Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill Ceiling Fan

From Skeptic to Believer: My Journey with a Budget-Friendly Luxury Fan

After spending three sweltering summers in my newly renovated colonial home, I finally admitted defeat. My stubbornly traditional aesthetic preferences had left me fanless and frankly, sweaty. I needed cooling solutions that wouldn’t compromise my carefully curated interior design. Enter the Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill ceiling fan – the unexpected hero of my home comfort saga.

When I first encountered this fan at my neighbor’s house during a dinner party, I couldn’t believe the perfect marriage of style and functionality hanging above their dining table. Fast forward two months, and I now have these installed in three rooms of my home. Let me share everything I’ve learned about what might be the best value-for-money ceiling fan on the market today.

What Exactly Is the Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill Ceiling Fan?

The Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill isn’t just a ceiling fan; it’s a statement piece that somehow manages to blend seamlessly into almost any décor style. When I first started researching ceiling fans, I was overwhelmed by the technical specifications and industry jargon. Let me break it down in plain English based on my personal experience.

Harbor Breeze is Lowe’s house brand for ceiling fans and lighting fixtures. While I was initially skeptical about choosing a house brand over the premium names in the industry, the Cedar Hill model consistently appeared in “best of” lists during my research. Now I understand why.

The Cedar Hill is designed with a transitional aesthetic that works in both traditional and modern spaces. It features five reversible blades that can display either a rich, dark finish or a lighter tone depending on your preference. This versatility immediately caught my attention as someone who tends to redecorate seasonally.

What truly sets this fan apart, though, is how it combines premium looks with a mid-range price point. When I finally took the plunge and purchased my first Cedar Hill for the living room, I was preparing myself for disappointment. How could something this affordable actually look good and perform well? I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Features That Convinced This Design Purist to Take the Plunge

As someone who scrutinizes every detail of my home’s aesthetic, I wasn’t easily sold on adding a mechanical device to my ceiling. However, the Cedar Hill offers several features that managed to win me over:

The Size and Scale

The Cedar Hill comes in a 52-inch blade span, which I found perfect for my medium to large-sized rooms. In my 18×20 foot living room, it provides ample airflow without looking disproportionately small—a common issue I noticed with some other models I considered.

The profile is also moderately low, sitting about 12-14 inches from the ceiling with the standard downrod. For my living room with 9-foot ceilings, this created exactly the right visual weight without making the room feel cramped.

For my smaller guest bedroom (about 12×14 feet), I was initially concerned it might overwhelm the space. However, the clean lines and unobtrusive design actually made the room feel larger and more cohesive.

The Light Kit Question

One of my primary concerns was lighting. My home already had a carefully planned lighting scheme with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Would adding a fan light disrupt this balance?

The Cedar Hill comes with an integrated LED light kit housed in a frosted glass bowl that produces a warm, diffused glow. What I particularly appreciate is how the light complements rather than competes with my existing lighting. The LED is dimmable, allowing me to adjust the brightness to suit different occasions.

With an output of about 1,600 lumens, it’s bright enough to serve as the primary light source in medium-sized rooms like my office, where I installed my second Cedar Hill. In larger spaces like my living room, it functions perfectly as supplementary ambient lighting.

The Control Options

I’ll admit, I was firmly in the pull-chain camp before my Cedar Hill experience. There was something charmingly traditional about physical controls that appealed to me. However, the Cedar Hill has completely converted me to remote operation.

My fans came with a comprehensive remote control that manages speed, light dimming, and even direction reversal all from the comfort of my sofa. For someone who frequently adjusts lighting and airflow based on the time of day and activity, this has been revolutionary.

In my bedroom installation, I opted to add the wall control kit (sold separately for about $25). This provides a permanent control point that my overnight guests can easily locate without hunting for a remote in the dark.

The Aesthetics and Finishes

Here’s where the Cedar Hill truly shines. The fan comes in several finishes, including brushed nickel, bronze, and matte black. After agonizing over the decision, I chose the brushed nickel for my living room and office, and the bronze version for my bedroom to complement the warmer tones there.

The reversible blades are what sold me initially. Each blade has a darker cherry finish on one side and a lighter maple tone on the other. This feature allowed me to customize the look seasonally—darker in winter for coziness, lighter in summer for airiness. Yes, I actually did flip them when the seasons changed, and the difference was subtle but noticeable.

The motor housing features clean lines with just enough detailing to make it interesting without being busy. It somehow manages to read as both traditional and contemporary, making it exceptionally versatile for various decorating styles.

Installation: My Unexpected DIY Adventure

I consider myself moderately handy—I can assemble furniture and hang pictures with the best of them, but electrical work typically sends me straight to the phone to call a professional. However, after watching several installation videos for the Cedar Hill, I decided to tackle the first installation myself.

