Types of fans

Fans can be an eco-friendly way to cool your home when it's hot outside. A fan running on high speed uses less than 10 percent as much electricity as a room air conditioner, according to home-energy maven Michael Bluejay (also known as "Mr. Electricity"). A fan can make you feel 3 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit cooler, allowing you to dial down the AC or even shut it off altogether. This means that a fan can help you cut your cooling bill, reduce your household's emissions of greenhouse gases, and lessen demand on the summertime power grid.

Portable electric fans come in a variety of styles and configurations. Small fans are the least expensive and can be placed on a desk or tabletop to cool a small room, but they don't provide enough power to circulate the air throughout a room. Floor fans are the most powerful type and can circulate air in a large space, but they're bulky and can be a safety hazard in homes with small children. Pedestal and tower fans have a smaller footprint and are best for medium-sized rooms; most oscillate to improve circulation. Window fans can be used to draw cool air into a room or blow warm air out. Some models can perform both functions at once. Be advised, however, that rain and bugs can get inside if an uncovered window fan is left installed when not in use.

When choosing a fan, noise can also be an important factor. In general, there's a tradeoff between airflow and noise level. A large fan that pulls a lot of air will produce more noise than a smaller and less powerful one. However, there are significant differences in volume between specific models of fans as well. It's important to read owner comments about each model you're considering, because fan manufacturers don't usually disclose how many decibels a fan produces.

Fans vary in price from as little as $15 to hundreds of dollars, but we found that cost generally isn't a good indicator of effectiveness. In fact, we read very few reviews for fans in any price range that indicated poor performance. With the exception of price differences between varied styles of fans (tower fans are more expensive than pedestal fans, for example), the only advantages more expensive fans have are extra features and aesthetics.

Experts offer the following tips for buying and using fans:

  • Choose the right fan for your space. Larger fans work best in larger rooms. A tower fan will fit into a narrow space, while a tabletop fan can be used to cool a cubicle at work. Also, consider how the noise of the fan will affect your activities in that space. In a family room, you may need a quieter fan that won't drown out the TV. In a bedroom, a slightly louder fan may actually be desirable because it drowns out other noises.
  • Most fans have adjustable speed settings, but the low setting on one may be the high setting on another. When possible, check the fan's settings for yourself.
  • Table and pedestal fans should have a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Before buying a fan, test it on the highest setting (with the oscillation feature on, if it has one) to see if it becomes unsteady.
  • Removable grates make cleaning easier. A grille made of metal rather than plastic will improve a fan's durability.
  • Children may be tempted to stick their small fingers through the fan grate. To avoid this problem, consider using a tower fan, which has a grate that protects fingers from blades. Manufactures have also created fans with soft blades made of cloth or rubber.
  • Reversible window fans draw cool air in or exhaust hot air out. If you think you'll use this function frequently, look for a window fan that can change direction with a switch, rather than one that must be manually removed and reversed in the window.
  • Don't leave fans running in an empty room. Fans don't cool rooms; they cool people by creating a wind chill effect. A fan left running will actually make a room warmer because of the heat produced by its motor.

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