Hampton Bay Southwind White

If you’re in the market for a new ceiling fan, you may have come across the Hampton Bay Southwind White model. With its classic style and white finish, this fan can complement a variety of home décor aesthetics. But before purchasing the Southwind White or any other ceiling fan, it’s important to understand the key features so you can determine if it’s the right choice for your space. This buying guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the Hampton Bay Southwind White ceiling fan to help make your buying decision easier.

Overview of the Southwind White Fan

The Hampton Bay Southwind is a 42-inch ceiling fan available in a crisp white finish. It has a traditional style with three reversible white blades and an opal frosted glass light fixture. This fan is designed to maximize airflow and cooling in rooms up to 225 square feet. The Southwind White can operate using remote control and has three speed settings – high, medium and low. It also has a reversible motor that allows you to change the direction of the blade rotation to pull air upwards in the summer and push it downwards in the winter.

Key Features of the Hampton Bay Southwind White

Here are some of the main features and specifications of the Hampton Bay Southwind White ceiling fan:

• 42-inch blade span – Provides optimized airflow for rooms up to 225 sq. ft.
• Three reversible white blades – Blades can be reversed to change the airflow direction.
• Opal frosted glass light – The integrated light fixture uses a frosted glass for soft illumination.
• Three speed settings – Allows you to control the fan speed with high, medium and low settings.
• Reversible motor – Change the blade rotation direction to pull air up or push it down.
• Remote control – Select fan speeds and modes using the included remote control.
• Close-to-ceiling mount – Mounts as close as 7.75 inches from the ceiling.
• Energy efficient – Consumes less energy compared to traditional fans.
• Damp rating – Approved for covered outdoor use.
• Limited lifetime motor warranty – Backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the motor.

Where to Buy the Hampton Bay Southwind White

The Hampton Bay Southwind White ceiling fan is available exclusively through Home Depot, both online and in stores. The typical price runs between $150-200 depending on any ongoing promotions or sales. Home Depot frequently discounts Hampton Bay fans, so keep an eye out for deals on this model. It’s also possible to purchase the fan through third party retailers on sites like Amazon, but availability may be limited. For the widest selection and best pricing, your best bet is checking directly at Home Depot or on their website.

Available Sizes of the Southwind White Fan

The Southwind White fan comes in just one size: 42 inches. The 42-inch size is optimal for providing maximum airflow in rooms up to 225 square feet. Larger fans are available in the Southwind collection, such as 52 and 60-inch models. However, for small to mid-size rooms, the 42-inch white fan will offer sufficient cooling power. The blade span also meets typical installation requirements, as you need to allow 7-8 feet of clearance between the blade tips and the floor or other obstructions. So if you need a medium-sized white fan, the 42-inch Southwind model is a great choice.

LED Lighting on the Hampton Bay Southwind

The Southwind White model does not come with integrated LED lighting. Instead, it uses an opal frosted glass light fixture that takes A19 incandescent bulbs up to 100W. Some of the benefits of the frosted glass include:

• Provides soft, diffused light without glare
• Complements the white fan blades attractively
• Glass dome helps muffle operational noise
• Allows you to use inexpensive incandescent bulbs

Many buyers choose to replace the incandescent bulbs with LED equivalents after installation. This helps save on long term energy costs. Just make sure to choose A19 sized LED bulbs that do not exceed 100 watts equivalent. With LED bulbs, the frosted glass helps prevent harsh LED glare.

Installation of the Hampton Bay Southwind

Installing the Southwind White ceiling fan will require some electrical and mounting work, so having a helper is useful. The basic installation steps include:

• Turn off power to the fan location at the breaker
• Secure the mounting bracket to the ceiling joist using included screws
• Attach the ceiling fan motor assembly to the mounting bracket
• Connect the wiring from the ceiling to the fan wires
• Attach the blades to the motor housing
• Install the frosted glass light fixture
• Turn power back on and test all fan functions using the remote
• Check that the blades spin smoothly without wobbling

The entire installation can take 1-3 hours with modest DIY experience. All necessary mounting hardware, blades, and the remote are included. You may need a stepladder as well. If you’re uncomfortable dealing with electrical wiring, you can also hire a handyman or electrician to install the fan for you.

