See larger image Hunter Fans 21434 52" Sonora Traditional Energy Star New Bronze Ceiling Fan w/ Light & Blades () List Price: $255.00 USD New From: $134.95 In Stock

• How does an Energy Star Ceiling fan qualify?

• Is it all just a marketing gimmick?

• Do they deliver real savings you can see?
  

The “Energy Star ceiling fan”! You see them all the time as you're browsing through all the online venues that showcase fans and other home appliances. Yet no one seems willing to explain what it means. What in the heck is an “energy star” anyway? Some type of new marketing gimmick?

It's a Fully Accredited U.S. Government Program

The simple answer to that question, is that Energy Star is a joint program that's overseen by both the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S Department of Energy. So no it's no gimmick. In fact it is a program that you can believe in and it is working to save consumers money as it also protects the environment.

It's More than Just Your Energy Star Ceiling Fan

In fact this completely voluntary program extends throughout your community and involves so much more than simple home appliances. Even entire businesses, including their buildings and vehicles can be Energy Star rated and earn the privilege to display the logo.

That's a Lot of Money and Pollution!

Did you know that in 2009 alone, the savings to consumers through the Energy Star program added up to almost $17 billion dollars? That's a heck of a lot of money and it goes even further than that because the actual energy savings was equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by 30 million cars.

Real Savings You Can See on Your Bills

OK, so enough about the community and the environment. Not to appear uncaring or selfish but in the end, the bottom line is that the Energy Star program must deliver “real savings” that you can see on your bills. Also no one likes to sacrifice performance and features to save, if they don't have to.

They Must Be Better Fans that Use Less Power

The fact is that you don't have to because in order for any appliance to qualify and that of course includes an Energy Star ceiling fan, it must achieve its lower power usage through design and engineering innovation, such that performance and features are not compromised. In short, they have to be better fans that use less power.

If it Costs More the Power Savings Must Cover it.

Another factor considered in an Energy Star fan rating, is that if these changes in design cause the product or appliance to cost more, the savings in power usage must offset that extra cost in a reasonable amount of time. So all these factors combined are why going Energy Star in your home can cut your power bills by a third.

See larger image Minka-Aire Fans F502-BCW 42" Gyro Double Belcaro Walnut Ceiling Fan w/ Light, Wall Ctrl & Blades (Tools & Hardware) List Price: $1,124.93 USD New From: $749.95 In Stock

• Take a look at an earlier classic!

• New and older antique designs

Take a look at one of the more classic designs of the gyro ceiling fan and you'll swear that it's something right out of the 1800s. The truth is however, that as ceiling fans go, this type is a relatively new adaptation. They first began appearing in the early decades of the 1900s.

So Many New Designs to Choose From

Even so, fan designers have had great fun exploring with this unique style of fan in recent times. The nice thing about it too, is that function has not had to be sacrificed for the sake of form or design, as is so often the case with household appliances.

The Gyro Fan is Adjustable

That is that these fans do push a heck of a lot of air and you don't need to be a mechanical engineer to see why. On top of that they're adjustable, so you can change the actual fan angles to direct the airflow more outwards if you prefer.

The Classic Jandus Gyro

The Jandus Gyro pictured on the right is one of the rarer and more sought after original fan design styles. It origins date back to before 1950 and they're one of the more popular fans with collectors. They still can be found online but let me warn you now, they aren't cheap to procure.

Great Modern Contemporary Designs

Now for the non purists out there who are content with a brand new gyro fan, there is a ton of great designs to choose from. Also don't think for a second that you have to go with the antique look just because you're set on this one particular type of fan. This is because there is a broad section of modern contemporary styles too.

Just as Reliable as Any Other Type of Fan

Another common misconception, is that gyro ceiling fans are too mechanically technical. “Oh sure they look great but they also look like they could be prone to problems over the long haul”. In fact the truth is the exact opposite as time has shown that this style of fan is no less reliable than any other type of ceiling fan.

See larger image Hunter Fan 25692 Bayport Ceiling Fan, White with Purple and Pink Flower Blades (Tools & Hardware) List Price: $137.70 USD New From: $99.99 In Stock

• So many design choices!

• So many great deals!
  

The pink ceiling fan. It's definitely not the most popular style when it comes to color choices. However; in certain home decorating situations, only a pink ceiling fan will do. The good news is that manufacturers are becoming increasingly aware of this and are making available an ever growing selection in designs.

