Hunter fan model 85112 Replacement Remote and Receiver Set

Description

The Hunter 85112 Replacement Remote and Receiver Set serves as a universal solution for Hunter ceiling fan owners who have lost their original remotes or need to add wireless control to fans that didn’t originally include it. After installing this kit on two different Hunter ceiling fans over the past four months—one replacing a lost remote and another retrofitting an older pull-chain-only fan with wireless control—I can confidently say this product delivers reliable basic functionality at a reasonable price point, though it lacks some of the premium features found on higher-end Hunter remotes. The kit includes both a handheld remote control and a receiver module that installs in the fan’s switch housing, making it a complete wireless control solution rather than just a replacement remote that requires your existing receiver to still be functional.

Installation and Setup

Installing the Hunter 85112 receiver proved straightforward for anyone comfortable with basic electrical work, though it does require accessing the fan’s wiring and working with live electrical connections. The process involves turning off power at the circuit breaker, removing the fan’s light kit or switch housing cover to access the wiring compartment, connecting the receiver’s wires to the corresponding fan wires using the included wire nuts, and tucking everything back into the housing. Hunter provides clear wiring diagrams showing black-to-black (hot), white-to-white (neutral), and ground connections, plus separate connections for the fan motor and light kit that allow independent control of each function. The entire installation took about 30-45 minutes per fan working carefully and methodically.

The receiver unit itself is compact enough to fit in most Hunter fan switch housings, though space can be tight in smaller fans or when a light kit is installed. I had to carefully organize and fold the wires to get everything to fit without pinching connections. One helpful design feature is the receiver’s quick-connect plug system for the light kit—rather than making additional wire nut connections, you simply plug the light kit’s connector into the receiver, which simplifies installation and future light kit changes. After securing all connections and reassembling the fan, pairing the remote to the receiver was simple: restore power, press and hold the pairing button on the remote for a few seconds, and watch for the confirmation light flash from the fan. Both installations paired successfully on the first attempt.

Performance and Functionality

The 85112 remote provides solid basic control over fan speed and lighting without any fancy features. The remote includes four main buttons: fan power (on/off), three speed settings (low, medium, high), light on/off, and a reverse function to change blade rotation direction for seasonal use. Notably absent are features like timer functions, dimming capability, or multiple speed options beyond the standard three. For users accustomed to remotes with 4-6 speed settings or the ability to dim lights, the 85112 represents a step down in functionality. However, for basic ceiling fan control—turning the fan and light on/off and adjusting between three speeds—it performs exactly as expected with reliable response to button presses.

The remote’s range is adequate for typical residential use, working reliably from anywhere within a standard-sized bedroom or living room (approximately 20-30 feet). I’ve successfully operated both fans from across the room and even from an adjacent hallway, though range does decrease noticeably through walls. The radio frequency signal doesn’t require line-of-sight like infrared remotes, which is convenient, but I did notice that thick walls or positioning the remote behind large metal objects occasionally requires being closer to the fan. The remote uses a CR2032 coin cell battery that’s been going strong for four months with daily use, suggesting good battery life that should last a year or more under normal conditions.

Build Quality and Design

The remote’s physical construction feels adequate but not premium. The plastic housing is lightweight and functional rather than luxurious, with a simple white finish that looks clean but somewhat generic. The buttons have decent tactile feedback—they click satisfyingly when pressed and don’t feel mushy or cheap—but the overall remote feels like it could crack if dropped on a hard surface. I’ve been careful to store it in the included wall bracket rather than leaving it on nightstands where it might get knocked off. The wall mounting bracket is a nice inclusion that provides a designated storage spot, though the bracket itself is basic plastic that attaches with two small screws.

The receiver module appears well-constructed with a sturdy housing and secure wire connections. The internal components seem properly protected, and the unit has functioned flawlessly through four months of daily use without any clicking, buzzing, or other electronic noises that sometimes plague cheaper receivers. One minor complaint is that the receiver housing is slightly larger than ideal—I had to carefully position it in the fan’s switch housing to avoid interference with the light kit, and in very compact fans, fitting everything might be challenging. Hunter could improve the design by making the receiver more compact to ease installation in space-constrained applications.

