Buying Guide: Fans

When the sweltering heat of summer becomes too much to bear, fans come to the rescue. These simple yet effective devices are your trusty companions for keeping cool, maintaining air circulation, and creating a more comfortable living environment.

But in a market flooded with options, choosing the right fan can be overwhelming. That's why we've created this buying guide, designed to help you select the perfect fan to suit your needs.

Types of fans

When it comes to finding the perfect fan, it's essential to understand the diverse options available. Fans come in various shapes and sizes, each designed with unique features to cater to different cooling needs. In this section, we'll explore the four primary types of fans:

Tower fans

Tower fans are celebrated for their sleek and space-saving design. Standing vertically, they not only complement modern decor but also maximise valuable floor space. What sets them apart is their efficient oscillating feature, ensuring a wide horizontal sweep of refreshing air.

This unique design allows them to be effective in both small, confined spaces and larger rooms, providing consistent and widespread cooling. Tower fans are favoured for their compactness and efficient airflow distribution, making them a popular choice for those who appreciate the marriage of style and substance.

Pedestal fans

Pedestal fans offer the utmost in adaptability and versatility. With adjustable height stands and customizable airflow controls, these fans empower you to tailor the cooling experience to your exact specifications.

Whether you're seeking a gentle breeze in your cosy bedroom, a refreshing airflow in your capacious living room, or anything in between, pedestal fans have the flexibility to deliver. Their ability to adjust both height and airflow direction makes them ideal for accommodating different room sizes and layouts, ensuring you can create a cooling solution that is precisely tailored to your needs.

Box fans

Box fans, characterised by their classic square shape, are simple yet remarkably effective workhorses in the world of fans. These fans are designed with one primary purpose: to cool efficiently. Their versatility allows them to be placed in windows for cross-ventilation, facilitating the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, or used as standalone cooling devices.

Box fans are often the preferred choice for those seeking reliable and budget-friendly cooling solutions that simply get the job done. Their uncomplicated design and powerful performance make them a staple in various settings.

Floor fans

When the need for cooling extends beyond the ordinary, floor fans rise to the occasion. Engineered for robust performance, these fans are tailored for challenging environments such as garages, workshops, or large living areas.

Their sturdy construction and high airflow capacity make them the undisputed choice for tackling the most demanding cooling requirements. Floor fans not only cool effectively but also endure the rigours of rugged use. If you require cooling that can stand up to tough conditions and deliver powerful airflow, floor fans are your dependable allies.

How to choose the right fan for your needs

Selecting the perfect fan is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring comfort and efficiency. To help you make an informed decision, let's delve deeper into the critical factors to consider:

Think about size and fan power

The first step is to assess your room's dimensions. Measure the length, width, and height of the room, taking into account any open areas, hallways, or adjacent spaces. Once you have these measurements, calculate the room's volume in cubic feet by multiplying the length, width, and height. Understanding your room's volume is essential because it directly influences the fan's effectiveness.

Next, you'll want to consider the fan's power, often measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This metric indicates how much air the fan can move in one minute. To ensure efficient cooling, you should aim for a fan with a CFM rating that matches or exceeds the room's volume. This ensures that the fan can circulate the air effectively and maintain a comfortable temperature.

The size of the fan also matters. Tower fans typically have lower CFM ratings compared to pedestal or floor fans. For small to medium-sized rooms, a tower fan may be sufficient. However, for larger spaces, consider opting for a pedestal or floor fan with a higher CFM rating to ensure adequate airflow.

Additionally, some fans come equipped with oscillation features, which can help distribute air more evenly throughout the room. If you have a large area to cool, a fan with oscillation can be a valuable feature to consider.

Consider how much noise it makes

While the primary purpose of a fan is to cool, it's equally important to consider noise levels, especially if you plan to use the fan in a bedroom, home office, or any other quiet space. Excessive noise can disrupt your sleep, work, or relaxation.