The Reality of Self-Installation

The Cedar Hill comes with detailed, illustrated instructions that I found surprisingly accessible. The package includes most of the hardware you’ll need, though I did have to make one trip to the hardware store for wire nuts that better accommodated my home’s older wiring.

The process took me about two hours from opening the box to turning on the fan for the first time. Here’s my honest breakdown of the experience:

1. Unboxing and organizing the parts: 15 minutes
2. Removing my old light fixture: 20 minutes
3. Installing the mounting bracket: 10 minutes
4. Assembling the downrod and canopy: 15 minutes
5. Wiring (the most nerve-wracking part): 30 minutes
6. Attaching the blades and light kit: 20 minutes
7. Testing and cleaning up: 10 minutes

The most challenging aspect was managing the wiring while trying to hoist the main fan body into place. This is definitely easier with two people, which I discovered the hard way when installing in my living room. For my subsequent installations, I recruited my neighbor to help, and the process went much more smoothly.

Professional Installation Considerations

After my mixed experience with DIY installation, I researched professional installation costs in my area. Most electricians quoted between $75-150 for standard ceiling fan installation, with additional charges if new wiring was needed.

For my third fan in the bedroom, I opted for professional installation since it required a new junction box rated for ceiling fans. This added $165 to my total cost but was worth the peace of mind. The professional completed the job in under an hour with no cursing or precarious balancing acts on ladders—unlike my DIY adventure.

If your home has existing ceiling fan wiring and you’re reasonably comfortable with basic electrical work, DIY installation is certainly doable. However, if you have high ceilings, complicated electrical situations, or simply value your weekend time, professional installation is a worthwhile investment.

Performance: Does It Actually Keep You Cool?

All the aesthetic considerations in the world don’t matter if a fan fails at its primary purpose—moving air efficiently. After three months of using the Cedar Hill fans in various rooms, I can confidently report on their cooling performance.

Airflow and Efficiency

The Cedar Hill features a powerful motor that generates impressive airflow for its price point. According to the specifications, it moves approximately 4,545 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) at its highest setting. In practical terms, this means it creates a noticeable cooling effect even in my large living room.

What I particularly appreciate is the range of speeds. The lowest setting provides just enough air movement to circulate without creating a “wind tunnel” effect that sends papers flying—perfect for my home office. At the highest setting, it delivers a substantial breeze that’s powerful enough to cool a room quickly after a hot day.

In terms of efficiency, the Cedar Hill is surprisingly economical. It’s rated at about 65 watts of electricity usage (excluding the light kit), which translates to approximately 70 CFM per watt. This efficiency rating places it above average for fans in its price range.

During our recent heat wave, I conducted an informal experiment by turning off my central air during the day and relying solely on the Cedar Hill fans. I found that with proper window management (opening windows at night and closing them during the day), the fans maintained a comfortable temperature in most rooms, only requiring minimal air conditioning support during the hottest afternoon hours.

Noise Levels

As someone sensitive to noise, this was a major concern for me. Many ceiling fans develop annoying clicks, wobbles, or motor hums that can range from distracting to maddening. After thorough testing at all speeds, I can report that the Cedar Hill operates with impressive quietness.

At the lowest setting, it’s virtually silent—I’ve fallen asleep with it running directly above my bed without issue. The medium settings produce a gentle white noise that actually helps mask street sounds in my urban location. Even at the highest speed, the sound level remains reasonable, allowing for normal conversation without raising voices.

I did notice a subtle clicking in my living room installation when first installed, but this was resolved by tightening the blade attachments and performing a simple balancing procedure using the included balancing kit. Since then, all three fans have run smoothly without any wobble or noise issues.

Seasonal Reversibility

One feature I’ve come to deeply appreciate is the reversible motor direction. During summer months, I run the fans counterclockwise, creating a direct downdraft that provides immediate cooling. When fall arrived, I reversed the direction (using the convenient remote control) to run clockwise at a low speed.

This upward airflow gently circulates the warmer air that collects near the ceiling without creating a cooling draft. In conjunction with my heating system, this has already noticeably improved comfort and reduced my energy bills by about 8% compared to last October, according to my utility tracking app.

The Price Question: What’s the Real Value Proposition?

Let’s talk frankly about cost, as this was a significant factor in my decision-making process. The Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill typically retails between $129-179 depending on the finish selected and current promotions at Lowe’s. This positions it firmly in the mid-range market for ceiling fans.

