A good ceiling fan creates a very cool and comfortable environment in the house. It helps fight the humidity and heat of summer, but most fans grow very loud as you increase their speed. This is because of the motors that drive them.
The noise can become uncomfortable and annoying, so it is not surprising that people look for alternatives.
We have compiled a list of some of the best quiet ceiling fans that produce only a faint humming sound even at the fastest speed.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Quietest Ceiling Fans
- OUR TOP PICK: Harbor Breeze 00724
- RUNNER-UP: HUNTER 53091
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Honeywell Ceiling Fans 50195
Comparison of the Quietest Ceiling Fans
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How to Choose a Quiet Ceiling Fan
Several things factor into the quality and usability of a ceiling fan. If you are looking for a quiet ceiling fan, your considerations might change slightly. Some things you need to consider before making the purchase include:
Efficiency
Efficiency is a major part of the fan selection process. It is a major consideration in every other electric appliance these days. You want to minimize the waste and maximize the output. A ceiling fan with good efficiency will use less energy and reduce your electricity bills significantly.
There are different ratings for the efficiency, out of which Energy Star is the most used. Efficiency is especially important if you live in an area that gets very hot summers, and you are likely to run the fan all day long.
Type
The type of ceiling fan, depending on its use, can be divided as the following:
- Standard and old-styled ceiling fans have a manual operation, i.e., a pull chain that turns the fan on and off. They have around four to five blades and also a light bulb. Manual operation is not very common or popular these days.
- Another type is a low-profile fan without a hanging rod. As mentioned earlier, they don’t have any sway when working, so they produce less noise. They are used more in small rooms and rooms with low ceilings.
- If you want a ceiling fan for a large room, then you might want to look into dual-motor fans. Large rooms require more airflow to maintain the temperature, which is why dual-motor fans are the ideal choice.
Balance
Balance is an important aspect that contributes to both noise reduction and safety. If the ceiling fan is not well-balanced, it will sway and wobble, which can result in the fan falling if it has been in use for some years.
Remember, ceiling fans with more blades have better balance because weight is distributed more evenly.
Size
The size will depend on the area you want to cool. If the room has a tall ceiling, you will need a more powerful and larger fan, possibly with more blades, but it will cost more. Therefore, if your room is small, you should stick to smaller fans.
Other Features
Many new fans come with smart controls. Like other electric appliances, you can connect them to the home’s central smart control.
You can turn the fan on and off from your phone; you don’t even have to be at home.
Review of the Quietest Ceiling Fans
Now that we know the basics of a ceiling fan and what makes a fan quiet, let’s look at some of the best models you should consider purchasing.
Best Overall
Harbor Breeze Mazon 00724
Specifications
Dimensions: 21.8 x 11.7 x 11 inches
Special Features: Remote, Reversible
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers state that because this fan is so lightweight, it is easy to install. Even though it has three blades, its air circulation is pretty good, and it is not loud at all. The only thing they disliked was that the bulbs with the fan could not be changed. But the lights are dimmable, which is good, and they liked the working of the fan overall.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The fan has a very compact and sleek design. There are three short blades, but despite that, it circulates air very well. The total size is 44 inches, and it has a 2,069 CFM (cubic feet per minute rating), which is pretty good for a small three-blade fan.
It is suitable for a small 100 square feet room. The blades and the body are made of metal with a brushed nickel finish, which gives it a very classic look. The blades are reversible, too, so you can use them in winter to draw the cold air up and make the room warmer.
For lights, the fan has one 18-watt LED bulb covered with matte opal glass. The lights and the fan both are energy-efficient. It comes with remote control and can be flush mounted. Therefore, it does not need an extended rod, which ends up reducing vibrations and sway.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a modern and efficient fan with smart controls, this is the right pick. It might be small, but it is just right for a small room. Its aesthetic will blend in nicely with any room.
