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Author Archives: colby
Dark Sky Lighting Update
Our night sky’s are growing brighter as the days pass. The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) is an organization who’s main purpose is to educate and create awareness for the importance of dark skies and the reduction of Light Pollution. In the most recent IDA news letter they passed on some Dark Sky updates explaining Dark Sky concerns across the globe. So, I thought they were interesting enough to relay to our readers.
Turn Off the Lights
an article by Kang Chan-soo, South Korea, 23 January, 2009
In recent years, more and more lights have been turned on to create vibrant cityscapes. As we develop technology designed to shed light only where it’s necessary, we can reduce light pollution as we wish…
Dark Sky for Health
Light at Night May Boost Risk of Prostate Cancer
an article by Judy Siegel-Itzkovich, Jerusalem Post – Israel, 24 January, 2009
In the first stage of research, it was clearly found that there was a connection between artificial illumination and electricity consumption at night and prostate cancer…
Dark Sky Lighting to Reduce Energy Consumption
Lights May Go Out to Cut Power Bills
Leicester Mercury – Leicester, England, UK, 02 February, 2009
Every other street light in Leicester could be switched off and areas of the county plunged into darkness to tackle soaring electricity bills…
Street Lights to be Switched Off
by Reg Little, The Oxford Times – Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK, 29 January, 2009
About 300 street lights are to be switched off as part of a controversial county council plan to cut Oxfordshire’s carbon emissions
Street Light Switch-off Could Cut Bills in Half
Bath Chronicle – Bath, England, UK, 28 January, 2009
The issue was raised at a council cabinet meeting earlier this month and Cllr Shirley Steel (Con, Midsomer Norton) said the scheme could conserve energy by saving electricity as well as having financial benefits for the council…
Dark Sky and Light Pollution our only Night Sky Protection
Dark Sky Initiative Targets Light Pollution
by Alyssa Burnham, High River Times – High River, Alberta, Canada, 24 January, 2009
The Dark Skies initiative aims to mitigate light pollution within MD borders and minimize the adverse effects of lighting on the night sky…
I hope these Dark Sky articles help keep you up to date with the decline in our romantic dark starry nights.
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Minka-Aire and Minka Lavery Combine with Elegance
The Minka Group was founded in 1982 by Bill and Marian Tang. Then a tiny company that made glass shades for ceiling fans and lighting fixtures, it has grown into a lighting industry giant which includes the brand names Minka-Aire, Minka Lavery, Ambiance, The Great Outdoors, Metropolitan, and George Kovacs as well as many nationally recognized private label brands. Minka products are sold in over 2,000 showrooms nationwide. Products are made from a variety of high quality materials such as wrought iron, wood, resin, cast aluminum, and solid brass. Minka products are distributed from service centers on both the East and the West coasts. This spread of distribution centers helps the Minka Group lower costs and keep delivery times low as well.
The Minka Group produces every kind of indoor and outdoor lighting for residential homes from simple fixtures that cost only $19, to elaborate chandeliers that are fit for a mansion’s foyer that cost $10,000. The vast collection of lighting and ceiling fans that are offered by the Minka Group represent the most diverse and cutting edge styles. |
President of the Minka Group, Kurt Schulzman, attributes the success of the company to its continued entrepreneurial abilities.
It is the freedom to change rapidly with the changing trends that make Minka Group the leader in the lighting industry. Spotlight on Minka Lavery Lighting
Spotlight on Minka Aire Ceiling Fans
Minka Lavery and Minka Aire Share Design FeaturesToday, in keeping up with the latest and greatest, Minka Lavery offers lighting fixtures that share design qualities with Minka Aire ceiling fans. The two sister companies now offer lighting and ceiling fan lines that share finishes and glass types so that matching products may be used throughout the home. Coordinating Lighting and Fan lines include:
The Treville Collection features antiqued glass and embroidered shades that are sure to enhance the fixtures.
Other Ceiling Fans with coordinating features include:
Minka Lavery, Ambiance, and Metropolitan also offer lighting fixtures that feature the pen shell glass.
