This summer’s fan-fare

As the summer days - and nights heat up - how are you going to keep the South African heat at bay? Should you invest in a state of the art air conditioner or rely on the trusty fan? When it comes to selecting the right product, there are a myriad of options to consider.

 

There are various instances when you will best cool down an area by employing both an air conditioner and a fan. The key difference being that an air conditioner removes humidity from the air, while a fan circulates the air around and so exhilarates the body’s natural evaporation process.

Over many years, the ceiling fan has become a firm favourite in both the domestic, corporate and industrial sectors. A well selected, stylish fan truly enhances your décor and is a great addition to a room. When selecting a ceiling fan, you should ask yourself if your new fan is just for cooling or will it be a focal point of the room. There is such a large selection on the market that you'll first have to decide if it will stand out as a decorating element or blend with the ceiling.

For those wanting to make a decorative statement, choose contrasting blades covered with a metal finish, faux wood looks, woven bamboo, fabrics, or plain paint. Some fan blades are reversible, allowing for two looks on the same fan.

When purchasing a fan, the motor size, blade angle, blade shape, blade size, number of blades and material used, all affect the product’s efficiency and are important factors to bear in mind. The size of the room and ceiling height also impact on how effective a fan will be.

What is needed to install a fan?
Height – less than 2 metres will put people at risk of being struck by moving blades, so ensure that your ceiling height is adequate.

A securing point – the average fan weighs in at 8kg and above, and because it moves the stress on the ceiling is high so a load bearing structure need to be in place to support the fan. In most cases it will be necessary to enter the ceiling to properly secure the fan.

An electrician – it is not safe to install a fan electrically yourself where there is not an existing power connection. Electrical compliance has to be tested for and a certificate issued by a certified electrician. This is necessary to maintain warranty and to ensure your home.

Always consider buying a fan with a reversible function, so that in winter it will push air up, and in summer it will draw air down. If you have a ceiling fan in your study, always draw the air up or your papers will blow all over the place! Usually a fan is hung in the middle of a room for best air circulation, but for safety reasons you should not hang a fan directly over a bed. Some fans have fixed spotlights, which direct light to a particular area.

The number of spots can make it difficult to focus light where you want it. So you may prefer using a fan in the centre of the room, and then add downlighters and other decorative lights to the rest of the room.

But whatever your needs or style, Eurolux has a fan that will suit your needs. The Eurolux F11 ceiling fan is a three speed fan with a pull switch that is also remote control compatible and offers reversible function. [insert photo of F11]

 

 

There are different ways to control a fan's operation. A wall switch will be the master control, with a pull chain, wall control, or remote control to adjust the speed of the fan.

Remote controls are a wonderful convenience, especially for a fan that is hung high as you'll have no hanging chains and you can control the fan from a distance. Although most fans do not include a remote control, these items can be purchased separately from your particular retailer.

Should you want a stylish fan that will not only lower the temperature in the room, but also provide light, consider the three-speed Eurolux F20 in satin chrome, with satin chrome blades. It too offers reversible action and includes a remote control. As you shop, speak with a knowledgeable salesperson and choose the fan that meets your exact needs. Also ensure that you buy a fan that is the proper size for your room – the larger the room, the larger the fan needs to be.

To enhance your room's decor or enrich your decorating scheme, select a motor housing finished in white, polished or antiqued brass, brushed steel, bronze, copper, wood grain or bronze.

The ideal accessory to a superbly decorated room is the copper Eurolux F24 desk fan. It brings with it an old world charm, while offering full flexibility with its tilting and oscillating head.

Keeping your cool

For office workers or mums busy in the kitchen, the slim line Eurolux F21 Desk Fan is the answer, with its quiet, efficient motor offering a range of air speeds from a gentle circulation to quite a powerful breeze.

A standing fan is the mobile answer to a cooler home or office, as you are able to move it from room to room. The Eurolux F22 is height adjustable and offers a oscillating and tilting head for extra convenience. This three speed fan will effortlessly blend into most décor settings with its Satin Chrome finish.

And finally, if you'll be using the fan outdoors on a porch or patio, be sure that you choose one that will withstand any weather it might encounter. Ask about specific models made for the outdoors.