Fans can be the perfect solution to meet lighter cooling needs, and are extremely effective in situations where you might feel hot due to the air being still or even stale, even though the actual temperature may not be intense. Unlike air conditioners, which use compressors to remove humidity and warm air from a space and disperse cool air into it, fans achieve a wind-chill effect by circulating the air.
There are many types of fans available, but that is only one consideration when making your purchase. CFM, intended use, and operational noise can all be important factors when deciding on the right fan for your need.
For fast navigation to your areas of interest, please use the list below:
Types of Household Fans
Household fans and air circulators come in a wide variety of styles that are designed for specific functions or to cool particular spaces in your home. Whether you want directed airflow from a small, personal fan or need to move more air in a wider range, there's a fan to suit your needs.
Garage & Shop Fans
Let's take a look at home spaces that generally aren't cooled by an HVAC system, like workshops. You don't want to abandon projects or necessary home fix-it jobs just because of summer heat. But your basic household fan isn't enough to keep you cool here. You need a heavy-duty fan that's designed to run for long periods and can stand up to rugged conditions.
- Designed for your workshop or garage, Vornado's Industrial Fan provides up to 717 CFM and has an adjustable fan head for more directed airflow. This handy fan can also be used to power-dry floors, walls, and even ceilings.
- This oscillating pedestal fan from King Electric is outdoor rated, available in 24- and 30-inch fan head sizes, and delivers a whopping 7500 CFM of airflow (24-in). Plus, it has an optional misting kit to really keep you cool when you're tackling summer outdoor projects.
Floor Fans
Floor fans can be used to add cooling air movement to larger home spaces like family rooms, master bedrooms, & kitchens. They're great in open floor plans and rooms with vaulted or high ceilings that can trap hot air. Usually equipped with at least three fan speeds, they provide higher CFM and many have pivoting heads that allow you to direct airflow. They also come in a variety of styles.
- The Stadler Form Otto floor fan is designed from bamboo and adds flair to any room while providing up to 1,416 CFM of airflow. Featuring 3 fan speeds, this fan operates quietly at only 48.2 dB on high speed and is a great choice for large rooms with high ceilings.
- For a more vintage look, the Vornado VFan Sr. air circulator is available in white or green, has an adjustable fan head, and delivers up to 613 CFM of airflow. Operating at about 53dB on high speed, this distinctive fan provides a cooling breeze to kitchens, family rooms, or basements.
Tower Fans
These tall, slim-profile fans are perfect when floor space is limited. Still providing effective CFM levels, they take up far less space than a floor fan, ideal for dorm rooms, small bedrooms, home studios and the like. Most automatically oscillate to better distribute airflow and many have soft-touch control panels with remote controls for convenience.
- The Sharper Image AXIS Airbar Tower Fan offers more than just slim, elegant styling. This unique fan converts to a low-profile horizontal airbar with fast-connecting magnetic base parts. Also included is a remote control for adjusting 3 speeds, and a 360-degree pivoting head for precise airflow direction.
- Enjoy up to 634 CFM of airflow plus automatic oscillation with the Lasko Wind Curve tower fan. Equipped with Bluetooth connection, you can control this fan from your Smartphone. Its graceful curve design with black & wood finish allows this space-saving fan to fit into any décor.
Pedestal Fans
If you have a large space that needs powerful cooling with some extra features, a pedestal fan might be just the thing. Keeping the conventional fan design, they are mounted on tall—usually adjustable—stands in order to reach a wider airflow area.
Many have adjustable fan heads and automatic oscillation features which make them useful for keeping covered porches, gazebos, community spaces, and other open-plan areas comfortable with cooling airflow.
- From a recognized name in fans, this Hunter Retro Pedestal fan is understated in a brushed nickel finish. Delivering up to 1,532 CFM of airflow it features auto-oscillation, with an adjustable head & stand for customizable cooling. Its all-metal construction is designed to last.
- For a more contemporary vibe, the Boneco Air Shower fan provides 742 CFM with distinctive design features that create a sweeping flow of air. An adjustable fan head that rotates 270 degrees, adjustable height, and 4 fan speeds make it perfect for fast airflow in large areas.
Table & Desk Fans
When you need little extra breeze to keep a smaller room comfortable, a table fan is a great solution. Smaller than floor fans, these handy cooling partners come in a variety of designs and are perfect for adding a bit of air circulation in your bedroom, study, office, or classroom. They also work well for office spaces in more industrial settings where AC control is limited, and are easy to move from place to place.
- For energy efficient operation, the Vornado 533DC Energy Smart air circulator features a DC motor which is 80% more efficient. Variable speed control and an adjustable head allows you to direct airflow wherever it's most needed. Perfect for offices, bedrooms, and dorms.
- The Stadler Form Peter Little is unique as a mini-tower desktop fan. When space is limited, this 14 H x 4.3 D inch fan adds powerful air or a natural breeze to your space. Touch sensitive controls and auto-oscillation make it easy to use and perfect for smaller spaces.