Pros
Has energy-efficient LED lights
Comes with a remote controller
A very sleek and modern design
A compact build that saves space
Reversible blades provide faster cooling
Cons
Does not has ETL safety listing
Runner-up
HUNTER Builder Deluxe 53091
Specifications
Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 17.77 inches
Special Features: Pull Chain, Reversible, Programmable
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What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers, you get a very different look with this fan. It can cool a very large room quickly and easily. The installation instructions are very straightforward, and it gets installed fairly quickly. The fan doesn’t wobble; even at high speed, it remains very quiet.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are five wooden blades on this fan. This makes it very well-balanced. It remains stable and quiet at the highest speed. Because it has five blades, its speed is very high, and it can cool a large room easily.
Its design is more old-fashioned, however. The wooden blades, combined with the toffee glass-covered LED light, give it a more classic, timeless look. You can either mount it with a rod or mount it flush to the ceiling, depending on how tall the ceiling is. To complete its traditional look, it is operated with a pull chain.
The motor is multi-speed with a reversible option, so you can use it during the winter and get the most out of your money. The LED bulbs last longer than normal bulbs, and they can be dimmed.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a more classic touch in your house, then this is the right product. It is silent, it does not sway erratically, and it is very energy-efficient. With multiple mounting options, it can be used in rooms of different sizes.
Pros
Has an adjustable height
Light bulbs are dimmable
Has a traditional aesthetic design
Comes with toffee glass-covered lights
Can be used during both summer and winter
Cons
Does not have a remote control
Best for the Money
Honeywell Ceiling Fans 50195
Specifications
Dimensions: 9.72 x 11.54 x 24.72 inches
Special Features: Remote, Reversible
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What Recent Buyers Report
Nearly all recent buyers liked that this ceiling fan comes at a very reasonable price. The quality might not be the best, but the circulation is very high, and it cools up the room easily. Its black and silver design is very aesthetic, which users appreciated, too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With three different mounting options, this fan gives you a lot of versatility. You can mount it with a rod, at an angled position, or close-mount it without any rod depending on the ceiling height. It has two 13-watt light bulbs covered with frosted white glass.
Three matte black blades are measuring 54” in length. Their size makes them suitable for large rooms. You can also connect the fan with Alexa Hub and control the speed of the fan and the brightness of the lights. It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Bottom Line
If what you want is a budget-friendly quiet fan, this is the one you should look into. It has different speed settings, and it has a reversible motor for winter use. Plus, given its price, some of the minor imperfections can be overlooked, too.
Pros
Has three different mounting options
Comes with a lifetime warranty motor
Promises high efficiency while keeping bills low
Can be controlled through smart home systems
Cons
Alexa control hub is sold separately
Quietest Ceiling Fan with Light
reiga 52″ Modern Blade Ceiling Fan
Specifications
Dimensions: 52 x 52 x 15.4 inches
Special Features: Remote, Reversible
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What Recent Buyers Report
Users state that the fan is so easy to install you don’t need to hire an electrician. Even though it has three blades, it is very quiet. The blades have a unique look to them. Moreover, its light can change colors, so you can make it white or a more warm orange shade.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The fan is made of silicone steel and copper. It is very lightweight and produces next to no sound. It uses a DC motor, so you can be sure of its quietness. Instead of steel, the blades are made of ABS plastic. This factors into its weight and silence. The blades are also resistant to water, which makes them suitable for outdoor use.
Its remote has a reverse rotation button and six different speed options. It also has timer options. You can set the timer for one, two, four, and eight hours after which the fan will automatically turn off.
Moreover, the lights are energy-efficient and power saving. They can be controlled separately and dimmed as needed. Given its size and motor, the fan is suitable to be used in a room of 100 to 250 square feet.
Bottom Line
You can add a very unique and aesthetic look to your room with this all-white ceiling fan. It makes use of ABS blades to protect it from deforming in case it gets damp. So, you can use this fan both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
Features a moisture-proof design
Uses multi-capacitor for quiet use
Has six different operating speeds
Comes with two downrods of different heights
Light can be turned on separately without switching on the fan
Cons
LED lights cannot be replaced
Quietest Ceiling Fan for Bedrooms
Minka-Aire F844-DK
Specifications
Dimensions: 10.5 x 10.5 x 13.5 inches
Special Features: Remote, Programmable
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What Recent Buyers Report
The blades’ wooden look adds a lot of style to any room and is very quiet and powerful. Some users have said there is a faint humming noise, but that goes away after running for some time. Other than that, they stated that the fan is of great quality and is efficient.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This fan and its blades are made of wood. This already reduces the noise significantly as metal rattles a lot more. Its blades are sleek and bent slightly, giving them a stylish look. It also has a high CFM rating of 3,068, which makes it very efficient. But the best thing is, it can considerably reduce energy bills.
