Fan Buying Guide

Keeping your home cool during the summer months can be a challenge, particularly if you do not have air conditioning units. Buying fans can help you leave your rooms comfortably chilled, but which model you end up purchasing will depend on several factors.

1. Types of Fans

The size of your rooms, your budget and personal preference will all affect your decision on what type of fan to buy. Here are the most common models:

Desk Fans

For a quick and easy solution, desk fans are perfect for both home and office environments.

Simply plug the fan into an available socket and you can enjoy cooler air in minutes.

Pedestal Fans

These are larger than a desk fan, making them better for covering bigger rooms.

Height-adjustable models are available to provide you with greater flexibility and control.

Tower Fans

Suffering from a lack of space? Tower fans could be just the ticket, with these tall and narrow fans taking up little floor room.

Despite this, they are strong models and usually very quiet.

Ceiling Fans

As their name suggests, these fans suspend from the ceiling and should cool the whole room.

Ceiling fans offer a powerful and economic alternative to air conditioning units, but if used with an air-conditioner can increase its efficiency.

2. Fan Power

The power of portable fans – desk, pedestal and tower models – is largely decided by the size of the unit and its speed settings, so consult a fan size guide for help.

Higher speed settings result in a cooler temperature and provide you with more control, while bigger fans can cover larger areas.

Ceiling fans are driven by motors, so you will need to check the size and power of the motor before you buy.

3. Additional Features

Some common features to look out for in portable fans include:

Oscillating head: A rotating fan head ensures a larger area is cooled

Tilt action: Allows you to manoeuvre the fan in various directions

Timer: Controls the operating time. Can include a sleep timer

Protective cage/mesh: A safety feature for small children and pets

Remote control: Turn your fan on and off with the ultimate in convenience

Additional features are also available when buying ceiling fans:

Reverse speed: Reverse action circulates heat for an even room temperature

Controls: Opt for a basic pull chain, wall controls or hand-held remote

Integrated lights: Some ceiling fans come with a light fitting option

Ceiling drop: The measurement for how far from the ceiling the fan will sit