Page 43 - Lighting Magazine - August 2013

Blown AwAy

EM: Should all ceiling fans have light kits? need these inefcient behemoths of the grid to
JD: When fans frst became a viable option for ensure we have a ready supply of electricity. Old
a homeowner, they were likely flling a ceiling fan motors are no diferent. The older motors
outlet box previously held by a lighting fxture. To were likely inexpensive and therefore extremely
prevent total darkness, a light kit was a necessity inefcient. Replacing an old fan, even with an
and they were hurriedly developed. They always ENERGY STAR-qualifed AC motor, will likely save
appeared to be pasted onto the botom of a some costs. Moving up to a DC motor fan will
fan. Now, with fully designed fans, the light can be make signifcant gains. Consumers should evaluate
an integral part of the aesthetics, fowing seam- whether their fans blade sweep is appropriate for
lessly into the shape of the body. Many fans now the room size; this could also increase the savings.
ofer two types of lighting, an indirect light that is If the fans date back to when the home was
hidden above the blades and the aforementioned, built, they are probably entry-level efcacy and
lower/ambient light. The option to forgo a light is an upgrade might be necessary. Remember too,
also more prevalent today. If a ceiling is flled with these motors are working prety hard, sometimes
recessed cans, the light on a fan is of litle use. A 24-7. They will eventually stop working. It could be
fan can be selected simply for the visual acumen preferable to replace the fan when the consumer
of the blades and center. Decisions on light should wants to, rather than needs to.
now be based on need, then selecting the fan with
the most successfully integrated lighting design
as it should always have been!
The Trevor DC-powered fan from Kichler
EM: What are some of the advances that have
afected the performance of ceiling fans for the
beter?
JD: While DC motors are not new, they had not
been employed in ceiling fans until recently. Since
frst used, their efcacy made them a force to
be reckoned with. Their size also made them a
favorite with designers, who could now reduce the
girth at the center of a fan. Saving an additional 70
percent in energy has made the DC motor ceiling
fan the biggest advance in this industry. A new, more stylish fan will add
Almost as important is right-sizing the fan to to the aesthetic relevance of the
a room and right-sizing the motor to the blades.
In the past, bigger was always considered beter, room and the overall appearance
but a bigger motor also consumes more energy. A
small room did not need a 54-inch blade sweep, of the home.
but that was typically all that was available. Today,
we have motors properly sized to drive the blades
and deliver the correct amount of air movement.
Retailers are now armed with sweep-to-room area
information to help them assist customers in mak-
ing informed decisions. In turn, both have made
operation more energy-efcient. You aren t wearing bell-botom slacks and
leisure suits any longer, but many fans have been
EM: Many people do not even think of replacing spinning since those fashions were frst in vogue.
their ceiling fans. Can you give some reasons You change your furniture, foor covering, paint,
where it makes sense to upgrade or replace? and window dressings. A new, more stylish fan will
JD: There are two reasons to replace old or aged add to the aesthetic relevance of the room and
ceiling fans: aesthetics and functionality. the overall appearance of the home. If a home-
Utilities and state environmental agencies are owner can t remember when the fan was installed,
urging the recycling of old refrigerators. They it is likely time to replace the dated look!

august 2013 | enLIGHTenment Magazine 41