New Lighting Designs For the Pink Ceiling Fan

Now combine that with the fact that there are now so many new and incredible lighting designs to go specifically with this one particular color of fan and the choices become even broader. Lighting designs like extravagant pink toned down-lights that can completely change the look of a fan.

Surfboard fan Blades

New and ever more amazing styles of blades are now also available and some manufacturers will even let you mix and match your own custom pink toned blades. One of the more clever innovations in this area is surfboard fan blades. These are actual little surfboards that attach to the fan where the blades go.

Are they Custom Decorated?

Of course there's also a huge selection of blades decorated in a flower motif. After all, it is pink. Even then, you might be amazed when you see all the variations that are available in this one style. No one will guess that you bought them that way. Rather, they'll assume that you must have had them custom decorated.

Pink Celestial Fan Blades for Kids

What about a celestial design in this amazing color? If you've never seen a pink, purple and yellow night-time sky scene, complete with stars and moon, you're in for a surprise when you do. It's the type of design that just perfect for a child's bedroom. They can look at it while they're laying in bed.

A Bargain Shoppers Dream Come True

If you're a bargain shopper then you will just love the deals that are out there on pink ceiling fans and this particularly holds true for discontinued models. In fact Hunter has a good selection of designs that you can choose from that feature price tags that are around $100.

See larger image Monte Carlo 3TF24WH Micro 24, 24-Inch 3-Blade, Ceiling Fan, Damp Location, White Motor Finish and White Blades (Tools & Hardware) List Price: $140.80 USD New From: $85.12 In Stock

• What about blade-less small ceiling fan designs?

• Who Has a Complete Line of Micro Fans?

A small ceiling fan is a funny thing. People really don't give much though to them but the fact is that in certain home or business decorating situations, only a smaller fan will do. It doesn't take a smaller room either because it just may be a matter or preference.

No outward extending blades

What About Simply Changing Your Blades?

Now if you already have a fan in place, you do always have the option of simply buying and installing smaller fan blades. It's far easier than you may think because most fan companies now make available a good selection of fan accessories.

Check With the Company that Makes Your Fan

Even so, if you do take this option you must make sure that the blades that you purchase are adaptable or fit. That is that the places where the screws go in have to be in line with the screw holes on the flanges that are already in place on your fan.

Clear blades make for a very small look

What About a Small Ceiling Fan With No Blades?

If you're starting out from scratch though and have no other option other than buying a brand new fan, there are several options that you have to select from. In fact are you aware that there are now even compact fan designs that have no outward extending blades at all?

Design Styles of Blade-Less Ceiling Fans

These types of blade-less fans come in both classic and contemporary design styles. Also don't kid yourself because these types of small blade-less ceiling fans are perfectly capable of moving the same volume of air that a standard bladed fan does.

The Micro Fan Collection

The Monte Carlo Micro Fan Collection

Then again if your dead set on the classic bladed look, there are companies that have complete lines of smaller profiled fans. One of them is Monte Carlo Fan Company with what they call their Micro Collection. This is a complete lineup of fans that has bladed fans that are as small as 24 inch.

One Glaring Limitation of Smaller Blade-Spans

Now if 24 inches isn't small enough for you and you're still determined to go with a standard bladed look, there is one very important thing that you have to consider. That is that a small ceiling fan with a blade-span smaller than 24 inches just isn't going to move a lot of air.

See larger image Hunter Fans 22720 54" Cortland Traditional Indoor Basque Black Ceiling Fan w/ Light & Blades () List Price: $285.00 USD New From: $189.99 In Stock

• Classic Antique Designs in Black

• Modern Contemporary Designs in Black
  

Black ceiling fans are truly a classic look. They conceal well up high, as they don't catch as much light as other colors of fans, yet down lower to the floor they can make an excellent centerpiece of your overall room décor. The good news too, is that there is an almost endless selection of them.

The Early Days of Black Ceiling Fans

Did you know that this color of fan has been around since the earliest days of electric fans? Now if that sounds like a long time to you, consider this. Actually the very first motorized fans were powered by water and you can bet that even way back then some of them were black.

Classic or Antique Designs in Black

So then fast forward to today and all the various options that are available to you now. Of course because this color in fans has been around since their very inception it only stands to reason that there would be a huge selection of classic or antique black designs.

Modern Contemporary Designs in Black

At the same time, you simply can't discount the fact that black plays such a dominant role in so many of the more modernesque or contemporary designs. There's just so many to choose from and don't forget that some companies will even let you mix and match parts and features to come up with your own custom look.