Breaking Down the Investment

For my three fans, my total investment broke down as follows:

• Living Room: $149 (brushed nickel model) + $0 (DIY installation)
• Home Office: $149 (brushed nickel model) + $0 (DIY installation)
• Bedroom: $179 (oil-rubbed bronze model) + $165 (professional installation)

This total of $642 represents a significant investment, but one that I’ve found to be worthwhile for several reasons:

1. Energy savings: By reducing my air conditioning usage, I’m projecting annual savings of approximately $120-180 based on current energy costs.
2. Comfort improvement: The ability to fine-tune air circulation in each room has eliminated the hot/cold spots that previously plagued my home.
3. Aesthetic enhancement: Unlike purely utilitarian fans, the Cedar Hill actually improves the appearance of my rooms, functioning as both a practical device and a design element.
4. Versatility: The reversible blades and motor provide year-round functionality, essentially doubling the value compared to seasonal cooling solutions.

Comparing to Alternatives

Before settling on the Cedar Hill, I researched several alternatives across different price points:

• Budget options ($50-100): These typically featured fewer speeds, louder operation, and visibly cheaper materials. While the upfront savings were tempting, reviews consistently mentioned issues with longevity and performance.
• Premium options ($300-500+): High-end brands offered marginally better performance, more specialized finishes, and longer warranties. However, the functional improvements didn’t justify the price difference for my needs.
• Smart fans ($200-400): Several Wi-Fi enabled options promised integration with home automation systems. While intriguing, the added complexity and potential obsolescence concerns steered me toward the simpler, reliable Cedar Hill.

After extensive comparison, the Cedar Hill occupied a sweet spot of quality construction, adequate features, attractive design, and reasonable cost. For my money, it offered the highest value coefficient—that elusive balance of price versus performance and aesthetics.

Maintenance and Longevity: The Long-Term Commitment

Any home improvement purchase should be evaluated not just on its initial appeal but on its long-term performance. After researching the brand and speaking with several long-term owners, I’ve developed a maintenance routine that should maximize the lifespan of my Cedar Hill fans.

Regular Cleaning

Dust accumulation is the primary enemy of ceiling fans, affecting both appearance and performance. I’ve adopted a bi-weekly dusting routine using an extended microfiber duster that reaches the blades without requiring a ladder. For quarterly deep cleaning, I use a pillowcase method that contains dust while cleaning:

1. Slide a pillowcase over each blade
2. Apply gentle pressure with hands on both sides of the blade
3. Pull the pillowcase back, capturing dust inside
4. Wipe with a slightly damp cloth if needed
5. Finish with a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage

For the motor housing and light kit, a simple wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps them looking new. I avoid chemical cleaners that might damage the finishes—plain water or a very mild soap solution for stubborn spots works perfectly.

Balancing and Adjustment

Even well-installed fans can develop wobbles over time due to settling or seasonal humidity changes. The Cedar Hill comes with a simple balancing kit consisting of small weights that can be attached to blades to correct minor imbalances.

I’ve found it helpful to check for tightness of all visible screws every six months, particularly where the blades attach to the motor. A minute of preventative maintenance has prevented any significant wobble issues thus far.

Warranty and Parts Availability

The Cedar Hill comes with a limited lifetime warranty on the motor and a 3-year warranty on other parts. While I haven’t needed to use the warranty service yet, I did research the process in advance.

Replacement parts are readily available through Lowe’s customer service or directly from Harbor Breeze. Most commonly needed parts like pull chains, light kits, or blade arms range from $8-30, making repairs economically viable compared to total replacement.

One proactive step I took was to purchase an extra set of blade arms ($25) to have on hand, as these are typically the most vulnerable components over the long term. This small investment provides peace of mind that I can quickly repair a fan if needed without waiting for parts to arrive.

Real-World Performance: Living with the Cedar Hill

After several months of daily use across different seasons, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of how these fans perform in real-life conditions. Here are my candid observations:

Climate Adaptability

In my mixed-climate location that experiences both humid summers and chilly winters, the Cedar Hill has proven remarkably versatile. During summer humidity, running the fan continuously at medium speed kept moisture from settling and made the air conditioning significantly more effective.

As fall temperatures fluctuated wildly, being able to quickly adjust fan speed via remote helped maintain consistent comfort without constantly adjusting the thermostat. This responsiveness to changing conditions has been perhaps the most appreciated feature in daily use.

Light Quality for Different Activities

The integrated LED light kit has proven suitable for varied activities. In my office, it provides adequate illumination for computer work without creating screen glare. In the bedroom, the dimming capability allows for gentle evening lighting that doesn’t interfere with winding down for sleep.

The only scenario where I found the lighting somewhat insufficient was for detailed tasks like sewing or reading fine print. For these activities, I supplement with targeted task lighting—a reasonable accommodation given the fan’s primary purpose is air circulation.

Integration with Home Décor

Perhaps most surprisingly, the Cedar Hill fans have become favorite elements in my home’s design. The brushed nickel versions in particular have a chameleon-like quality, picking up tones from surrounding materials and blending seamlessly.

