I was reading one of my fav blogs, here, and saw she was talking about fans. So instead of leaving a quick and quiet comment, I thought I would write a whole post!
- The most important thing is to pay a few extra bucks and get a qualified and licenced sparky to install the fan. Not doing this will void your warranty, and most issues do arise in the first few months.
- Ensure the electrician balances the fan when installing it. This will mean that the blades will balance each other, meaning less noise and less wear and tear on the motor.
- After installation, let the fan run for about 4 hours, to wear it in! It will make some scary noises, but it helps avoid them later on - in colder months - go out or it'll drive you CRAZY!!!
- Fans with timber blades are MUCH quieter. Use these in bedrooms and studies, when installing timber blades it is really important you request the electrician to balance timber blades, as timber is obviously a natural material and the weight of these will differ slightly.
- Fans with timber, plastic and rattan blades are great a feature pieces, but please remember they date - quickly!
- Fans are great in both winter and summer. Most fans have a little switch on the motor housing that will change the direction in which the blades rotate. In winter it helps circulate the air near the ceiling towards the floor and visa-versa in summer. Fans can really reduce heating costs if used properly!
- Don't use fans in a room with already establish downlights. Even if the blades are some distance from the lights, it can create a disco like effect in the room! If you do already have downlight, try and get a downlight globe with narrow beam angle!
If you are using a fan in a small bedroom, go for a shorter blade length, and try and incorporate a light into it. This eliminates clutter and you don't need a whole lotta stuff going on on the ceiling to detract from the room and your furniture.
Futura fans from Beacon Lighting are great fans, and a model I personnally sold a LOT of when i worked at Beacon. They appeal to differnt tastes, styles and are resonably priced.
The one shown here, has a halogen light built in too! This fan is lovely in white and really classic. It's also perfect for people who hate fans, it doesn't take over a space and looks really modern yet simple!
Do really allocate some time to buy a fan, there are lots on the market, and with most things, it pays to invest a little more in them! Having said that, if you are not going to need a $500 fan in a room used twice a year!
Beacon have a good website, with a helpful FAQ's page:
Have a look, visit a few showrooms, and make time to speak to a sales person about it! Beacon also offer a Lighting Design Service, take advantage of this! I used to do it - the staff love doing it, as they really get to help you personalize your lighting (and they get out of the store for an hour!!) and you get someone seeing your home, colours and furniture help you decide what products really are going to suit your life and home! There is a $50 fee, but if you are building renovating or redecorating its great(and cheaper than having to replace a light fitting!) , and it is refundable which your next purchase!
** Please note, the above is my opinion only and does not reflect any views or preferences of Beacon Lighting. I am not employed by Beacon, nor do I receive any commission or financial incentive from them for the above information. These are my views and opinions exclusively, I have just wanted to share some of the knowledge I have gained from using and selling the products. Please be aware there are many other products on the market that may be more suitable to your needs.