You can also connect the fan to Alexa and turn it on and off remotely and quickly. Its LED lights can be dimmed, too. The only minor inconvenience is that; you have to manually change the motor settings to reverse the circulation. But it does work in reverse and can be used in cooler climates.
Bottom Line
Given the size and blades of this fan, it is suitable for medium to large bedrooms. It has a downward mounting type with a rod whose length you can adjust. If the ceiling is low, then you can mount the fan a little higher and vice versa.
Pros
Energy Star certified
Has multi-speed functionality
Can be controlled through Alexa
Reduces energy bills considerably
Wooden blades add aesthetics to the design
Cons
You have to manually reverse the blades
What Makes a Ceiling Fan Quiet?
When you are choosing a ceiling fan, you need to determine several things, including its quality and price. The quietness of the fan is another important feature. Aspects that make a ceiling fan quiet include:
Motor Type
The motor is the major cause of the noise of a fan. The type of motor greatly affects the sound. Three motors are considered the quietest: oil bath motors, flywheel motors, and DC motors.
Ceiling fans with oil bath motors are the oldest technology used. They require a lot of maintenance, like oil checks every five to six years. However, this type of motor greatly reduces the fan’s sway and vibration, which will reduce its noise.
A flywheel motor uses a high-power AC motor. Such models include flywheel discs that store kinetic energy and absorb shock. The absorption of shock reduces noise significantly.
DC motors are used in most new ceiling fans. They are very lightweight, so they also reduce the weight of the fan significantly. Less weight means less rattling and swaying. DC motors are highly efficient and use less energy. They also have higher torque.
Blade Count
Fans with more blades are less noisy. More blades mean more weight distribution and balance. When the ceiling fans have a good balance, there is less sway and rattling when they are in use and hence less noise. Fans with three blades are very noisy, but they are less expensive. However, newer fans use DC motors, and they are very quiet, even with three blades.
Mounting Type
The type of mounting greatly determines the noise produced by the fan. The fan should be installed securely; otherwise, there will be sway, which will produce noise. If the fan is installed using a rod, it can result in wobbling; therefore, low-profile fans are often preferred. They are installed flush against the ceiling and hence require no rod.
Why Do I Need a Quiet Ceiling Fan?
Ceiling fans are a part of almost every home in America, and during the summer season, they run all day long. Therefore, they should be of high quality, which sometimes comes at higher prices but their uses make up for it.
Aesthetics
Many quiet ceiling fans follow the modern minimalist aesthetic. Everything from their colors to the shape of the blades adds a different feel to the room. Some fans also have blades made of wood. But if you are into a more traditional look, there are many quiet fan models you can choose from. These will have more intricate patterns on the light fixtures as well.
Multi-Purpose
Ceiling fans generally include LED lights. These lights are added at the fan’s bottom end in different ways: either as simple or hanging lights. These lights can have a different control than the fan, so you can turn them on and off separately.
These fans sometimes also have reversible blades that allow them to be used in winter. They reverse the direction of flow and pull the cold air towards the ceiling.
Virtually Quiet
Well, this is probably a given and the major reason for buying a quiet ceiling fan. The constant humming and swaying of the fan can cause a headache and stress. You can get rid of all that and make your living space comfortable with quiet fans.
Perks of Getting a Quiet Ceiling Fan
If you are not already sold on the idea of buying a quiet ceiling fan, let us give you a few more perks of getting one.
Aesthetics
Quiet ceiling fans are the norm these days, and you’ll find nearly all manufacturers making them. Other ceiling fans are largely outdated, and so is their design. Modern quiet ceiling fans have a very sleek look. Because of their popularity, there are many styles and colors available, so you can choose the one that fits the aesthetic of your room. With the older designs, you will only get the gaudy-looking large fans with low-hanging light bulbs in equally extravagant light fixtures; nobody wants that.