In my living room, the fan relates to both the stainless steel elements in the adjacent kitchen and the nickel hardware on furniture pieces. In the bedroom, the oil-rubbed bronze version echoes the antique brass picture frames and lamp bases, creating a cohesive look.

Guests have frequently commented on how “right” the fans look in each space—the highest compliment for someone who obsesses over design cohesion as much as I do.

Making Your Decision: Is the Cedar Hill Right for Your Home?

After my journey from fan skeptic to enthusiastic owner, I’ve developed some guidelines that might help you determine if the Cedar Hill is the right choice for your particular situation.

Ideal Applications for the Cedar Hill

Based on my experience, the Cedar Hill particularly excels in:

• Medium to large rooms (12×12 feet to 20×20 feet)
• Spaces with ceiling heights of 8-10 feet
• Homes with transitional, traditional, or modern farmhouse décor
• Settings where both cooling performance and aesthetics matter equally
• Households seeking energy efficiency improvements without major renovations
• Rooms requiring year-round air circulation (not just summer cooling)

The fan’s versatile design language and finish options make it adaptable to most interior styles except perhaps ultra-contemporary or highly specific design themes like industrial loft or mid-century modern, where more specialized fans might better complement the aesthetic.

Situations Where You Might Consider Alternatives

While I’ve been overwhelmingly pleased with my Cedar Hill fans, there are scenarios where different options might be more appropriate:

• Very large great rooms or spaces with ceilings above 12 feet might benefit from larger fans or models specifically designed for high ceilings.
• Extremely humid environments like bathrooms or covered patios require damp or wet-rated fans (the Cedar Hill is dry-rated for indoor use only).
• Homes with comprehensive smart home systems might benefit from fans with built-in WiFi connectivity.
• Spaces with very specific design requirements might warrant investment in boutique designer fans.

Where to Purchase

The Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill is primarily sold through Lowe’s as it’s their house brand. I purchased mine in-store after viewing the display model, which I highly recommend when possible. Seeing the finish and proportions in person helped confirm my decision.

The fans are also available through Lowe’s online store with home delivery or in-store pickup options. During my research, I occasionally found the fans through third-party sellers online, but prices were typically higher with less certain warranty support.

Lowe’s regularly runs seasonal promotions on ceiling fans, particularly in spring and early summer. I purchased my living room and office fans during a 20% off sale, representing significant savings. Patience and timing can definitely pay off.

Installation Tips from My Experience

If you decide to install your Cedar Hill yourself as I did, here are some hard-won tips that might save you time and frustration:

1. Allocate more time than you think you’ll need, especially for your first installation. What professional installers do in 45 minutes will likely take you 2-3 hours on your first attempt.
2. Ensure proper support. The Cedar Hill weighs approximately 18 pounds, requiring a junction box specifically rated for ceiling fans. If you’re replacing a light fixture, verify the box is fan-rated or plan to install an appropriate support.
3. Invest in a wire stripper/cutter tool if you don’t already own one. Proper wire preparation makes connection much easier and safer.
4. Recruit a helper. Having someone to hold the fan while you connect wires makes the process dramatically easier and safer.
5. Test the light and fan before finalizing installation. It’s much easier to troubleshoot wiring issues before the canopy is secured to the ceiling.
6. Follow the balancing instructions carefully. A properly balanced fan should not wobble or make noise, even at high speeds.
7. Keep the manual and spare parts in an accessible location. I taped the balancing kit and manual to the inside of my linen closet door for easy future reference.

The Verdict: Why I’ve Become a Ceiling Fan Convert

Before my Cedar Hill experience, I viewed ceiling fans as necessary evils—functional devices that compromised my carefully curated interior design. Three installations later, I’ve completely reversed this perspective. These fans have enhanced both the comfort and appearance of my home in ways I didn’t anticipate.

The Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill represents that rare combination of quality construction, thoughtful design, and reasonable pricing that makes for a truly satisfying purchase. While no product is perfect for every situation, the Cedar Hill offers exceptional value for most standard residential applications.

As I write this from my office on a mild fall afternoon, the gentle circulation from my Cedar Hill creates a perfect ambient environment that keeps me comfortable and productive. The brushed nickel finish catches the afternoon light, adding a subtle visual interest to the ceiling that was previously just blank space.

If you’re considering ceiling fans for your home, I encourage you to give the Cedar Hill serious consideration. It might just transform your space—and your perspective on ceiling fans—as thoroughly as it did mine.

For a home improvement enthusiast who obsesses over both form and function, finding products that excel at both is the ultimate victory. The Harbor Breeze Cedar Hill ceiling fan has earned its place in my home not merely as a functional necessity but as a design choice I’m genuinely proud of. And in the world of home improvements, there’s perhaps no higher praise than that.