?Fan? of the Old World

By Diana A. Uy

More than a decade ago, Hunter Original brought its array of ceiling fans to the Philippines, with only one thing in mind: Provide Filipino homes with not only the Hunter mark of international excellence but also furnish them with products that help boost comfort and aesthetic appeal. Slowly, the 120-year-old company progressed to be one of the most sought-after ceiling fans among the old-rich and ?in-the-know? homemakers, making Hunter quite a household name, so to speak.

But thanks to the popularity of cheaper fans and aircons, most especially, Hunter ceiling fans have had to take the backseat for a while.

Not anymore.

With everyone returning to the basics and aiming for a ?greener? lifestyle, Hunter Original is reintroducing homes the concept of ?Old World? charm and most importantly, energy saving home coolers. Hunter boasts of old-school designs highlighting details reminiscent of the lifestyle in the late 19th century. A more updated versions, but still emanating the classic elegance and durability the company is known for, are also available. Every Hunter fan comes with a lifetime warranty.

According to Jeff La Rico, international sales manager, Asia Pacific and corporate accounts, they still know of customers who have been treasuring a Hunter fan for more than 10 years. And even then, Hunter still honors the warranty of those fans.

Some of the materials used to make each fan include Indonesian plywood, sealed veneer to keep moisture out, and high-tensile steel for the blades. Hunter finishes are supposedly tarnish, scratch and rust resistant. The ?Hunter Bright Brass Finish? and other plated finishes are the result of a multi-stage grinding and buffing process. And Hunter painted finishes feature a thick powder-coated paint to provide the richest color and maximum durability.

Hunter fans also boast of powerful and energy-efficient motors. They don?t wobble and are equipped with internal fans to keep them from overheating. Select products are built with energy-efficient 30-watt compact fluorescent bulbs, as well. Buyers can save up to 40 percent of their energy consumption, especially when the fan is used with an air-conditioner.

?It helps circulate the air more efficiently,? says La Rico, adding one Hunter fan can consume up to P12/day worth of electricity.

Each Hunter fan can also be personalized. The blades are interchangeable and some come in different, fun colors, which might be handy especially if clients are redecorating their kids? rooms.

?The product speaks for itself,? says La Rico, ?They [Hunter Original fans] are never going to grow old. [The brand] is the Rolls Royce of ceiling fans.?

Hunter Original is available in Home Depot and is distributed by Fabrica Filipina for its premier offerings.