...and get benefits!
When temperatures rise and the air seems to stagnate, it's time to keep a cool head! It is not always possible to equip a room with an air conditioning device and this can prove too costly. Alternatively, you can simply counteract oppressive heat with a powerful fan. Whether inexpensive fans or high-end devices: there are many ways to bring a breath of fresh air into your four walls - both at home and in the office.
Depending on the area of application, there are several different types of fans available, which differ to a greater or lesser extent in their design, performance and mode of operation. Most models are based on a rotor that sucks in the ambient air and sets it in motion. This applies equally to inexpensive fans such as the table fan, stand fan, tower fan and floor fan.
A major exception in the world of fans is the modern myStream design fan from Klarstein. This model is a rotorless fan that attracts attention not only because of its innovative design. Especially in an environment where children or pets are present, carelessness often leads to dangerous situations that often end with painful contact with the sharp edges of the rotor blades. This is where the rotorless design pays off in particular, as the risk of injury is quite simply minimised.
The most frequently used fan, which can be found in the vast majority of offices, shops and also at home, is the pedestal fan. Its simple design and ease of use are impressive. This fan can be used in practically any environment without any major problems. This classic fan is characterised by a large stand on which the fan itself is usually located at a height of approx. 1.10 m to 1.40 m. In some cases, the height can also be adjusted to suit the user's own requirements.
In some cases, the height can also be adjusted to one's own wishes. The fan is usually surrounded by a metal grille to prevent the rotor from coming into contact with anything other than air. The rotor of the floor fans, which is usually between 40 cm and 50 cm in size, can usually circulate considerably more air than the smaller table fans. This makes them particularly suitable for larger rooms. Due to the high power, it is best not to position the stand fan too close to people so that no problems arise from draughts.
High-quality models, however, can do more than just circulate air. In addition to automatic swivelling, some modern floor fans even have the option of releasing cool water mist into the air stream. The liquid is stored in an integrated water tank and only gradually released by the fan. This increases the cooling effect enormously and has other advantages as well. The accompanying increase in humidity ensures that unpleasant suspended particles such as dust and pollen are bound by the fine water droplets. This is a blessing for allergy sufferers in particular, as they can breathe more freely.
In some areas, the use of a floor fan can be the optimal solution. Its design is limited to the essentials and offers high performance in comparatively compact dimensions. Its rotor is comparable in size to that of the floor fan, but is supported only by a minimalist construction. Depending on requirements, this fan can be aligned and its output adjusted. This makes it particularly universal and flexible in use.
For small rooms or directly at the workplace, the compact table fan is a good way to generate cool air precisely where it is needed. Thanks to the smaller effective area, no one else is disturbed by the possibly unwanted air flow and it also consumes a little less energy. In its design, the table fan is very similar to the floor fan, with the difference that it is significantly lower and somewhat smaller in diameter. The table fan can also usually swing back and forth automatically to optionally supply a larger area in the room with fresh air. Depending on the model, the speed of the rotor can be adjusted in several steps or even continuously. In terms of price, these devices are comparatively inexpensive fans.
In its mode of operation and even more so in its design, the tower fan or column fan clearly stands out from the other variants. Its appearance is more reminiscent of an air conditioner than a fan, as there is no rotor to be seen. In fact, however, the rotor is only hidden in the surrounding housing. The axis of the fan is aligned radially to the air flow and extends from the bottom to the top of the housing.
Unlike the stand fan, the angle of inclination of this fan cannot be adjusted, which limits its flexibility somewhat. The amount of air that this type of fan can circulate is significantly higher than that of the other types. However, the extra power usually has to be paid for with an equally higher noise level. If the fan is to work quietly, other types are better suited. This fan is usually best suited for open-plan offices or similarly spacious environments.
Air coolers have some amazing features that are often not noticed at first glance because they are sometimes pejoratively dubbed second-class air conditioners. Yet they are more versatile than you might think: The fan can be adjusted in several stages so that the desired cooling effect can be created at one's own discretion.
In addition, most room air coolers have a heating function that provides pleasant warmth even on cold days. While the operating time of an air conditioner is limited to the summer months, a high-quality air cooler is ready for use all year round.
The fan with a cooling battery provides noticeable cooling, especially in small rooms, while large rooms should rather be cooled with an air conditioner. The mobile air cooler has a sophisticated filter system to keep the room air clean. This means pollen doesn't stand a chance, so the purchase of an air cooler for allergy sufferers quickly pays for itself.
The large number of different types does not necessarily make it easy to choose the right model. However, different designs, innovative features and, of course, different price levels ensure that everyone finds the right fan for the respective application. The search can be simplified with the help of a few criteria. Nowadays, a modern fan often has a practical remote control, for example, with which the device can be adjusted from a distance.
In large rooms, this can be a great advantage, especially if the cool breeze is only desired periodically. Anyone who wants to buy a fan at a reasonable price should not ignore the operating costs of the device in addition to the purchase price. For a small office, for example, a large tower fan is not usually necessary. On the other hand, in a large room with a large number of workplaces, it can replace several inexpensive fans and thus represent the more efficient variant. Basically, one can orientate oneself by the dimensions of the respective rotor. The larger the room to be ventilated, the larger the diameter should be.
An important factor for a good fan is ultimately also the noise level. This can vary quite a lot, averaging around 30 to 50 dB, and in the long run also has an effect on one's own stress level. If you are in the immediate vicinity of a running fan for a longer period of time, you should ideally choose a model that operates as quietly as possible. Whether a fan runs quietly can be found in the manufacturer's specifications in the respective product description. Families with children or pets should pay attention to a high safety standard when choosing a fan. A good guard or even the fan without a rotor will help prevent accidents and provide a high level of safety in everyday life.
To ensure optimal functioning and a safe stand, a few points should be taken into account when setting up the fan. The large pedestal and column fans are best positioned in the corner of the room where they will not get in the way. If they are running at their highest speed, a distance of 2 metres from the wind machine is ideally maintained.
The smaller table fans, on the other hand, can be placed on the desk or on a shelf. There, care should be taken that they stand firmly and on a level surface so that they cannot fall over. Depending on the power, a certain distance to the unit is recommended to avoid unpleasant draughts. A distance of at least 30 to 50 cm should be maintained.
For more detailed tips on how to buy the right cooling device have a look at our Air Conditioner Buying Guide.
