When the air conditioning in your home or workplace is not quite up to the challenge of summer heat, or maybe you don’t even have AC, then the cooling breeze created by a fan can make a world of difference to your comfort. You want to choose the best fan to meet your needs, but there are so many factors to consider. From tower and pedestal fans to box fans and floor fans, they come with such a variety of features. Some fans are oscillating, and others are bladeless, and many claim they are portable. Fans often offer adjustable speeds or feature different modes such as energy-saver or nighttime. Whatever kind of fan you pick, you want one that will provide adequate airflow for the space you want to cool but will also do so quietly. Read on to learn about our picks and what to look for in a fan.
Dyson Pure Cool Link TP02 Wi-Fi Enabled Air Purifier
The Dyson Pure Cool Link is a fan providing cooling airflow during the summer heat and an air purifier year-round, all in one multifunctional appliance. The vacuum-sealed glass HEPA filter will cleanse your indoor air of 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants, capturing particles as tiny as 0.3 microns including pet dander, pollen, and even bacteria. An additional purifying layer of activated carbon further scrubs air of harmful toxic fumes such as paint or household cleaners. As it purifies, the Dyson Pure Cool Link automatically monitors and correctively responds to air quality, reporting to your smartphone through the Dyson Link app so even remotely you can control your indoor environment. This sleek tower fan uses Air Multiplier technology to project purified air across the room providing long-range cooling air flow. As if all this were not enough, the Dyson Pure Cool Link also boasts a host of other great features including 10 airspeed settings, an automatic nighttime mode, a sleep timer, and even voice control using Amazon Echo. Safety for kids and pets is not forgotten, thanks to bladeless operation and automatic shutoff if tipped over, and you are always in control with the handy remote and an automatically dimming LED display. Maintenance is hassle-free with an easy filter change only once a year and Dyson backs this appliance with a 2-year warranty on parts and labor (exclusive of filter).
- Dual functionality: air purifying, cooling
- Smartphone app to monitor and control
- Bladeless: safe and easy to clean
- Multiple settings
Specifications
- Brand: Dyson
- Product dimensions: 7.7 x 4.3 x 40.1 in.
- Product weight: 7.9 lbs.
Pros
- Removes allergens, pollutants, and odors
- Long-range projection of air
- Automatic nighttime mode
- Voice control
- Filters expensive to replace
- Air purifying function may not be effective
Dyson Pure Cool, TP01 HEPA Air Purifier & Fan
The multi-functional Dyson Pure Cool is a tower fan and HEPA air purifier in one. The HEPA air filter traps dust, mold, spores, pet dander, bacteria, and any other allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, while odors and toxic fumes are captured by a layer of activated carbon granules. Air Multiplier technology projects over 77 gallons of purified air per second across the room, providing smooth, powerful cooling airflow throughout your indoor space. This hardworking appliance comes with even more features, including a sleep timer, oscillating airflow, and 10 airspeed settings, and for your peace of mind it has an automatic shutoff should it tip over. No monthly filter cleaning with the Dyson Pure Cool — maintenance is a breeze because the filter requires replacement only once a year. Like all of Dyson’s bladeless fans, the Pure Cool sports a sleek modern design that is unobtrusive and compatible with any interior. Dyson backs this product with a two-year warranty on labor and parts (replacement filters excluded).
- Multi-functional: tower fan and HEPA air purifier
- Projects purified air throughout entire room
- Smooth powerful airflow
- Oscillating, 10 speeds, sleep timer
- Automatic shutoff
- Brand: Dyson
- Product dimensions:7.7 x 7.7 x 40.1 in.
- Product weight: 7.9 lbs.
Pros
- Removes allergens and pollutants
- 360-degree, vacuum-sealed glass HEPA filter
- Activated carbon granules capture odors, toxic fumes
- Year-round air purification, summer cooling
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Can emit unpleasant smell
Rowenta VU5670 Turbo silence Stand Fan Oscillating Fan
This Rowenta pedestal fan promises a powerful airflow of up to 2436 cubic feet per minute combined with an ultra-quiet operating noise level of a mere 35 db(A). You get to choose from among five speed settings. There is Turbo Boost for those times when extra cooling force is needed or select the almost soundless Silent Night Mode for when peace and quiet is what you crave. You can choose the automatically efficiency-seeking energy-saving mode or set the 8-hour timer using either the conveniently located electronic control panel or a compact remote control that easily stows on board for storage. With the minimal footprint of its 16-inch stand and a height that is adjustable between 42” and 54” , this oscillating fan can be readily positioned to provide airflow over a wide area to maximize cooling effectiveness in your space. The handy carrying handle found at the top of this fan makes it portable so that it can be placed wherever its quiet cooling force is needed.
- Ultra-quiet performance
- Powerful oscillating airflow
- speed settings
- Electronic control panel, compact remote control
- Brand: Rowento
- Product dimensions: 24 x 7.2 x 20 in.
- Product weight: 19.6 lbs.
