Hampton Bay Fanelee

As I planned the renovation for my new home office, I knew I wanted an attractive, yet affordable ceiling fan to keep the room cool and add some style. After doing a lot of research, I decided the Hampton Bay Fanelee was the perfect choice. If you’re looking to purchase this popular ceiling fan, keep reading for the ultimate Hampton Bay Fanelee buying guide. I’ll cover everything you need to know before making this great addition to your home decor.

Overview of the Fanelee Fan

The Hampton Bay Fanelee is a 52-inch indoor ceiling fan that’s available exclusively through Home Depot. It has a simple, versatile design with five reversible blades that come in either a whitewashed oak or rosewood finish. The Fanelee can be installed on sloped or standard ceilings up to 10 feet high.

This fan is part of Hampton Bay’s Eurofase collection, which combines European inspiration with American craftsmanship. As their mid-priced option, the Fanelee hits the sweet spot between quality and affordability. It provides reliable performance with plenty of great features.

Pricing and Availability

The Hampton Bay Fanelee typically retails for $149.99 at Home Depot stores and on their website. It’s one of their bestselling ceiling fans so you can usually find it in stock. Sale prices around $100 are common as well, especially during seasonal sales events.

Additional charges may apply for expert installation services, extension poles for high ceilings, or wall controls if not using the included remote. There are also compatible light kits and accent finishes available to customize your fan.

Notable Features and Benefits

Here are some of the key features that make the Hampton Bay Fanelee a top choice:

• Reversible DC motor – Changes direction for cooling in summer and circulating warm air in winter. Also promotes efficiency.
• LED light fixture – Included 18-watt LED light is energy efficient and projects plenty of light. Dimmable to control ambiance.
• Multi-function remote – Operates fan speeds, light dimming, and directional rotation from anywhere in the room.
• Silent performance – Streamlined blades move air quietly even on the highest speed setting.
• Limited lifetime warranty – Motor and parts are covered for years to come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
• Easy installation – Designed for quick installation using minimal tools. Can be mounted on angled ceilings.
• ** Universal style** – Sleek white finish blends well with any home decor from modern to farmhouse. Matches most color schemes.

Installation Tips

Installing the Fanelee ceiling fan is a project any DIYer can tackle in just a few steps:

• Choose a location with at least 7 feet of clearance from floor to blade tips and 30 inches from surrounding walls.
• Turn off power at the circuit breaker before wiring. Use UL-listed outlet boxes marked “acceptable for fan support”.
• Connect the hanging bracket to ceiling box using provided screws. Make sure it’s secured firmly.
• Lift fan into position by hanging the motor assembly onto the bracket. Be careful not to damage the blades.
• Make wire connections following the manual’s directions and spread wires apart to prevent overheating.
• Attach the fan blades and light fixture using included hardware. Take care not to strip the screws.
• Install included LED bulbs, then turn power back on. The fan should rotate and light will work.

If your ceiling is sloped greater than 15 degrees, specialized mounting steps are required. Consider hiring a professional installer.

Remote Control Functions

The Hampton Bay Fanelee comes with a multi-function remote that allows you to fully operate the fan from the comfort of your sofa or bed. The remote requires two AAA batteries. Here are the main functions:

• Power – Turns the fan (and optional light kit) on and off.
• Fan speeds – Cycles from high to medium to low settings.
• Light dimmer – Raises and lowers the brightness levels on compatible dimmable LED or incandescent bulbs.
• Directional buttons – Reverses the rotation direction for seasonal circulation changes.
• An added benefit is that the remote includes a handy clip for attaching to belts or visors to always have control within reach.

Smart Home Integration

While the Fanelee doesn’t directly connect with smart home platforms, you can integrate control into your system with smart switches, smart bulbs, or smart fan controls. These devices allow you to use voice commands, scheduling, automation rules, and app access.

Some options to explore are the Hampton Bay Universal Wink Enabled Ceiling Fan Premier Remote Control or Bond Home smart home hub. Just confirm compatibility since integration requires bypassing the included remote. With a universal smart remote or smart switch, you can enjoy voice and app control.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Like any electrical fixture, issues can arise with the Hampton Bay Fanelee from time to time. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips for common problems:

• Fan doesn’t turn on – Check circuit breaker, wire connections, remote battery, and wall switch position.
• Noisy operation – Tighten blade screws, check motor housing, or consider replacing brackets.
• Lights not working – Confirm bulb type, check wiring, and replace burnt out bulbs.
• Remote not working – Try replacing battery, reprogramming remote, and ensuring unobstructed signal.
• Wobbling fan – Balance blades, tighten mounting, or replace hanging bracket. Check sloped ceiling angle.

Don’t attempt to service or disassemble the fan motor yourself. For parts and complex repair issues, seek assistance from Hampton Bay’s customer support online or by calling their helpline.

Lighting Features

A major perk of the Fanelee is the integrated 18-watt LED light fixture built into the motor housing. The LED bulb gives off a bright, natural glow equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent. With an impressive 22,000 hour lifetime, you’ll avoid frequent bulb changes.

The integrated light is dimmable to customize the amount of illumination you need in the space. Lower settings are great for watching TV or setting a relaxing mood. Max brightness lets the light act as a primary overhead source. The frosted glass shade diffuses the LED light evenly.

Fan Size Specifications

Here are the key specifications on the Fanelee’s physical size:

• Blade span – 52 inches tip to tip
• Blade dimensions – 52 x 5.2 x 0.83 inches
• Motor dimensions – 11.3 x 11 x 7.75 inches
• Downrod length – 6 inches (optional extensions available)
• Ceiling clearance – At least 7 feet from blade tips recommended
• Hanging weight – 21 pounds including motor

With a 52-inch blade span, the Fanelee provides efficient airflow circulation for rooms up to 225 square feet. That makes it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and other mid-sized spaces.