What About Painting the Ones You Have?

Then again, the color black is one of the easiest paint colors to work with. What I'm getting at here, is that if you're considering switching out what you have now with black ceiling fans, you can always just opt to paint the ones that you already have hinging. All you really need is spray paint.

It's So Much Easier than You Might Think

If you have never done any spray painting then you may be surprised at how very easy it is to get professional results, just as long as you take the proper steps. The first thing that you need to know is that cheap spray paint won't due. Its thin so it needs several coats and it's also prone to runs.

See larger image Minka-Aire Fans F518-WH 44" Concept II Contemporary Flush Mount White Ceiling Fan w/ Light & Remote (Tools & Hardware) List Price: $328.50 USD New From: $219.00 In Stock

Contemporary ceiling fans according to the definition of the word “contemporary” are fans that contain design features that are in essence of this date. However; as so many companies compete with each other to come up with the very latest designs, this definition at times can become blurred.

Modern designs can now in fact have what can best be described as classic or antique features, while other fans can also be describes as almost futuristic. Are they of this date in the purest sense of the word contemporary as it's defined? Of course not. None the less, they are what the public at large now considers temporary.

One area that has seen a huge amount of experimentation, is actual blade designs. For years fan designers tested boundaries with blades that while modern in their design, still retained a basic linear shape. That is they could have experimental edges so to speak but they basically started at one end and ended at the other, in a relatively straight line.

That all has changed though in more recent times, as designers have discovered that they can twist and bend fan blades into all sorts of wild configurations and they will still move air. It seems that now the sky is the limit when it comes to what the newest fan blade designs will look like and there's no telling what's next.

Another new look to come on the scene, is modern contemporary ceiling fans that blend the old with the new. It's a look that is definitely hard to define, as various colors, tones and shapes from years past are melded together with design features that are nothing but the very latest in styles.

Then of course there will always be what can basically be defined as standard modern contemporary ceiling fans. Two features that seem to play a dominant role in this staid look, is sleek lines and buffed metal finishes in metals such as nickel and brass or bronze. For the most part, this is what comes to mind when so many people think of contemporary ceiling fans.

See larger image Casablanca 41U11D Wailea Ceiling Fan, Snow White (Tools & Hardware) List Price: $246.40 USD New From: $149.00 In Stock

• More options in white tones: "bone, Navajo, mocha"

• Take a look at Casablanca's Stealth Inteli-Touch
  

White is quite possibly the most under rated color in existence. At the same time, visionary designers from around the the globe have turned to it over the years for some of their most recognized masterpieces. The Beatles white album is but one example. So then what about white ceiling fans?

White Ceiling Fans Were Under Represented

For years far too many fan companies simply failed to offer an adequate selection of this fan color. Far too often white fans were basically for the most part represented in their line-ups, as the low budget featureless models. It seemed that for too long the popular trend in fans was in darker colors.

Casablanca's White Contemporary Designed Fans

Now you can still find a broad assortment of affordable white fans but in recent times a new emerging trend in more eclectic feature laden, modern contemporary designs is beginning to take root. Take Casablanca's 53” Stealth Inteli-Touch Snow White Fan as but one example.

Better Designed and Built White Ceiling Fans

Priced at just under $500, this particular fan is the very latest in modern contemporary design and is also integrated with the very best in sound suppression technology. This fan also comes with all the convenience and operational features and can be expected to deliver a lifetime of problem free service.

What About Bone White or Mocha White?

Something else worth noting, is that fan designers are now offering far more white color tone options too. Take the Monte Carlo $700 5RDR Royal Danube 6 light 5 blade ceiling fan. This off white or bone toned fan is an intriguing blend of classical and contemporary design styles, with a slightly antiqued finish.

It Does Often Seem Like Affordable Fans are Getting Cheaper

Then at the same time it does seem at time that affordable white ceiling fans just keep getting cheaper and cheaper. In fact you don't have to look far online to find units that are selling for as low as $40. One thing that you do have to keep in mind when you consider purchasing ultra cheap fans is that they aren't as quite.

Childrens Fans are Cheap for Some Reason

You can always paint em!

Its children's fans! They're the same size and everything but they come in colors and designs that appeal to kids. Take a look for yourself and see because the vast majority of the designs and styles are priced well under $100 for some reason and you can always paint them.