Use on Low Ceilings

With its close-to-ceiling mount, the Southwind White fan is well suited for rooms with lower ceilings. It can be installed on ceilings as low as 7.75 inches from the ceiling. Many flush mount fans require 10-12 inches of clearance. So if you have a room with an 8 foot ceiling, the Southwind White will fit nicely. The short distance from the ceiling also provides a more secure mounting and reduces wobble. Just check your ceiling height beforehand and ensure you have the minimum 7.75 inches required.

Remote Control Options

A convenient remote control is included with the Southwind White ceiling fan. The remote allows you to easily control power, speeds, lighting, and modes from anywhere in the room. You can turn the fan on/off, choose between 3 speeds, power the light on/off, and switch the rotation direction. No more fumbling with pull chains or switches. The remote uses radio frequency instead of infrared, so it works reliably anywhere in your room. It includes a wall mount cradle for easy storage as well. Replacement remotes are also available if needed.

Energy Efficiency

This Hampton Bay model uses an energy efficient motor technology. When running on the highest speed setting, it consumes only 55 watts. Even at the lowest speed, it still provides cooling airflow while only drawing around 15 watts. This is far less energy consumption compared to older ceiling fans. Reduced energy usage means lower electricity bills for you. The reversible mode also helps – allowing you to push warm air down to recirculate in winter saves heating costs as well. Overall, the Southwind White is a good choice if energy savings are a priority.

Airflow Capacity

The airflow capacity of the 42-inch Southwind White is listed at 5,012 CFM. This powerful airflow circulation is ideal for rooms up to 225 square feet. For context, you need at least 4,000+ CFM to effectively cool rooms of that size. At higher speeds, you can really feel the strong breeze produced by this fan. Quieter low speeds are great for gentle circulation as well. So whether you need strong cooling airflow or gentle air movement, the various fan speeds can accommodate.

Using Outdoors

The Southwind White ceiling fan has a damp rating that makes it suitable for covered outdoor locations. This includes porches, patios, verandas and other spaces protected from direct exposure to rain. The fan is not designed for open outdoor or full wet locations. The damp rating ensures the motor, blades and other components resist moisture, corrosion and weathering. Just avoid using it in uncovered areas or exposing it to direct rainfall. With a covered patio or porch, the Southwind White can provide pleasant cooling airflow for your outdoor relaxing space.

Noise Levels

This fan operates at quiet noise levels, perfect for bedrooms and other rooms where you don’t want an obtrusive hum. At the highest speed, it produces only 51 decibels of sound. To compare, normal conversation is about 60 decibels. At lower speeds, the sound is nearly inaudible, measured at just over 30 decibels. The frosted glass light fixture also absorbs some of the motor noise. So you can count on restful relaxation without an annoying fan buzz. Quality construction prevents creaks, vibrations or other distracting noises while in use.

Blade Span Size

The total blade span on this model is 42 inches from tip to tip. The blades themselves are 12 inches long. This moderate 42-inch span is ideal for cooling small to medium rooms effectively. Larger blade spans often require greater ceiling clearance. The 42-inch span hits the sweet spot for providing ample airflow without requiring a high ceiling. It also meets building codes for the minimum 7 foot blade clearance above floor level.

Reversible Blades

The three blades on the Southwind White ceiling fan are reversible. One side has a white finish while the other has a natural wood grain look. Reversing the blades changes the look from traditional white to a more modern textured appearance. More importantly, reversing the blades changes the direction of airflow. For warm weather, the downward airflow creates a cooling breeze. In winter, reversing the blades pushes air up to help recirculate warm air that collects near the ceiling. The reversible blades provide style and functional options.