The Arles Gold finish is the most popular. The Minka Group has brought quality, elegant lighting and fan products to the home for the past 25 years. The addition of lighting and ceiling fan collections that have finishes that correlate with one another make a home come together. With trendy innovation such as this, it is no wonder why the Minka Group is said to be the leader in the industry. |
Posted in Minka-Aire, Minka-Lavery
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Q and A Most Common Ceiling Fan Install Problems
| Ceiling fans circulate air to provide a wind chill or cooling effect in the summer and evenly distribute heat in the winter. Overall ceiling fans maximize efficiency in the air conditioning process. During the life of a hard working ceiling fan problems can occur. Like any other product ceiling fans and there installers are not perfect. This article will show you how to solve the most common ceiling fan problems that exist. |
Question: Why does my ceiling fan wobble?Answer:
Question: Why is my ceiling fan making noise?Answer:
Question: Why does my ceiling fan operate only on one speed?Answer:
Question: Why won’t my fan light come on?Answer:
Question: Why won’t my ceiling fan come on at all?Answer:
If none of the above solutions fix your ceiling fan problem it is safe to say that you have a defective product. I would recommend calling the ceiling fan distributor you purchased it from and getting a new one. And before you buy your next ceiling fan read all of our tips to help you buy ceiling fan. |
Posted in Ceiling Fans, Installation
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10 Things to Consider Before Buying A Ceiling Fan
| Ceiling fans are pretty simple interior appliances used to create a cooling effect in the summer and distribute heat evenly during the winter. How complicated can it be? There are thousands of ceiling fans to choose from and probably only 50 that will work in the space you want it in. It is not that complicated if you can answer the following 10 questions. These questions should narrow down your search when looking for a ceiling fan. |
What is Your Ceiling Height?Knowing the ceiling height where your new ceiling fan will be installed will determine whether you choose a hugger ceiling fan or a ceiling fan with a downrod. National Electric Code NEC requires that your fan blades do not hang lower than 7 feet from the floor. For ceiling heights under 7’6″ you will most likely want to use a hugger ceiling fan or a regular ceiling fan with a low ceiling adapter.
![]() Any fan company that you can buy a ceiling fan from can give you the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the blades with the included downrod. An example is above.
Knowing the exact height of the ceiling and the distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the fan blades will give you enough information to determine if you need a longer downrod than what is included with the ceiling fan. Usually a 3inch or 6inch downrod is included.
![]() The above chart can give you an idea of the correct size downrod you will need. Remember to include the light kit size if applicable.
Is Your Ceiling Sloped or at an Angle?If you have a slope ceiling you can not use a hugger ceiling fan. Ceiling fan blades should always be in the horizontal position where gravity finds them. If not the fan motor will incur too much strain and eventually burn out.
If your ceiling is sloped you will want to find out the exact degree of slope that the ceiling is at. This information will help you know if you will need a sloped ceiling adapter or not. Most fans come with the ability to hang up to 29 degrees with the standard ball joint mounting system.
![]() A sloped ceiling adapter (shown left) will enable the ceiling fan to hang from 29 degrees to 52 degrees. Most sloped ceiling adapters consist of a new canopy in the same finish as the ceiling fan, new mounting hardware and a new ball joint.
To determine the degree of slope you will need to know the rise distance and the run distance measured in feet.Using a scientific calculator, enter the following data:
RISE distance / RUN distance = (INV) (TAN) = Degree of Slope
OR enter the rise and run distance in the below Rise over Run Degree Calculator
Now you know if you need a sloped ceiling adapter or not.
Determine the Blade Span Based on the Size of the RoomCeiling fans come in many different blade span sizes. Knowing the estimated blade span size will greatly narrow your search when it comes time to start looking for the right ceiling fan. Below should give you a good idea of what ceiling fan blade span you need based on the square footage of your room.
Square Footage = Room Length x Room Width (in feet)
NOTE - When you have a room that is over 300 square feet and measures 10 feet by 30 feet, two 42inch Blade Span ceiling fans might have a better appearance and distribute the air circulation more evenly. The above chart sizes are estimated, no ceiling fan blade span is set in stone to a particular room size. Many rooms vary in height, have assessable windows that create draft, oblong widths verses lengths and sloped ceilings to consider.
If Your Ceiling Fan Box is Existing, How is it Wired?By determining the existing wiring in your fan junction box it will help you understand which type of control options you can choose from. Below is a description of the three most common existing wiring scenarios.
If you are removing a light fixture that is controlled from the wall and replacing it with a ceiling fan you can be about 95% sure that you have a 2-WIRE WALL scenario. If you have two switches on the wall that control power to the junction box in the ceiling then you have 3-WIRE WALL scenario. If you currently have a ceiling fan installed that is always on and controlled by the pull chains on the ceiling fan then you have 2-WIRE REMOTE scenario.
How to check you’re wiring if your scenario does not match any of the above:
The above information will help you determine what kind of control to use with your new ceiling fan if the junction box is existing. If you do not have a junction box in the ceiling then you should select which type of control you will want before you schedule a licensed electrician to come out and install one. Many ceiling fans come with a wall control, remote control, or give you the option to use both. Don’t make the mistake of having an electrician install a junction box and wire it for a 2-WIRE WALL scenario when later you find that the fan you like best can only use a 3-WIRE WALL scenario.
How do You Want to Control Your New Ceiling Fan?The ceiling fan industry is offering more advanced control options as the days pass. After you have figured out the above information you will be on your way to selecting the control you desire. Below are all of the available types of ceiling fan controls on the market.
Many ceiling fans already include one of the controls listed above. The control option should be another element of thought when selecting a ceiling fan.
Do You Want a Fan with a Light?If you are not interested in a ceiling fan with a light this section may not assist you on your hunt for the perfect fan.