Remember to Check into the Availability of Spare Parts!

There's also a bustling market in used ceiling fans and of course used always means cheap. Even so, some brands and styles can be difficult to get spare parts for, so check that end of it out online before you make your purchase. Then again parts for some brands are a snap!

Cheap Ceiling Fans in Your Local Classifieds

Remember your local classifieds??

Have you thought of checking your local classified adds? Now I know that might sound like a dumb question to some people but for others it makes perfect sense. You see in this age of the Internet, there are people out there who have actually completely forgotten that news papers actually exist.

I'll Bet you Haven't Thought of This One!

What about placing adds on the billboard at your local laundromat? Remember laundromats? Every one has a cork billboard in it, just for this type of thing! Make a few adds then drive around and hit all of them because laundromat people are always hustling for a few bucks.

Go to the Pages Way Back in the Search Engines

Now when it comes to searching online for cheap ceiling fans, one trick is to go to the far back pages when you use the search engines. You see if you're like most people, you only scour the first few pages. Those are the popular sites! Click on back to the sites that don't get as much business. That's where you'll find the discounts.

Helicopter kids ceiling fans? Where will it all end?!

Take Cover! It's WW-2 Fighter Plane Fans!!

Now my personal favorites are the airplane fans. These fans duplicate the exact look of the front end of a WW 2 fighter and of course the propeller is the fan blades. I really do think that there should be no age limit on how old a kid has to be to appreciate these fans, so the suggested age range is 3 to 70 years “or so”.

The Perfect Fishing Touch on a Sports Fans Room

Sports motif fans are another popular choice for the young athlete or sports fan in your family. Once again they're are just too darn clever, with their baseball light globe and baseball bat fan blades. Look closely and you'll see that they have a home base mounting hub that attaches to the ceiling.

Cheery & Colorful Kids Ceiling Fans for Infants & Toddlers

There's also a huge selection of fans for toddlers and infants. Bright colorful fans with circus and carnival design motifs. A fan like this would be a great to hang over a crib. They're colorful and cheery and it will give your youngster something to keep him or her from being bored.

It's So Easy to Mix & Match Your Own Design

Your toddler will love it!

Then again, keep in mind that you don't have to settle with other peoples designs. This is because one of the new trends that more kids ceiling fans makers are offering is a mix and match, design your own option. It's just what it sounds like. You pick out the blades, body, pill cord, etc. and arrange your own design conglomeration.

Amazingly Affordable Fans Starting at Around $40

Another pleasant surprise about these super clever kids rooms design options is their low price. Now I just don't get it. How come the vast majority of kids ceiling fans are priced well under $100, with some as low as $40? Then when you go to look at grown up fans, the prices suddenly jump up? I just doesn't seem fair!

A Complete Source for Matching Home and Business Decor

So to start out with, they're a great source for the home or business decorator who's looking for a complete source for matching decorator products. Also as far as their lighted ceiling fans are concerned, they have a wide selection of interchangeable up-lights and down-lights for custom accessorizing.

Kichler Ceiling Fans Electrical Features and Accessories

Now when it comes to custom electrical features on their line of products, and this of course would include their ceiling fans, they really have no more to offer then any of the other fan and lighting companies that are out there. No more, yet no less either.

Daring to Blend the Old With the New

However; they do have one aspect that they like to hold forth as making unique among all others. This would be their series of bold one of a kind ceiling fan designs that as they describe as a blend both classical and “modern contemporary styling, for a refreshing new look”.

Their 62 Inch Olympia Design is a Stellar Example

Their 62 inch Olympia fan would be a perfect example of this style. Its lines, framework and overall shape easily suggest a look that was in style, perhaps back in the 30s or 40s. Look a little closer and you'll see however, that it's made entirely from buffed nickle plate, which only came into vogue within the past ten years.

Once Again Blending Old and New Design Features

Then again Kichler Ceiling Fans achieves the same effect with their Novella design, only this time in reverse. Take a look and you'll see a fan with lines and and overall shape that includes a under hung bulb down-light that are those of a modern contemporary designed fan. Look a little closer though and it's dark colors and surface textures take you back to the 30s and 40s.

A Total of Some 197 Fan Designs

Their total line of fans includes some 197 designs to choose from, which is a lot. Then when you factor in their complete range of fan and lighting accessories, a designers options can appear to be almost limitless. They're also incredibly broad in their pricing structure that starts out below $100 and goes up to include a few fans costing upwards of $1000.