Pros
- Intense power
- 5 speed settings
- 8-hour timer, energy saving mode
- Compact remote control
Cons
- Grill prone to rust
- Stand not durable
Vornado 660 Large Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
Thanks to its signature Airtensity spiral grill design, the Vortex Action of the Vornado Circulator produces a unique airflow pattern that effectively circulates air throughout an entire room–there are no more “dead” zones of stagnant air with this fan. The conical inlet on this fan channels air into deep- pitch blades enclosed in a cylindrical air duct, concentrating incoming air and accelerating it to form a powerful, cooling flow as it is projected up to 100 feet across a room. Enjoy your choice of directional airflow thanks to full 90-degree horizontal or vertical tilt. Access to four speed settings ranging from whisper- quiet to turbo is made simple with the handy push-button controls located discretely at the top of the fan while the 660’s compact format makes it convenient to position on floor or tabletop. Available in either black or white, the finish of the 660’s grill and casing is understated and sleek, making it easy to maintain and compatible with any décor. Backed by a 5-year warranty and U.S.- based customer service, this fan promises years of effective and hassle-free operation.
- Signature Vortex air circulation
- Simple 3-speed controls
- Multi-directional airflow
- Superior customer support, 5-year warranty
- Brand: Vornado
- Product dimensions: 8.25 x 12 x 13.6 in.
- Product weight: 5.84 lbs.
Pros
- Moves air up to 70 feet
- 3-speed control
- Stable base for floor or desktop
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Not as powerful as advertised
PELONIS Fan, Quiet DC Motor Oscillating Standing Pedestal Fan
The superpower of this stand fan is its digital inverter turbo DC motor that ensures 50% less noise and more energy-efficient operation but without compromising power. Five aviation blades enhance forceful airflow. Adjustable inclination angle and stand height combined with optional 85-degree silent oscillation allow you to direct that airflow wherever you most need it. Five modes including normal, natural, slumberous, silent, and comfort coupled with multiple wind speed settings give you access to customized comfort, further augmented by the convenience of the 12-hour on/off programmable timer. You are in charge thanks to the handy LED display, convenient controls, and the 6m remote. The power-off memory function affords ready access to your cooling preferences. In comfort mode, this fan uses unique intelligent technology to automatically adjust wind speed in response to changes in room temperature assuring you effortless enjoyment of continued comfort. For energy savings and safety this fan automatically shuts down after 12 hours of user inactivity. The stable, sturdy base and mesh cover for the blades ensure safety for your family and pets.
- powerful aviation blades, low noise
- modes, remote control
- Adjustable inclination angles, timer
- Adjustable height
- Stable base, protective mesh covering for safety
- Brand: PELONIS
- Product dimensions: 26.1 x 25.3 x 6.3 in.
- Product weight: 22 lbs.
Pros
- Powerful but quiet
- Multiple modes
- Adjustable
- Multi-function remote control
- Safety features
Cons
- Assembly can be challenging
- Airflow can be inadequate
What to Look for When Choosing a Fan
Maybe you do not have central air conditioning, or your AC options are inadequate to meet your cooling needs. Perhaps you want something to supplement your AC or just need temporary cooling such as for a dorm room or an RV for instance. There are many reasons why you may want a fan and these days there are lots of different kinds of fans to choose from. So how do you decide which is the best fan for you?
The Basics
Your first consideration should be the size of the space that you want to cool and how much air circulating power is needed to keep that space comfortable. A small room will require less power to effectively circulate the air, but you will want more power for a larger space. While airflow power is mostly about size, design also plays a role, so check product descriptions carefully to assess the likely effectiveness of a fan to provide adequate airflow for your space. Many fans offer the option of oscillation so that the fan sweeps back and forth across the room circulating air more widely. Oscillation greatly enhances the effectiveness of a fan. A lot of fans also feature adjustable tilt so that you can direct the angle of airflow to where you need it most. Fans tout other design features, such as contoured intake ducts or aerodynamic blades, that claim to enhance their air circulation effectiveness.
Next, you need to take account of where you want to locate the fan, because that determines the appliance height, weight, and dimensions your decision-making must include. Figure out how many square inches of floor area or tabletop space you have to accommodate your fan, and that will dictate the maximum footprint of fans you can consider. Keep in mind if you need your fan to be easily portable, whether within a small apartment or from one location to another, because size and weight will matter. Many fans have a carry handle, but some models because of height or weight are more obviously awkward to move around than others even if they are nominally portable. Another factor is the type of space you want to cool. A more utilitarian-looking fan is fine for the garage, but you may want something a little less inelegant for a living room or bedroom.
Especially in a living room or bedroom where hums, rattles, and roars can interfere with your precious rest and relaxation, noisy operation can be a deal- breaker in a fan. Noise is something that is hard to assess until you have purchased and used the appliance; however, you can get some idea about possible noise issues by checking product descriptions and consumer reviews.
