Breezin’ Through | Expat Living

Breezin’ Through

Date Published:
30 June 2010
Victoria Yim

Fan Facts
■ The prototype for the modern-day ceiling fan was the punkah, a canvas-covered frame suspended from the ceiling, used especially in colonial India. Punkahs were operated manually by workers who were called punkah wallahs.
■ Early ceiling fans were powered by large turbines and had only two blades. They were mostly used in factories.
■ The modern ceiling fan was invented in 1882 by Philip Diehl, around the same time as electricity was being introduced into American households.

Living in Singapore, we are bound by one common love – the delicious feeling of cool air-conditioning against the skin. Yet, in addition to wreaking havoc on your electricity bill, air conditioners leave heavy carbon footprints. Jennifer McBride, director of fan superstore Life’s a Breeze, suggests a simple alternative: a ceiling fan.

What types of fans do you specialise in?
Ones that work! A lot of fans look great but don’t move the air enough. We sell up-market fans with unusual designs, but also ones that are very smart and simple. Our products include ceiling fans, wall fans, desk pedestal fans and mist fans.

What’s so great about a ceiling fan?
Using a ceiling fan in conjunction with a programmable thermostat can save you as much as 47 percent off summer cooling bills and, in colder climates, 15 off winter heating bills. Also, running a ceiling fan for 24 hours costs the same as running an air conditioner for an hour. Bills aside, you also save the environment through energy conservation and helping reduce your carbon footprint. It’s the most basic move you can make to start being environmentally friendly.

Can a ceiling fan be installed anywhere?
It’s getting easier and easier to install ceiling fans. They are being designed for smaller rooms, lower ceilings, and rooms with inadequate wiring. You can get them with or without lights attached to them, and at a range of prices. If your room is not suitable for a ceiling fan, there are some stylish desk, pedestal, floor and wall fans available.

When buying a ceiling fan, what are some factors to consider?
It’s important to measure the height of the ceilings and the room size. Check for any obstacles like wardrobe doors that may open into the blades. You may need to replace a light with a fan and light. You’ll also have to check for sufficient power cables and seek permission from the property management if you’re renting.

Are there certain fan designs that suit Singapore’s hot climate better?
If you prefer a light breeze only, palm-style fans look great and provide a lovely flow of air. For a stronger wind, we suggest fans with straight wooden, metal or plastic blades.

Life is a Breeze carries a comprehensive range of fans and offers delivery in Singapore and abroad.
www.lifesabreezehk.com
+852 2572 4000