Integrated Light Source There are many ceiling fans today with integrated light sources. An integrated light source is a light that is made specifically for the ceiling fan that it comes with, will match the style of the fan it comes with and the finish. Up-lighting is also an integrated source of light that is used to create a glow on the ceiling. Up-lighting usually does not exceed 120watts of light. So, up-lighting is a great indirect lighting effect to have but it is not a strong enough light source to read from.
Light Kit
A light kit is a light source that does not come with the fan. Light kits are made in many different styles and finishes. Choosing a light kit style to match the ceiling fan style that you desire can be a little more difficult than just buying a ceiling fan with an integrated light source.
The three most important things to consider when adding a light kit to a ceiling fan are:
If you have these three areas are in order you won’t have to bother with sending the light kit you just bought back for credit, that can always we a hassle.
Do You Live by Salt Water or Brackish Water?Our mother ocean makes up for 71% of the Earth’s surface so more than likely many people that buy ceiling fans are with in a few miles of the coast. Yes, the ocean is beautiful but the salt corrosion can eat holes in the body work of a car in a short period of time.
If you live by the coast and are installing your ceiling fan outside, here are a few things you should look for:
Anyway you look at it products do not last forever by the ocean, but if you follow these suggestions you will definitely improve the quality of life for the products you invest in. Read More about How to Choose an Outdoor Ceiling Fan What Room in Your Home Will the Ceiling Fan be Installed?There are many different qualities of ceiling fans on the market today. Lower end ceiling fans use lower end motors and lower end fans sometimes are not compatible with convenient controls. With this in mind if you plan to add or replace a ceiling fan in your master bedroom over the master bed you will want a ceiling fan that is silent. Most lower end fan motors have a slight rubbing sound produced by the blades being mounted directly to the motor itself and over time this sound worsens. Lower end ceiling fans maybe perfect for the garage and not the master bedroom. A remote controlled ceiling fan is great to have in the master bedroom so you do not have to get up out of bed to turn out the light or adjust the fan speeds.
Here are some of the things to look for in a ceiling fan for the bedroom:
Of course all these features are not absolutely necessary but at least one of them would make for a better bedtime experience.
What is the Weight of the Ceiling Fan to Be Installed?Ceiling fans are made of different materials and come in different sizes. It is good to know what the weight of the ceiling fan is before installation. This way you can make sure that the ceiling fan box will support the weight of the ceiling fan. It also helps that you know this information before you speak to an electrician. Some electricians will not change or support the fan box when necessary or may charge a lot extra when they have to make a trip out to the electrical supply house to get the proper equipment to finish the job.
Who Will Install Your Shiny New Ceiling Fan?Home Owner
If you the home owner are installing the ceiling fan you will want to make sure you have all of the tools necessary and familiarize your self with the installation manual. A lot of times ceiling fans are ordered and need to be installed by a certain deadline so the Mrs. or significant other remains happy. The ceiling fan that fits your space may not always be in stock and, it could take a week to several weeks to arrive.
In that waiting time there are a few ways to prepare your self for the ceiling fan installation.
Hiring an Electrician
There are a few great electricians, many good electricians, many not so good electricians but overall a lot to choose from. When you hire a licensed electrician be sure to interview the electrician and make sure that their quality level will match the quality level of the ceiling fan to be installed. If you are having the electrician hang a contractor fan in the garage the interview might not be necessary but, if you are installing a Signature Series Casablanca fan with the Inteli-Touch (smart) wall control an interview is necessary.
These are some of the basic questions I would ask:
This completes 10 Things to Consider Before Buying Ceiling Fan. I hope you have enjoyed it, more ceiling fan tips are on the way.
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The Minka Group was founded in 1982 by Bill and Marian Tang. Then a tiny company that made glass shades for ceiling fans and lighting fixtures, it has grown into a lighting industry giant which includes the brand names
The Treville lighting and ceiling fan collections features the warmth and beauty of the European countryside with a Tuscan Patina finish that is hand applied to each piece by old world artisans.
The Salon Grand collection from the
The Lineage collection features architectural inspired elements as well as simplicity inspired by Mission artisans. The Lineage collection has an iron oxide finish and also features Venetian Scavo Glass. This extensive collection includes chandeliers, island lighting, floor lamps, vanity lighting, table lamps, ceiling fans, wall sconces and pendants.
The Belcaro lighting collection features southern Tuscany inspirations with the craftsmanship of Old World materials. Crafted with master carvings and inspirations from the 17th Century Farmhouse Style, the Belcaro collection features details that replicate the work of the Old Masters. This collection features a walnut finish on its ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.
The Adare ceiling fan from Minka-Aire features a Faux pen shell glass housing and shades.
The Jessica McClintock Home Romantic Breeze fans by Minka Aire also coordinate with many lighting fixtures that are available through Minka Lavery, as well as Ambiance.


To determine the degree of slope you will need to know the rise distance and the run distance measured in feet.

