Page 48 - Lighting-Magazine-August-2014
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Spin CyCle
noise and turbulence.
“The aerodynamic techniques we’re using are
100 years old or more, but many are just now being
applied to fans,” Peery states. The changes in the
electronics and components industries – i.e. LED
technology – are also leading to changes in ceiling
fan design. In 2015, look for additional ceiling fan
designs from SleepFans with DC motors.
Speaking of airfow issues, Fanimation President
Nathan Frampton says the Department of Energy
(DOE) is about to publish its new proposal for a
standard in measuring airfow in ceiling fans. “There
are standards right now, but the tests are prety ba-
sic,” he explains. Once that document is released,
there is an opportunity for the industry’s ceiling fan
task force to review the fndings.
When it comes to trends, Frampton has noticed
larger fans becoming more popular with consum-
ers, although they are ofen confused about the
size of fan they need for a given room.
“In general, people are focused on airfow when
buying a fan, but it’s important for the sales associ-
“Lighting ate to ask how ofen they are running their ceiling
showrooms and fans on ‘high’ versus low or medium. Find out how
much airfow they are looking for. Their preference
fan shops have may not be solely about airfow capability. Maybe
they are looking for a decorative ceiling fan that
an impressive also needs to be the light source for the room
opportunity to because there is only one junction box,” he states.
“No one is going to be able to tell them the difer-
educate the ence between a DC or AC fan motor at a home
center,” he adds. “Lighting showrooms and fan
Look closely within consumer. Give shops have an impressive opportunity to educate
the “cage” of this the consumer. Give them advice they can’t get at
SleepFans pedestal them advice Home Depot or Lowes.”
model to see the No stranger to ofering unusually shaped fans
additional moving they can’t get at
bands (besides the and fan blades, Fanimation recently unveiled its
blades) that help FanLink technology, which allows any ceiling fan in
provide the “right” Home Depot or any room to be controlled by a smart phone. This
level of noise for isn’t a case of merely being able to turn a ceiling fan
the user to achieve Lowes.”
the best sleep. on or of; the FanLink control also allows users to
—Nathan Frampton, Fanimation dim the light on the light kit, change the speed, and
set the timer. Best of all, the FanLink can work on
any brand of fan — not just those from Fanimation.
As the examples of SleepFans and Fanimation
illustrate, new energy-efcient and consumer-
friendly technology afecting the ceiling fan industry
is being developed at a pace faster than it ever has
before. Embrace this opportunity to educate your
customers on how today’s ceiling fans can do so
much more than they thought possible.
46 enLIGHTenment Magazine | august 2014 www.enlightenmentmag.com