Energy Efficiency and Operation

Energy efficiency is always a priority with electrical fixtures. The Fanelee offers these savings benefits:

• EnergyStar certified – Meets EPA standards for efficiency and energy savings.
• Reversible DC motor – Allows for customized seasonal operation to reduce costs.
• LED lighting – Uses 80% less energy compared to traditional bulbs. Lasts over 22 years.
• Balanced blades – Aerodynamic design circulates air using less energy.

These features allow the fan to move air and provide light using minimal electricity even on high speeds. Lower settings further reduce power consumption for significant savings over less efficient models.

Warranty Protection

The Hampton Bay Fanelee ceiling fan comes backed by Home Depot and Hampton Bay’s warranties:

• Limited lifetime motor warranty – Years of coverage on the most important part.
• 1 year parts warranty – Includes blades, controls, motor, etc.
• Hardware warranty – Guarantees hardware will be free from defects.

Make sure to register your fan online or fill out the warranty card after installation. Always keep your receipt on hand as proof of purchase. Contact Hampton Bay or return to any Home Depot for issues covered under warranty.

Proper installation and care is required to maintain validity of the warranties. Overall, the generous coverage provides great peace of mind on your investment.

Reviews and Ratings

With thousands of customers and hundreds of reviews, the Hampton Bay Fanelee earns very positive feedback:

• 4.5 out of 5 stars – Across major retailer websites based on 200+ reviews
• 85% recommend – Percentage who would suggest the Fanelee to other buyers
• Quiet and cooling – Most common praise in written reviews
• “Great value” – Frequently used phrase to describe the price vs. performance
• Easy installation – Many reviewers successfully installed without issues

The few critical reviews cite receiving defective units or problems with the LED light working. However, the overwhelming consensus is that the Fanelee performs reliably and looks beautiful once installed.

Pairing the Remote Control

The remote control included with the Hampton Bay Fanelee comes pre-programmed and synced with the ceiling fan. But if you ever need to manually pair the remote, here is the process:

1. Turn fan power off and back on at the wall switch.
2. Within 3 seconds, press and hold the “fan speed up” and “light dim up” buttons together for 4 seconds.
3. The fan will turn on at low speed and light will brighten to confirm successful pairing.
4. The fan and light can then be controlled using the remote as normal.

If the pairing process doesn’t work, try replacing the remote battery and repeating the steps. The remote should maintain programming even when power is cycled.

Available Finishes

One downside of the Hampton Bay Fanelee is the limited finish options. It comes in just two color variations:

• Whitewashed Oak – White blades with subtly grained oak detail
• Rosewood – Dark reddish-brown wooden blade color

Both options feature reversible blades, so you can easily switch between lighter and darker shades. The white motor housing, dome light, and base match with either finish.

While additional colors and finishes aren’t offered, the versatile neutral tones coordinate well with most home decor. Wood grain detailing adds some visual interest.

Ideal Uses

With its mid-size design and versatile style, the Hampton Bay Fanelee shines in these room applications:

• Living Rooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Home Offices
• Kids Rooms
• Kitchens
• Enclosed Porches

The airflow can sufficiently cool spaces up to 225 square feet. For large open floor plans, multiple fans may be needed for full coverage.

While intended for indoor use, some customers report installing the Fanelee under covered patios with success. However, damp, outdoor operation is not recommended and will void the warranty.

Comparison to Alternatives

How does the Fanelee stack up to competitor’s models in the same class? Here are some key differences:

• vs. Hunter Dempsey – Very similar specs but the Fanelee has larger blade span (52″ vs. 44″)
• vs. Westinghouse Comet – Comet has more blade finishes but lower CFM rating
• vs. Minka-Aire Concept II– Comparable features but Fanelee is more affordable
• vs. Honeywell Xerxes– Xerxes has integrated USB port but lower quality light & motor

Overall, the Hampton Bay Fanelee competes very well on performance, quality, and value. The convenient Home Depot availability also makes it an accessible choice for most homeowners.

Accessories and Add-Ons

One bonus of choosing the Fanelee is that Hampton Bay offers several handy accessories:

• Alternate finish kits – Change blade color if desired
• Slope ceiling kits – Adjust hardware for angled ceilings
• Downrod extensions – For ceilings higher than 10 feet
• Compatible dimmable LED bulbs – For greater light customization
• Ceiling fan weight clips – Reduce wobble from uneven blades

There are also separate light kit options like the Gossamer Wind 180W LED to supplement the integrated fixture. Just confirm compatibility before installing.

Spare Parts Availability

Like any ceiling fan, parts like bulbs and blades may need to be replaced over time. The good news is that Hampton Bay has all the most commonly needed Fanelee parts available:

• Blades
• Light kits
• Controls
• Mounting hardware
• Motors
• Remote controls
• Capacitors
• Pull chain switches

Parts can be ordered directly through Hampton Bay’s website or you can find them at any Home Depot location. There are also many replacement parts available online from third party sellers.

Final Verdict

For shoppers seeking a stylish, well-made ceiling fan on a budget, the Hampton Bay Fanelee is a fantastic option. The simple design suits a wide range of home decors while providing cooling comfort and valuable features. With thousands of satisfied buyers, you can confidently choose this top-rated fan to enhance your space.

The Fanelee truly balances performance, value, and reliability. I’m thrilled with my purchase and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for an affordable 52-inch ceiling fan. The buying guide above summarizes everything you need to select the right model, get it installed properly, and enjoy this great addition for years to come. Stay cool!