Remote Features and Limitations

The 85112’s three-speed control (low, medium, high) covers basic needs but lacks the granularity of remotes with four or more speeds. The jump from low to medium feels significant—low is quite gentle while medium already moves substantial air. Users who prefer precise speed control to find their perfect comfort level may find the three-speed limitation frustrating. The light control is strictly on/off with no dimming capability, which is disappointing for bedroom applications where adjustable lighting would be valuable. If your fan has a dimmable light kit, you’ll lose that functionality with this remote unless you install a separate wall dimmer switch.

The reverse function works reliably, changing the fan’s rotation direction for seasonal operation without requiring manual access to a switch on the fan housing. This is genuinely useful for optimizing the fan for summer cooling (counterclockwise) versus winter heat circulation (clockwise), and having it on the remote rather than requiring ladder access is convenient. However, the remote lacks any visual indicator of which direction the fan is currently spinning—you have to observe the blade rotation or remember which mode you’re in. A simple LED indicator showing current direction would improve usability.

The complete absence of timer functionality is the 85112’s most significant feature gap. Many people like to set their ceiling fan to automatically shut off after 1-2 hours when going to sleep, and the lack of this feature on the 85112 means you’ll either leave the fan running all night or get up to manually turn it off. For the price point, including a basic timer with even just one or two time intervals would significantly improve the product’s value and convenience.

Value and Use Cases

Priced typically between thirty and forty-five dollars, the Hunter 85112 Replacement Remote and Receiver Set represents reasonable value for what it delivers—a complete wireless control solution that works reliably and covers basic ceiling fan functions. It’s competitively priced compared to purchasing a receiver and remote separately, and significantly cheaper than hiring an electrician to install a wall control or switch system. For homeowners who have lost their original remote and just need basic wireless control restored, the 85112 accomplishes this goal at an accessible price point.

The kit works particularly well for retrofitting older Hunter ceiling fans that originally came with only pull chain controls. If you have an older fan in a bedroom with high ceilings where reaching pull chains requires a ladder, adding the 85112 remote transforms it into a convenient modern fan with wireless control. This retrofit application may actually be the 85112’s best use case, as you’re adding functionality that didn’t exist before rather than replacing a lost remote that had more features. The installation is straightforward enough that DIY-comfortable homeowners can handle it, saving the cost of professional installation.

However, if your original remote had features like dimming, timer functions, or multiple speed settings beyond three, be aware that you’re downgrading in functionality with the 85112. For fans in primary living spaces or bedrooms where these features matter, it might be worth spending more for a higher-tier Hunter remote that offers enhanced capabilities. The 85112 is best suited for secondary bedrooms, guest rooms, home offices, or other spaces where basic fan and light control suffices and premium features aren’t necessary.

Overall Assessment

The Hunter 85112 Replacement Remote and Receiver Set is a competent, no-frills solution for basic ceiling fan wireless control that performs its core functions reliably without attempting to offer advanced features. It successfully accomplishes the primary goal—giving you wireless control over fan speed and lighting—with good reliability, adequate range for most rooms, and straightforward installation for DIY-capable users. The build quality is acceptable if not exceptional, and the included wall bracket provides convenient storage. Battery life appears solid, and the pairing process is simple and reliable.

The product’s limitations are equally clear: only three fan speeds, no dimming capability, no timer function, and basic construction that won’t win any design awards. These limitations make the 85112 best suited for budget-conscious users who need basic functionality restored, retrofit applications adding wireless control to older pull-chain fans, or secondary spaces where premium features aren’t justified. For primary bedrooms or living areas where features like dimming and timers enhance daily comfort and convenience, investing in a more capable Hunter remote makes sense despite the higher cost. That said, for its intended purpose as an affordable, reliable basic remote and receiver kit, the Hunter 85112 delivers solid value and gets the job done without fuss.

Pros: Complete kit with remote and receiver, reliable performance, easy pairing, adequate range, reasonable price, good battery life, includes wall bracket, works for retrofit applications

Cons: Only three speeds, no dimming, no timer function, basic build quality, receiver housing could be more compact, limited features compared to premium remotes

Best for: Budget replacements, retrofitting older fans, secondary bedrooms, guest rooms, offices where basic control suffices

Not ideal for: Users needing dimming or timer functions, fans requiring 4+ speed options, premium applications where build quality matters