Other factors
Most fans offer multiple air flow speeds which may be controlled either manually, with a knob or touch buttons, or even by using a remote, a worthwhile convenience in a living room or bedroom. Some models also feature digital displays. Many fans even feature timers that allow you to program when the fan will shut down, especially useful if you are using the fan at bedtime. Many fans also tout energy-efficient or eco settings, and some models offer quite sophisticated programming options such as preselected wind speeds and memory functions to save your preferences.
There are other features offered by some fans for energy-saving or safety, such as automatic shutoff after predetermined periods of inactivity or if the fan is tipped over for example. There are even fans that automatically vary speed in response to room temperature. Some fans also double as air purifiers and while dual function fans do carry a heftier price tag, it is a plus if you can save space and expense with one appliance instead of two.
Some fans are bladeless, most notably Dyson. Bladeless fans have a number of advantages, and first among these is safety because there are no spinning blades that can injure curious children or pets. Additionally, a bladeless fan can be trouble-free to maintain because its smooth and continuous casing is easily wiped clean with a dry cloth, and there are fewer complex surfaces or moving parts to require service. The uncluttered appearance of a bladeless fan is attractive and contemporary-looking compared to the more industrial aesthetic of many traditional models. Bladeless fans are often relatively quiet too, but also tend to be more expensive. Indeed, more advanced features usually entail a bigger outlay, and it is up to you to decide if these additional functions are important factors in your purchasing calculations.
Last but not least, you may want to consider maintenance and reliability. Some fans function satisfactorily with little or infrequent attention, while others require regular maintenance, and it is up to you to balance your desire for more sophisticated features with your tolerance of additional maintenance responsibilities and even expense. A fan may be backed by a warranty often ranging from one year up to five years, sometimes limited, and again you need to factor your expected intensity and duration of usage to decide how important a warranty is for you as a consumer.
Styles
There is a variety of fan styles, each suited to different uses and purposes. Let us look at a few common ones. The most basic models are made to sit on the floor or on a desktop or tabletop and have a utilitarian appearance. Such fans are often quite effective and affordable but may not be ideal because of space considerations or for aesthetic reasons.
Pedestal fans are taller, improving the reach of their airflow compared to a desktop or floor model, and also allowing for a smaller footprint in some cases. A pedestal fan will be a better choice for a larger space or a room containing furnishings that may inhibit air circulation. However, many pedestal fans still have a relatively industrial styling that could be less desirable in a living room or bedroom.
This is where tower fans come in. Not only do tower fans typically have a relatively minimal footprint demanding little of your precious floor area, height means their airflow has good reach in a space that is larger or has obstructive furnishings. Tower fans often feature slim, sleek styling that is unobtrusive and compatible with contemporary interiors, making them a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a fan cool a room?
A: A fan does not make a room any cooler, but it can make you feel cooler by moving air over your skin. The airflow created by a fan disperses your excess body heat leaving you feeling less warm and more comfortable.
Q: What is better to cool a room, an air conditioner or a fan?
A: A fan does not cool the air in a room. What it does do is create airflow that makes a room feel more comfortable, while an air conditioner does actually cool the air in a room by transferring the heat from the indoor air to the exterior. However, where air conditioning is absent or inadequate, a fan can do a great deal to make a room feel cooler by circulating the air.
Q: How do I choose the best fan for a bedroom?
A: When choosing a fan for a bedroom, a pedestal or tower fan is a good choice because the height of these styles allows airflow to be projected across the room and past furnishings such as beds that may pose obstructions. If interior décor considerations are a priority a tower fan is a good choice because the styling of these fans is usually compatible with contemporary design. Noise is an important factor when choosing a fan for a bedroom. You don’t want your sleep disturbed by rattles, roars, or loud hums, but keep in mind that if you like white noise for sleeping you may prefer some gentle operating noise to something that is more silent.
Q: What is a bladeless fan?
A: Dyson introduced its “bladeless” fan in 2009. It looks like a circular tube mounted on a pedestal, and it produces a breeze even though there are no visible blades.
Q: How does a bladeless fan work?
A: A bladeless fan has no blades that you can see but hidden in the base there are blades that draw in air from outside the device. This air is channeled through the hollow circular tube mounted above, where it is then forced out in a concentrated cooling airflow through slits in the tube. Thanks to sophisticated engineering that eliminates the occurrence of turbulence inside the appliance, a bladeless fan creates this airflow relatively quietly and efficiently; however, these bladeless fans tend to be pricier than others too. It is a price many consumers are willing to pay because bladeless fans tend to be safe, quiet, and efficient, have a sleek modern look, and are easy to maintain.
Q: Why is my fan so noisy?
A: If you notice that your fan is making abnormal noises or becoming louder, it may be time for a little maintenance. Accumulation of debris on the fan blades and cage creates more drag on airflow forcing your fan’s motor to work overtime and that more labored operation generates more noise. Wipe away any buildup of dust, dirt, and lint from the fan cage and blades, oil the motor, and tighten any screws.
