Electric Fan Guide
Get through the UKs next heatwave, reduce room air temperature and improve air quality. Find the best fans to keep you cool as a cucumber this summer. From larger rooms to a smaller space, find the fan that will be perfect for your space.
|
What is an electric fan? An electric fan can be a lifesaver. They have a rotating hub in the centre that’s is powered by a motor that moves the blades around to create a cooling effect. Whilst there are a few different types of electric fans, the main aim is for circulating cooler air around the room, helping to keep you cooler and reduce humidity. Whilst they are great, they have to be on to work, after turning it off you’ll start to notice things heating up again fairly quickly. |
 |
 |
How are cooling fans different to an air conditioner? The most significant difference between a fan and air conditioning is that air conditioners condition the air to be excellent. Whereas a fan will recirculate the air around the room, keeping you cool but only for as long as the fan is on. You’ll also notice the difference with the electricity bill. Air conditioning units use more electricity than fans. Put an air conditioner uses on average between 750w and 3500w to help keep your rooms/homes as cool as possible, whereas the average fans run between 10w and 120w. You see it too? Fans are incredibly cheap compared to air-condition; using A/C is closer to the electrical consumption of a heater, but the results are well worth it, as when using an A/C, the air in the room is colder compared to a fan that displaces the air. |
|
What should my budget for a fan be? Fans are relatively inexpensive for the great pieces of technology that they are. From as little as £20, you can be relieved of the stressful feeling of overheating, point the fan directly at you, lie on a bed and start chilling out. Fans used to be all somewhat similar. Now you have fans that look like they belong on a different planet. Room temperature can quickly rise in the summer, but we want various things from a fan to keep you cool. We need a decent, changeable angle, decent airflow and an energy-efficient product. |
 |
|
What features should I look for? Most fans are in one of three modes if you wish to alter the level and temperature of air that you enjoy getting. You may even see a different speed and oscillation pattern with certain fans and fans. The safety feature Auto-shutoff, especially when the fan is running, is important. The size and the weight of a fan are important factors that make it possible to transport the fan when the season is cold. If you have kids or pets, it’s worth bearing in mind the risk of fingers or paws getting tangled in blades of traditional high-frequency fans. Built-in air purifiers are a saving tool for people with allergies to pollen or dust. |
|
Noise levels Always check the noise levels of the particular fan you’re looking for. Most fans are pretty quiet on the lower settings, but there will be some variation amongst the fans when it comes to the higher settings. Low operation noise (a low decibel) fans are best for lighter sleepers. |
Power air circulation It’s easier to withstand the heat when air is in motion. This is one reason ceiling fans are so popular as they provide an efficient way to improve the natural air flow in the home. |
Reverse switch – Some fans have a reverse switch. Instead of cooling, you can use the fan to heat the room by operating the blades in reverse. |
|
Adjustable height / Angle Some people want a fan to use on a desk; others want to use one that can go on the floor. Why not choose one with an adjustable height so you can have the option of where and how you want to use it. |
How long is the electrical cord? This is important if your plug sockets will be quite a distance away from where you want to be using the fan. |
Remote control A remote control might not be at the top of your wishlist, but after you’ve bought it, you’ll probably notice the need for one more. Having a remote control makes it easier to operate from around the house. |
 |
Does it have a built-in air purifier? If the fan doesn’t say it comes with an air purifier, it probably doesn’t. One sure-fire way to know if the fan has an inbuilt air purifier is that the fan won’t be cheap. These types of fans can be beneficial for people who have allergies |
|
What’s the most common type of fan? |
 |
 |
|
Ceiling fans One of the most famous fans you’ll find in homes across the UK is the ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can often add a touch of class to your room and cool it down when it’s getting too warm. They used to be controlled by a switch; now, some models come with remote control. Being simple to install, these are a great, affordable option to start circulating cooler air around your house. And don’t forget, in the winter you can also use it on the reverse and heat the room. |
Another popular choice around the home and especially in bedrooms are tower fans. A Tower fan is excellent because it can help cool down larger rooms and usually come with a few cool features to help you maximise use. For example, a remote control helps massively; without a small, you’ll need to get up and turn it off psychically; that probably means you’ll just put up with being too hot and not even use the fan. What’s even better is a sleep timer. Perfect for situations before bed when it’s too hot, but you don’t need it on for the whole night. Use the sleep timer and have the fan turn off in the next hour, two or a random time. |
 |
|
|
Table/desk fans Working throughout the day can cause a room to heat up. You might like the temperature but find at random points you need cooling down a little. This is where a desktop fan can step in and help you out. Usually, they come with a few different settings and fan speeds; some are fixed position only and some turn and cool the room. |
Wall-mounted fan Wall-mounted fans can be a great idea, especially in the kitchen where the temperatures can get hot. Mount one or two in the areas it gets the hottest to keep your cool and save some space. They also work great in living rooms and hallways. |
 |
 |
|
Floor fans, as the name suggests, are fans that you place on the floor. These are extremely popular and offer you an efficient way of cooling down. Often most floor fans are easily moved, making them perfect for switching between rooms. |
Most pedestal fans are considered to be oscillating fans. The most significant advantage of a pedestal fan is the portability; it’s easy to move one anywhere around the house. Find a plug socket, and off you go. Be cautious of the noise too. Pedestal fans aren’t known for silence, they get the job done, but they create a bit of noise. |
|
Extra fan modes |
|
Misting fan Misting fans are fans that blow a mist of water out too. These types of fans can be great when it’s sweltering. Please note: Misting fans will need to connect to a water supply. They pull water from the supply and release it through small vents in the fan. The rotation of the blade then breaks up the water particles into a fine mist. This then evaporates, which helps cool down the air temperature in the immediate area. |
Humidifying mode If you’re experiencing low moisture in the room, this can make things feel even hotter. A humidifying fan helps cool the room and can be beneficial for people who suffer from respiratory issues, such as asthma. Some people prefer a humidifying fan compared to a misting fan, as they can help disperse water particles more evenly throughout the room. |
Ionising mode An ionising mode on a fan helps purify the air in a room with charging air molecules, which helps remove contaminants that may be present in the air. They are also great for removing smells from a room. |
|
What’s a purifying fan heater? A purifying fan heater will help take contaminants out of the air, things like dust, bacteria and allergens. Most purifying heaters aren’t cheap, so be prepared to spend a little. |
|
Pollen and allergens |
Bacteria |
Industrial emissions |
Ultrafine particles |
|
formaldehyde (HCHO) |
Benzene and VOCs |
Odours |
 |
What level of noise is too loud for you? A 100% silent fan for the home doesn’t exist. Every electric fan makes noise; there’s just no way around it; however, some fans are much noisier than others. You don’t want to switch from being annoyed with the heat to upset with the fan’s sound. If you’re looking for the quietest fan possible, this will probably be a tower fan, generally the most silent electric fan. Noise is measured in decibels (dB), with 20dB being quiet and 70dB being much louder. For more comfortable bedrooms, you’d better get a tower fan because it offers quieter models. Noise levels are measured in decibel units (dB). Noise levels may vary from model to model; please check the product specifications carefully. |
|
Can the fan be stored easily over the summer / warmer months? This is something you probably won’t be thinking about when purchasing a fan. Some fans are easier than others to store, with some being thin enough to slide under a bed when not in use and others having removable parts, which makes keeping your fan much easier when it’s not being used. |
|
 |
Does it come already put together? Some people assume the fans will be pre-made when they get them, but if you’re buying a larger fan, it will probably be necessary to put it together. This is usually simple it’s most common for the base to need attaching to the main unit which requires screwing in up to eight or 12 screws. j |