My Experience Installing and Using the Harbor Breeze Flanagan II Ceiling Fan

Finding the Perfect Ceiling Fan for My Home Office

As someone who works from home, having the right environment is crucial for productivity. I’ve set up a home office in my spare bedroom, but it still felt incomplete. The room needed a stylish ceiling fan to keep the air circulating during the warm summer months here in Texas. After doing some research online, I decided to try out the Harbor Breeze Flanagan II 52-inch ceiling fan. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience shopping for, installing, and using this popular ceiling fan model so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your space.

Unboxing and First Impressions of the Flanagan II

I purchased the brushed nickel model of the Flanagan II for around $120 from the Home Depot website and had it shipped to my house. When it arrived, I was pleased to see the fan was well packaged inside the box with styrofoam blocks securing the components. At first glance, the Flanagan II has an elegant, timeless design that would look great in just about any room.

Some key specs:

• 52-inch blade span
• Reversible blades in rosewood and aged pewter finishes
• 180 watts max, suitable for rooms up to 225 square feet
• Three speed settings plus reverse
• Integrated 18 watt LED light in opal glass

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Installing the Flanagan II was a straightforward process that took around 2 hours:

1. I turned off power at the breaker and removed the existing basic ceiling fan in my office.
2. I assembled the mounting bracket and attached it to the ceiling junction box using the provided hardware.
3. Next came assembling the fan motor onto the mounting plate and wiring up the included receiver unit with the house wiring using the color-coded wires.
4. After securing the canopy over the wiring, I installed the included LED light kit.
5. Then came the fun part – attaching the fan blades to the motor housing. I went with the aged pewter color blades for a more modern, industrial look.
6. For the controls, I opted to use the included wall remote rather than wiring up a dedicated wall switch.
7. Once fully assembled, I turned the power back on and was thrilled to have a gorgeous, whisper-quiet ceiling fan ready to keep me cool!

While the installation required some electrical know-how, the included instructions made the process straightforward even for someone like myself with only moderate DIY experience.

Why the Flanagan II Is Perfect for My Home Office

After using the Harbor Breeze Flanagan II for the past few weeks, I’m fully convinced this is the best ceiling fan for a home office or study. Here are some of the key reasons why:

• The fan has a powerful but quiet performance rating of 5132 CFM for optimal air circulation even at the lower speeds. It keeps me from feeling stuffy when working for long hours.
• The integrated LED light produces bright, glare-free illumination perfect for tasks like reading and writing. The opal glass shades the bulbs nicely.
• I love having the full-range remote control to easily adjust the fan speed and lighting as needed without having to leave my desk.
• This fan has a real upscale appearance that adds some style to what was a very basic office space previously. The brushed nickel finish is modern and sleek.
• The reversible blades let me switch between darker pewter and lighter wood finishes to match my decor for different seasons.
• At around 50 decibels, it’s one of the quietest ceiling fans I’ve owned despite the airflow it provides. No disruptive humming or rattling.

For my roughly 150 square foot office, the Flanagan II moves the ideal amount of air to keep me feeling energized and focused. The fan works flawlessly on high to provide cooling breezes, but even the lower settings circulate air nicely without noise or drafts. Overall, it’s an incredibly versatile ceiling fan and an essential upgrade for my work-from-home office.

Pros and Cons of the Flanagan II After Extended Use

Here are some pros and cons I’ve noticed after using the Flanagan II ceiling fan for a few months in my home office:

Pros:

• Sleek, stylish profile with reversible walnut and pewter blades
• Moves plenty of air to cool medium to large rooms
• Nearly silent running at lower speeds
• Bright, integrated LED light with opal glass diffuser
• Full-range remote control is convenient
• Easy to install with all hardware included
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Manual fan directions are tricky to switch
• Wall control needs line of sight to work
• Some buyers report issues with fan wobbling
• Lighting not dimmable
• Shorter downrod limits hanging height

While not perfect, the pros far outweigh the minor cons for me. A few tips to avoid issues – make sure to tighten all blades screws during installing, double check electrical connections, and use the balancing kit included if wobble occurs.

Handy Maintenance Tips to Keep the Flanagan II Running Smoothly

To keep my Harbor Breeze ceiling fan operating optimally for a long time, I make sure to do periodic maintenance:

• Every few months, I use a step ladder to dust the fan blades to avoid dust buildup which can throw off blade balance. The rosewood/pewter blades are easy to wipe down.
• I check the blade and motor screws 1-2 times per year and tighten if needed to prevent rattling or wobbling issues.
• The opal glass light kit also gets washed occasionally with mild soap and water to maintain light output.
• If bulb replacement is needed down the road, I’ll be sure to use only compatible 13-watt LED bulbs to avoid overheating issues.
• Every 5 years or so, it’s probably wise to take the fan down and inspect the wiring connections for corrosion and wear. Safety first!

Following the included care instructions and my handy maintenance routine will help keep the Flanagan II running like new for many years. Proper cleaning and upkeep is essential!

Final Verdict: An Excellent Mid-Range Ceiling Fan

In the end, I’m extremely satisfied with my Harbor Breeze Flanagan II and find it to be an exceptional value. The retails price of $120 is very reasonable for such a stylish, well-made ceiling fan that moves tons of air. The reversible blades, remote control, and integrated LED light give it versatility for use in many rooms. While higher-end ceiling fans exist, I think the Flanagan II hits a sweet spot of quality, performance, and price. For the average consumer, it’s likely the only ceiling fan you need. If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic builder-grade fan, give the Flanagan II serious consideration!