKU number or model number indicates which Hampton Bay product you have. You will need one of these numbers if you ever need replacement parts or customer support for your product.
Ceiling Fans
How do I choose the right fan size for my room?Use the table below to match your general room or area size to the minimum fan size appropriate for your space.
| Room Size | | Fan Blade Size |
| | | |
| 8'x10' | | 32"-36" |
| 10'x12' | | 42" |
| 12'x12' | | 44"-48" |
| Over 12' | | 52"-60" |
Should I choose a flushmount or a tri-mount for my fan?A flushmount is the best choice for low ceilings. The fan housing mounts directly to the ceiling, providing ample headroom beneath.
A tri-mount offers the most versatility. Designed for low, high or angled ceilings, a tri-mount allows you to customize your fan's installation to fit your room.
How do I choose the right downrod size?Downrods come in a variety of lengths for just about any ceiling height. Use the table below to determine which downrod size you need based on ceiling height.
| Ceiling Height | | Downrod Length Needed |
| | | |
| 9' | | 12" |
| 10' | | 18" |
| 12' | | 36" |
| 15' | | 72" |
If your ceiling fan has a light kit, reduce the length of the downrod by 12".
What tools will I need to install my fan?Depending on the type of fan, you may need the following items: electrician's tape, screwdriver, wire stripper, stud finder, drill, drywall saw, voltage tester, lineman's pliers, wrench, long-nose pliers, reciprocating saw or metal-cutting keyhole saw and wire nuts.
My ceiling fan is making a humming or clicking noise. What should I do?A number of conditions could cause the noise. Here are some troubleshooting tips.
Make sure the screws to the blades and housing are all in place and properly tightened. Make sure the setscrews around the downrod are properly tightened. Make sure the hanger ball groove and bracket groove are in alignment — test the alignment by holding onto the housing and turning it to the right. If it moves easily, keep rotating it until the housing "drops" into place. This should restore balance. Let your fan run for a full 24 hours if it is newly installed to allow it to break in. If you have a bowl-style light kit, make sure the screws for the bowl light are properly and equally tightened. Loose screws will occasionally cause a dragging or humming sound. I cannot get the fan blades to go in the reverse direction. What should I do?If your ceiling fan is a "pull-chain" fan model (you must pull the chain to adjust fan speed), turn the fan off, then push the blade direction switch to the opposite side. The blade direction switch is located on the housing above the light kit. Pull the chain again to restart your fan.
If your ceiling fan is a "remote control" fan, set the speed to low, then press and hold the reverse button on the remote control until the fan stops and changes direction.
My remote control will not operate different functions on my fan. What should I do?Press any of the function buttons on the remote control and see whether the red light on the remote comes on. If it does, check the dipswitch settings on both the remote control and the receiver (located in the ceiling fan). If the dipswitch settings are the same and the fan does not work, you'll need to replace the receiver. If the red light on the remote does not come on, you'll need to replace the remote control.
Can using my fan help save energy?Yes. During the summer, ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel as much as 7 degrees cooler. You can set the air conditioning higher and cut cooling costs by up to 40%. During the winter, reversing the direction of the fan blades creates an upward airflow that pushes warm air down for even heating. You can set your thermostat lower and cut heating costs.
What is the warranty on my ceiling fan?Most Hampton Bay fans come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers the motor for the life of the fan and the parts for up to one year. Remote controls are considered fan parts. Please refer to your owner's manual for specific details.
Lighting Fixtures
How much wattage is required to properly light a room?For general lighting, the wattage required is equal to the length times the width of a room multiplied by 1.5. For example, a 12'x12' room should have 216 watts [(12 x 12) x 1.5 =216].
For task lighting, the wattage required is equal to the length times the width of a room multiplied by 2.5. For example, a 12'x12' room would require 360 watts [(12 x 12) x 2.5 = 360].
What tools will I need to install my lighting fixture?Depending on the type of lighting fixture, you may need the following items: electrician's tape, screwdriver, wire stripper, stud finder, drill, drywall saw, voltage tester, lineman's pliers, wrench, long-nose pliers, reciprocating saw or metal-cutting keyhole saw and wire nuts.
How can I tell which wire of my light fixture is the neutral wire?When installing your light fixture, you'll need to connect the neutral wire of the light with the neutral wire in the circuit. Look closely at the lamp cord — the plastic vinyl sleeve with the rib is the neutral wire. Connect it to the white cable coming into the junction box.
What is the warranty on my lighting fixture?Most Hampton Bay lighting fixtures have a standard 90-day warranty. However, some models have a specific warranty associated with them. Please refer to your owner's manual for specific details.