Light Fixtures
These fans include lights in their designs in a very subtle way. They are often added in the round center part of the fan and are covered with some type of glass. Newer fans also use energy-saving LED lights instead of old bulbs.
Versatility and Efficiency
A major perk of installing a modern ceiling fan in your home is the reduction in your energy bills. You will especially notice the reduction if you use your fans all day.
These fans are also very versatile; they are made for both outdoor and indoor use. There are designs available for tall ceilings as well as short ceilings and small rooms.
Quiet Ceiling Fans – Comparison Overview
The motors and the number of blades affect the operation and noise produced by the fan. If you’re unsure of what to pick in terms of the type of motor and the number of blades, the following comparison can help clarify things.
AC vs DC for Quiet Ceiling Fan
DC fans are generally considered less noisy than AC motor fans, so they are the natural choice for quiet fans. But there are other things to consider as well. Here is a brief overview of their similarities and differences.
Power
DC ceiling fans consume about 70% less energy than AC ceiling fans. They also have more speed options and are faster to operate than AC fans. They also have the reverse circulation option, which is used in cooler climates.
Price
AC ceiling fans are much cheaper than DC fans. But the latter saves you more money down the road due to low energy consumption. So if you are thinking long-term, then DC fans are the way to go, even if the initial cost is higher. But if you are on a limited budget and don’t use the fan that much, consider buying an AC fan.
Weight
A DC motor is considerably lightweight and compact. This reduces the size and weight of the fan as well.
Which is Quieter, a 5 Blade, 4 Blade, or 3 Blade Fan?
The number of blades affects the noise produced by the ceiling fan. The blades affect the balance and hence the stability of the fan. If the fan is too heavy and not properly mounted or balanced, it will sway a lot at higher speeds.
5 Blades
The more the blades, the quieter the fan, so five-blade fans are pretty quiet. But that doesn’t mean you should go for as many blades as possible. A large number of blades will put more drag on the motor, resulting in slower movements, so you have to look for a balance.
4 Blades
The performance of four-blade fans is very similar to five-blade ones. They are the most commonly used fans in residential areas. They will not be very fast, though. You have to judge your city’s climate and decide if this will suit you.
3 Blades
Three-blade fans are the fastest, and they circulate the air around the room most effectively. They are lightweight and aesthetic, but the problem with them is that they are the noisiest.
How to Quiet a Noisy Ceiling Fan
If the fan installed in your room is noisy and you don’t have the budget to replace it with a newer model, there are some things you can do to fix the old one.
- Below the fan blades, you will see screws. You need to unscrew them using a screwdriver.
- You will need to get some plumbing washers.
- Remove one screw at a time.
- Slide in the plumbing washers in all screws.
- Insert the screw back in place on the fan blade and make sure it is secure.
- Turn the fan on and check if the noise has reduced.
- If the issue persists, you might have a faulty motor that needs replacing.
For a visual representation of the steps mentioned above, feel free to check out the following video.
Conclusion
Now you know all there is to know about quiet ceiling fans. There are many variations of these fans, and they all work best in different situations.
Choose smaller fans with perhaps more blades for small rooms and moderate climate and large fans with fewer blades for hotter areas. As long as you make sure that the quality of the product is good and it has a good warranty, you should be fine.
People Also Ask
If there are still some unanswered questions about quiet ceiling fans, then we suggest you give this section a read. We’ve answered some common questions that people usually ask regarding quiet ceiling fans.
If your fan is producing too much noise, it might be dangerous. This is because it might not be installed securely and moves a lot. It can also be because the screws connecting the fan to the motor are loose. Both these situations are dangerous as they can result in the fan falling.
The humming produced by ceiling fans is due to the vibrations of the motor, which are amplified by the metal parts of the fan.
It is always a good idea to keep the fans clean. You should do monthly, if not regular, cleaning of the blades because they can catch a lot of dust. Other things you might have to do include checking the motor. Most fans these days are self-lubricating, but if yours is not, then you will have to oil it yourself. If you don’t add oil to the motor, it might start to rust.