Fans are rated in decibels (dB), with lower dB numbers indicating quieter operation. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the decibel rating of the fan you're interested in. Keep in mind that quieter fans typically come with a higher price tag. Many fan models are specifically designed to reduce noise. Look for fans marketed as "quiet" or "whisper-quiet." These fans often feature noise-reducing technologies and quieter motors.

Some fans come equipped with a "night mode" or "sleep mode" feature. This mode reduces fan speed and noise levels during nighttime operation, promoting a more peaceful sleeping environment. Where you place the fan can also affect perceived noise levels. Position the fan farther away from your sleeping area or use a fan with remote control to easily adjust settings without getting up.

Energy efficiency and cost savings

In today's environmentally conscious world, energy efficiency is a crucial consideration when choosing a fan. Energy-efficient fans not only reduce your electricity bills but also have a positive impact on the environment.

Look for fans with the Energy Star certification. This certification indicates that the fan meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star fans typically consume 15-20% less energy than non-certified models.

Check the fan's power consumption in watts. Lower-wattage fans are generally more energy-efficient. Fans with multiple speed settings allow you to adjust the airflow according to your needs. This flexibility helps you save energy by not running the fan at maximum speed when it's not necessary.

Consider investing in smart fans that can be controlled remotely through smartphone apps or voice commands. These fans often come with energy-saving features and scheduling options.

Other things to think about when buying a fan

Beyond the fundamental factors, there are additional features that can enhance your fan experience. Let's explore these options:

Air purification functions

Some fans go beyond cooling and offer air purification functions. These fans are equipped with features such as HEPA filters that help improve indoor air quality by capturing dust, allergens, and pollutants.

If you're concerned about the quality of the air you breathe, a fan with air purification functions can provide both cooling and cleaner air, making your space healthier and more comfortable.

Remote controls

Remote controls provide convenience and ease of use. With a remote control, you can adjust fan settings from the comfort of your seat. This feature is especially handy if you're using the fan in a bedroom or any other space where you don't want to get up to make adjustments.

Look for fans that come with user-friendly remote controls that allow you to change settings like fan speed, oscillation, and timer settings.

Timer settings

Timer settings offer convenience and energy savings. Fans equipped with timer functions allow you to set a specific runtime for the fan. For example, you can set the fan to run for two hours and then automatically turn off.

This is especially useful if you like to have a fan on while you sleep but don't want it running all night. Timer settings help conserve energy and create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Adjustable tilt

Fans with adjustable tilt offer a level of control and customization that can significantly enhance your cooling experience. This feature allows you to precisely direct the airflow exactly where you want it, ensuring that you receive maximum comfort.

The ability to adjust the tilt of a fan head is particularly beneficial when you need to target specific areas or create efficient air circulation in a room. For example, on a hot summer day, you can tilt the fan slightly upward to direct cool air towards the ceiling. This causes the air to circulate and eventually cool the entire room more effectively. On the other hand, if you're looking for direct and immediate relief, you can tilt the fan downward to focus the airflow right where you need it.

Furthermore, adjustable tilt comes in handy when you want to cool specific spots, such as a reading nook, a work desk, or your sleeping area. The flexibility to control the direction of airflow allows you to stay comfortable without having to move the entire fan.

In addition to cooling, adjustable tilt can be advantageous during the colder months. By directing warm air downwards, you can create a more even temperature distribution in your living space, which can help you reduce heating costs.

When selecting a fan with adjustable tilt, look for models that provide a wide range of tilt angles, ensuring you have maximum control over the direction of the airflow. This feature adds a new dimension to your cooling strategy, offering comfort and efficiency at your fingertips.

The range of fans at Briscoes

At Briscoes, we understand that every individual has unique cooling needs and preferences. That's why we offer a diverse range of fans from top brands. Our selection includes a variety of fan types and models, ensuring that you'll find the perfect cooling solution for your space.

Whether you're in search of a space-saving tower fan, an adaptable pedestal fan, a reliable box fan, or a robust floor fan, our range caters to all your requirements. Shop Briscoes’ fans now.