Warranty Details

The Hampton Bay Southwind White ceiling fan is backed by Home Depot’s limited lifetime warranty. This covers defects in materials, workmanship and motor failure for the lifetime of the original owner. All other mechanical and finish defects are covered for 1 year after purchase. The motor warranty ensures you’re covered for the most important component. You’ll need to show original proof of purchase and installation. Damage from improper installation, accidents or normal wear/tear is not covered. Overall, the lifetime motor warranty provides reassuring peace of mind.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Basic cleaning and maintenance helps keep your Southwind White ceiling fan running smoothly for years. For cleaning, use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to wipe the blades and motor housing. Avoid harsh cleaners, chemical solvents, abrasive brushes or excessive water. This could strip the paint or protective finish. Any glass fixtures can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Over time, check that all hardware remains securely tightened. The motor is permanently lubricated, but you can apply a small amount of household oil to the blade irons if they squeak. Also replace any burned out bulbs as needed. With occasional cleaning and basic care, your fan will provide lasting performance.

Availability of Replacement Parts

Replacement parts are readily available for the Hampton Bay Southwind White model. Being a current model, all replacement parts can be ordered directly through Hampton Bay or Home Depot. Common replacement parts include compatible remote controls, blades, blade arms, mounting hardware, light fixture assemblies, motors and controls. Having direct access to factory replacement parts makes repairs or upgrades much easier. Parts are reasonably priced compared to custom-made components. You can conveniently order parts online for quick shipping to your home.

Design and Style Options

The Southwind fan collection includes several design variations:

• Southwind White – Crisp white fan with opal glass light
• Southwind Black – Glossy black color fan and housing
• Southwind Pewter – Brushed nickel accents on dark pewter housing
• Southwind Bronze – Vintage bronze finish with wood-grain blades
• Southwind Gun Metal – Contemporary gunmetal and black metal styling

This allows you to choose the right finish to match your home. The Southwind white is arguably the most versatile and classic choice. But the other styles offer coordinated designs for modern, industrial, rustic or traditional decors as well.

Cost of the Hampton Bay Southwind

As mentioned previously, the Southwind White typically sells for $150-200 at Home Depot. This very reasonable price makes it an attractive option compared to designer fans costing $500+. For the quality and features, the Southwind line offers excellent value. The budget-friendly price point allows almost any household to benefit from its cooling abilities and visual style. Factor in periodic sales and promotions at Home Depot, and the Southwind White becomes even more wallet-friendly. Keep an eye out for deals in circulars or online.

Customer Reviews

The Southwind White earns consistently positive homeowner reviews:

• Mostdescribe it as easy to install with clear instructions
• Many love the quietoperation and reversible modes
• Several mentioned it effectively cools their kitchen, bedroom or other rooms
• Most agree it moves a high volume of air while maintaining quiet operation
• Numerous reviews cited the great value for performance and features
• Style and appearance get positive marks as an attractive white fan
• Most say it looksand functions just like more premium models

Satisfied customers highly recommend the Southwind White for pleasant cooling airflow at an affordable price point. It receives 4+ star ratings across major retailers. For a basic white ceiling fan, buyers seem very impressed with the performance, ease of use and energy savings of this model.

Sloped Ceiling Installation

The Southwind White can be installed on a sloped or angled ceiling, making it versatile for attics and other non-standard ceiling configurations. The key is using an angled mounting bracket designed for sloped ceilings between 12 and 45 degree angles. This specially angled mounting plate ensures the fan hangs straight down, keeping the blades safely horizontal. The fan motor can remain perpendicular to the angled bracket. This provides hassle-free installation while maintaining proper performance and aesthetics even on uniquely angled or vaulted ceilings.

Conclusion

The Hampton Bay Southwind 42-inch White ceiling fan delivers attractive style, reliable performance and user-friendly features at an affordable price point. Its energy efficiency, quiet operation and cooling power make it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms and other small-to-medium spaces. Hampton Bay provides quality and value unmatched by competing budget fan models. For homes seeking a traditional white ceiling fan with classic style and modern conveniences like remote control, the Southwind White is a top option to consider.