Personal Fans
These little guys are the perfect solution when you want a cooling breeze directed at you while you're busy with anything from office work to knitting! Under 9 inches in height and super-portable, they are the perfect solution for staying calm & cool during the summer, and even year-round, without lowering the thermostat on your AC. Small enough to travel with you all summer!
- This SlumberBreeze personal fan from Lasko combines a cooling breeze with a selection of 5 sound profiles for soft white noise. Great for dorm rooms, apartments, or anywhere you need additional airflow plus noise-suppression. Features USB port for charging your Smartphone.
- With an adjustable head & pivoting axis, the Vornado Pivot Personal fan allows you to direct airflow exactly where its needed. Available in several colors, it's the perfect cooling companion for your desk, nightstand, work cubicle, or studio.
Misting Fans
Great for decks, patios, events, and games, these specialized outdoor fans add a fine mist of water droplets to the airflow. Using water supplied by an ordinary garden hose or from an on-board reservoir, they are equipped with a small nozzle that can usually be adjusted as needed. You can enjoy the same type of cooling mist you may have experienced while waiting in line at a theme park, right in your own back yard—without the line.
- The EcoJet Bob Cool mist fan is a compact, lightweight misting fan that can sit on the floor or tabletop to add another level of cool to your outdoor enjoyment. Adjustable mist rate & volume plus a generous 2-gallon water reservoir make it simple to use.
- Enhance your personal comfort level when relaxing in the sun with the NewAir Outdoor Misting 3-speed Pedestal Fan. Attaches to any garden hose using the misting hose valve, and features 3 speeds plus automatic oscillation for directed misting airflow.
Ceiling Fans
If you're looking for a fan that can be used year-round to help lower cooling & heating costs, a ceiling fan is the answer. During summer, they add cooling airflow in a variety of spaces inside, as well as outdoors under covered areas. In cooler months, they de-stratify the air, moving warmer air down into your living space. With adjustable speeds and a variety of finishes, they add to a room's décor while keeping you comfortable.
- Enjoy cooling comfort with the Haiku with UVC technology ceiling fans from Big Ass Fans. These unique fans are wi-fi enabled and include UVC lights that destroy 99.99% of airborne pathogens while creating a cooling breeze. Available in a wide variety of fan blade colors & finishes and fan diameters, they include a universal ceiling mount with optional 48-in & 60-in. down-rods.
Look at CFM for Airflow
CFM (cubic feet per minute) indicates how powerful the airflow is for a particular fan. Household fans of all types range from 100 CFM for small personal fans, all the way up to over 3,000 CFM for large, heavy-duty fans used in garages or workshops. Most standard sized fans, whether floor, pedestal, tower, or desktop, average around 300-600 CFM using various fan speeds.
How Loud are Household Fans?
Because they utilize moving parts and motors, fans will add some level of noise to your environment. If noise level is of particular concern to you, try to find out a fan's decibel (dB) rating. Some manufacturers list a fan's decibel level while others may not. For an idea of what decibel levels mean, a soft whisper is about 30dB, normal conversation registers at 60dB, while the hum of a refrigerator is around 40dB.
Because they are typically used in close quarters, most personal fans (around 35dB) and table fans (about 48dB) tend run more quietly than other types. Larger floor fans can run at about 55dB while heavy-duty fans designed for maximum airflow are some of the loudest fans.
Special Features
Today's fans come with many features that increase user-friendliness and allow for customization based on user preference. Take a look at this list to help focus in on those you want for your ideal fan.
- Programmable Timers: Help you save energy and reduce overuse.
- Automatic Oscillation: Whether it's from side to side or up and down, this motion widens the scope of airflow around the room.
- Fan Speeds: Adjustable and variable speed settings allow you to tailor air flow to suit the need of the moment.
- Remote Controls: Help you manage your fan from afar.
- Wi-Fi Enabled: This takes remote control further and allows you to use your Smartphone and/or voice control.
- Adjustable Fan Angle/Height: Direct circulating air where you need it the most.
- Dimming and Built-in Lights: When you're trying to relax and sleep, extraneous light is annoying. Many fans auto-dim while some have built-in night lights.
- Misting Capabilities: Fine water droplets evaporated into the air provide even more effective cooling.
Household Fan Maintenance
Compared to other appliances, fans are relatively low-maintenance. The most significant issue related to fan upkeep is preventing dust or dirt buildup on the fan blades and grille, which can significantly shorten its life.
Dust accumulation on the blades creates drag causing the fan motor to work harder. Slow-spinning blades means reduced airflow and the spreading of dust and dirt around the room. The easiest, fastest way to clean your fan is to use your vacuum cleaner's dusting brush on it. Be sure it's turned off and unplugged before cleaning.
Refer to the owner's manual, and if you can remove the grille and/or fan blade, clean them with mild soap in warm water and dry thoroughly before reassembling.
In Summary
Selecting a household fan for the most effective cooing requires discovering the right type of fan for the space where you intend to use it. Check out the CFM for information on airflow, then look at the various special features to find just the right fan for your needs.
