Dallas, Texas, Aug. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- These days it can be difficult to stay cool. When the outside temperature is soaring, a ceiling fan can help keep everyone comfortable, save money and energy by giving the AC a break, and look great too. Thanks to the latest technology, today’s ceiling fans perform better than ever, and with an influx of trendy, designer-influenced styles now on the market, it is easy to find the perfect type, size and style fan for any space. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), ceiling fans, once thought of as purely utilitarian, are now also fashion features for the home. It is no surprise to know the main benefit of using a ceiling fan is to help cool a room. In reality, a fan does not actually cool a room; it cools the people in a room. The cooling effect is only felt by whoever is close enough to feel the air circulating from the fan. “When a ceiling fan moves air in a room, it creates a wind chill effect by causing moisture on a person’s skin to evaporate,” explains Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for ALA and associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interiors and College of Design. “The movement of the air does not actually change a room’s temperature, it makes a person feel cooler by the evaporative effect of the air moving over their skin,” says Rey-Barreau. On average, the breeze from a fan will make whoever is nearby feel six to eight degrees cooler than the ambient temperature of the same space. The difference in perceived temperature makes it possible to maintain the same comfort level with less AC, and accordingly, less energy expenditure. “Operating a fan uses only about 75 watts of energy,” says Rey-Barreau, “while an air conditioner will use as much as 10 times more energy.” That results in a sizeable amount of energy and money savings. Just as important, today’s ceiling fans offer sizeable style as well. What’s hot for staying cool?Mark Urban of Monte Carlo Ceiling Fan Company says residential fan blades are trending longer, with 56- and 60-inch or larger blade spans becoming more popular than 52-inch blade spans. High-tech blade styles also make it possible for fans with fewer blades to be as efficient as typical five-blade fans. “Three is the new five in blades,” says Urban. Not all spaces are conducive for fans with longer blades. Smaller spaces may require more compact fixtures. Making a resurgence in home lighting and ceiling fans are fandeliers – ceiling fans integrated with a chandelier-type design. These innovative fan lights are often more compact than traditional ceiling fans and present a sophisticated, fashion-forward look. Whether a fan is meant to be a focal point or a subtle accent, the myriad ceiling fan models now available from ALA-member manufacturers make it easy to blend them with any décor, from sleek and modern to traditional to rustic and farmhouse. As for finishes, “Grey ‘driftwood’ blades are still the hottest wood finish,” says Urban. “And it goes well with a variety of popular metal finishes, such as brushed nickel, brushed steel and pewter.” There is almost no end to the variety of available ceiling fan styles and finishes, including those with the latest high-tech features. Not just pretty, ceiling fans are smart tooALA fan manufacturers offer ceiling fans that can be controlled remotely with hand-held or voice-activated devices, as well as fans capable of being Wi-Fi connected and integrated with home thermostats, window shades and other smart home systems. Asked what consumers of ceiling fans are looking for most, Urban says, “LED lighting, efficient motors, unique designs and fans that that move air quietly.” Fortunately for homeowners, it’s easy to find the best selection of the latest ceiling fans at any local ALA-member showroom . To find more information about ceiling fans and home lighting, as well as a listing of local ALA showrooms, just go online to ALALighting.com .

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Amy Wommack American Lighting Association 214-698-9898 Amy@ALALighting.com