Fans Buying Guide

In a world where keeping cool isn't just nice but totally necessary, fans have become super important in every home. There are all sorts of fans - big ones, small ones, fancy ones with all the bells and whistles. With a little help, you can pick out a fan that does the job and looks good doing it.

Whether it's for your bedroom, living room, or home office, this guide's got you covered. We'll help you navigate through all the options to find the perfect fan for what you need.

If you're looking for the best fans on the market, check out our Top 10 Fans.

• How does a fan work?
• When is a fan useful?
• Types of fans
• Tower fans vs pedestal fans
• Key considerations for your fan
• Additional fan features
• How to install and care for a fan
• Fan maintenance

How Does a Fan Work?

As mentioned, fans work by circulating air around a room. They consist of a rotating assembly of blades and a hub called a rotor. The rotor is contained within the housing. The housing can direct the airflow, ensuring safety by preventing the fan blades touching objects. Ventilating a room naturally helps cold and warm air to circulate better.

This variation of flow causes a sensation of cooling and freshness. The more volume of air is circulated, the stronger the feeling of cooling. The potential volume of air that can be displaced depends on the size and power of the fan. It is important to consider that fans, even of a high power, are not able to lower the temperature of a room like an air conditioner.

When Is a Fan Useful?

A fan is a lifesaver in the hot and sticky summer months. Whether you're chilling at home or grinding away in an office, having a fan can really keep you cool and comfy. It's not just about beating the heat, though. A fan keeps the air moving, making any room feel fresher and airier. Plus, it's a wallet-friendly option compared to cranking up the AC, helping you save some cash on your electricity bill.

Types of Fans

Tower Fans

Tower fans are ideal for cramped spaces due to their tall and narrow shape. They offer an oscillating mode so the cool air can be circulated throughout the room, or in one area. They are safer for households with young children and pets, as the blades are safely concealed. They are strong and sturdy, capable of strong air output and are favoured for their quiet noise operation.

Desk Fans

They are perfect for individual use in the office or at home when quick efficient cooling is required. They also have an oscillating feature to spread the cool air around the room. They can simply be turned on and the refreshing airflow will be noticed immediately.

Pedestal Fans

Pedestal fans are bigger than desk fans, making them more effective for larger rooms. They have a big blade inside a casing on a stand, which lets them oscillate more and distribute cool air widely. Plus, you can adjust the height of many pedestal fans, making them versatile for different uses.

Floor Fans

Floor fans are large fans that can cool rooms of any size. They look like pedestal fans without the stand, with an open design for better airflow. These fans have powerful motors with variable speeds for quick cooling. With their increased diameter they can move more air per hour than your average fan, making them a good choice for offices, shops and warehouses.

Tower Fans vs Pedestal Fans

Tower fans are a popular choice among consumers due to their sleek design and added features, such as LED lighting. These fans are quieter than traditional pedestal fans, making them a great option for use in bedrooms or other quiet spaces.

Pedestal fans, on the other hand, bring the noise with their power-packed airflow, perfect for those spacious rooms. Easily adjust the wind direction without breaking a sweat. But beware - they can get a bit noisy compared to the quieter tower fans. Limited on style and features, but they sure know how to keep things breezy!

Key Considerations for Your Fan

Best Place for a Fan

Choosing the right location for a fan can make all the difference in creating a comfortable living space. One popular spot is near an open window to help circulate fresh air into the room. Another option is to place the fan near the centre of the room for maximum coverage. No matter where you choose to put your fan, making sure it's placed strategically can help you beat the heat and enjoy a cool breeze.

What Kind of Air Flow do I Need?

When it comes to air flow, different fans offer varying levels of output. For smaller spaces or personal use, a desk fan may be sufficient. However, for larger rooms or open areas, a pedestal fan or ceiling fan would be more suitable.

Check out more about airflow in our Which Type of Fan is the Most Powerful?

Fan Power

A combination of two key factors determines how powerful a fan is: the size of the fan and its speed settings. The higher the power output of your fan, the higher the airflow will be.

Fans by Room Size

A compact fan is ideal for a small area, whereas a larger fan is better suited for more spacious environments. If a fast, portable cooling solution is needed in a bedroom, pedestal fans work well because their height can be adjusted and angled so the unit is facing the bed (with the fan facing one direction or oscillating around). On the other hand, tower fans tend to suit living room areas because they’re more compact and can be positioned out of the way.

If something more permanent is required for the home, a ceiling fan is a cost-effective way to cool bedrooms and living rooms. Ceiling fans require a ceiling height of at least 2.1 - 2.4 metres to perform best, and the fan may need to be lowered if the ceiling is higher.

Fan Speed

A fan with higher speed settings and a higher wattage provides more power and airflow.

Fan Noise Levels

It is important to take consideration of the noise level a fan will produce when operating. A loud desk fan can break your concentration while working, with the close proximity of the fan making the noise more noticeable. It is essential to look at a desk fan with a quiet noise level.

If you are looking to cool down your bedroom so you can sleep peacefully at night, a tower fan is the best option as they are the quietest models. Tower fans are generally quieter than pedestal fans, and come with features such as quieter timed “sleep modes”.

Additional Fan Features

Oscillating head
A rotating fan head which ensures all areas of the room are covered.

Speed settings
Multiple speed settings to control the amount of air being displaced.

Tilt action
It allows a fan to be maneuvered in various directions.

Timer
Timer controls the operating time of a fan. Some fans also feature a sleep timer program to switch the fan off late at night whilst sleeping.

Remote control
A remote control allows the fan to be controlled conveniently from a distance.

Noise level
How loud a fan is on a certain speed setting.

Protective cage
A safety feature to protect small children and pets.

Reverse speed
Often found on ceiling fans, this reverses the speed of the blades to spinning clockwise, pushing warm air from the ceiling down to where you need it.

What Is The Summer and Winter Function on a Fan?

When buying a ceiling fan, you may have noticed some have summer and winter functions. In summer mode, it spins counterclockwise to whip up a cool breeze. And in winter it switches to spinning clockwise, pushing warm air from the ceiling down to you, keeping things cosy when it's chilly outside.

Summer Mode

Winter Mode

How to Install and Care for a Fan

Lucky for you, a lot of fans these days come ready to use straight out of the box, so getting that cool air flowing is a breeze (pun intended). Once you pick the perfect spot for your fan, just follow the manufacturer's instructions closely to make sure it's all set up securely. Oh, and do keep an eye out for little ones – you don’t want tiny fingers getting too close. Plus, watch where that cord goes; we don't want anyone tripping over it.

Fan Maintenance

To ensure your fan works well, regular maintenance is key. This means you should dust and clean the blades, wipe the outer casing, and check for any loose parts or screws. Don't forget to check the motor's performance too.

For ceiling fans, it's essential to clean the blades often since they gather a lot of dust. Oiling the bearings might be necessary to keep it running smoothly.

In addition to regular maintenance, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your fan. One important tip is to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners when cleaning the fan. These can damage the finish and affect its performance. Instead, opt for a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to wipe down the blades and casing.

Another tip is to avoid using the fan at high speeds for extended periods of time. This can put unnecessary strain on the motor and cause it to wear out faster. It's also a good idea to turn off the fan when not in use, as this can also help prolong its lifespan.

Our Cooling Fan Collection

Selecting a fan is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires thought, consideration, and understanding of what will work best for your space and your lifestyle.

With this buying guide, you're now equipped with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Remember, it's not just about feeling cool; it's also about energy efficiency, style, noise level, and control.