I have a 21 foot ceiling and I want to replace a ceiling fan. I have several questions:
1) the ceilling fan I purchased was from Home Depot, Hampton Bay, 52" Pointe Vecchio model # AC434-WB and in the specifications is says maximum hanging height is 12 feet. What does this mean? Is it 12 feet from the ceiling or 12 feet from the floor or something else?

2) since the height of the ceiling is 21 feet, how long of a down rod do I need for it to be at the proper height? The fan itself is about 2 feet from top to bottom because it has 4 light fixtures that point down from the base.

3) I went to Home Depot to purchase a longer down rod but they did not have one and said you could not use multiple down rods to get the right length or it would wobble and I needed one down rod the correct length. Is this true?

Thanks

The height they mention is measured from the ceiling. I think you will only find a maximum down rod length of 4' at the box stores. That leaves you about 3' higher than they recommend and that is negligible since it will only cut down on the light and breeze a minimum amount.

:p But I would do as he said, I have vaulted ceiling in the front living room and I centered them from each end wall ( there are 2 Fans, Iused the 4' rods FROM Lowe's.:) :)

FBE, thanks for the greenie and the suggestion re: a galvanized pipe. Most fans use a finished rod that matches the finish of the fan. A galvanized piece of pipe may look a bit too industrial for a home application. I might try it in my shop or garage though.

Ballengerb1 -I fully agree with you about the galv. Pipe but Lowe's have them in colers to match the fan color .I also used 5 bladed fans and I get good wind. I forgot to put that in my first answer, but you arr correct about galv. F.B.E.

Do you require a decorative fan? On higher ceilings I recommend industrial ceiling fans (specifically the Envirofan Gold Line) as they are designed to effectively move air from higher ceilings. They are plain white/brown/black in a simple modern design. It's not like you can see the fan that high up anyway.

If you desire a decorative fan or a light, you need one that will be quality and move a lot of air. Hampton Bay just won't cut it. Hunter is better, Emerson or Casablanca is best. I have a FAQ in the electrical/lighting section with more information.

With a residential fan you probably will want a 6' or 7' downrod. You can cut and paint galvanized steel pipe to the appropriate length.