Fan buying guide
Last updated: March 7, 2024
Fans, also known as air circulators, provide effortless cooling in a variety of situations. They are powered machines, which create a flow of air through rotation of blades. By circulating air around a room efficiently, fans provide a constant feeling of freshness. New technology and the latest features have made fans a viable cooling option available at a fraction of the price of Portable air conditioners and Evaporative air coolers.​
How does a fan work?
​As mentioned, fans work by circulating air around a room. They consist of a rotating assembly of blades and a hub called a rotor. The rotor is contained within the housing. The housing can direct the airflow, ensuring safety by preventing the fan blades touching objects. Ventilating the ambient air of a room naturally stimulates the movement of cold and warm air flow.
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This variation of flow causes an overall lowering of the temperature to provide a sensation of cooling and freshness. The more volume of air is displaced, the stronger the feeling of cooling. The potential volume of air that can be displaced depends on the size and power of the fan. It is important to consider that fans, even of a high power, are not able to significantly lower the temperature of a room as well as an air conditioner.
Components of an electric fan
Capacitor: Start capacitor is used in electric fans, As we know capacitors stores energy and this stored energy is used to rotate the fan from rest state. This capacitor increases electric fan motor torque and allows motor to rotate rapidly.
This capacitor remains in to circuit until only the electric fan reaches predetermined speed, This predetermined speed is usually the 75% of the full speed of fan and when fan reaches the predetermined speed this capacitor is taken out of the circuit and will again be incorporated into circuit when fan comes at rest state.
Axle: Axle or Shaft is the metallic rod mostly made up of mild steel. Axle is connected from ceiling to fan housing. It stays at rest motion while bearings supporting the housing over it rotates. It also has arrangement for transfer of current to the stator windings.
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Bearings: Ball bearings are used in the electric fan. As shown in the picture above, two bearings which are link between housing and axle gives the rotary motion to the housing.
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Stator: Stator winding is simply the stationary winding in the electric fan motor winding. Stator winding means thousands of turns of conducting wire on any non conducting structure like a coil. This winding has very low resistance. Main purpose of stator winding is to convert electric current into magnetic field.
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Rotor: Rotor in the electric motor is the permanent magnetic in the shape of half circles. Usually two pieces of magnets are used in Electric fan but this can change to 3 pcs or to single pc depending upon size and capacity of electric fan.
Housing: Housing is the outer part of the electric fan which carries stator, rotor and drive shaft bearing assembly on inside and blades on outer sides.
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Blades: Blades or wings are the hanging part bolted on the outer area of housing. Three blades are mostly used and their length and the angle of air throw depends upon the size and capacity of electric motor.
The working principle of electric fans
A typical electric fan works on the principle of conversion of electric energy into mechanical energy by means of magnetic fields. In this case converted mechanical energy is consumed as rotary motion of fan blades.
When alternating current (AC) is supplied to the electric fan, it first reaches the capacitor and then the capacitor delivers high energy to the stator windings. When the fan's stator winding energizes, it activates a rotating magnetic field and which forces the rotor to rotate in the direction of rotating magnetic field.
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In this way electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy which causes the rotor and housing to spin and the blades attached to the housing throws away the air nearby it while creating cooling effect.
Desk fans
These are perfect for individual use in the office or at home when quick efficient cooling is required. They also have an oscillating feature to spread the cool air around the room. They can simply be turned on and the refreshing airflow will be noticed immediately.
Tower fans
These are ideal for cramped spaces due to their tall and narrow shape. They offer an oscillating mode so the cool air can be circulated throughout the room, or in one area. They are safer for households with young children and pets, as the blades are safely concealed. They are strong and sturdy, capable of strong air output and are favored for their quiet noise operation. Below is an example of a tower cooling fan or heater.
Pedestal fans
These are larger than desk fans making them better for covering bigger rooms. They consist of a large blade inside a housing unit that sits on top of a stand, allowing a wider range of oscillation to spread the cool air. Many pedestal fans are height adjustable making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Floor fans
These are larger than desk fans but smaller than pedestal fans and can cool down rooms of all sizes. Most floor standing fans will resemble a pedestal fan minus the stand, with an open design allowing more air to be drawn through the fan. They feature more powerful motors with variable speeds, to cool the room faster.
Ceiling mounted fans
These are exactly what their name suggests, suspend from a ceiling and have the ability to cool whole rooms, making them great alternatives to air conditioning systems.
Tower fans vs Pedestal fans
In general, tower fans have more and better features such as night lights and purifiers compared to pedestal fans. They also come in a variety of styles, sizes and are normally much quieter. However, tower fans are generally less powerful than pedestal fans and have a smaller output size. If you are looking for a fan similar to the Dyson air purifier, check out our new Devola bladeless fan range.
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Pedestal fans are more powerful than tower fans as they have much bigger blades giving them more airflow output. This makes them an ideal choice for larger rooms. The direction of the airflow can also be easily controlled without the need to physically move the unit. However, pedestal fans tend to be much louder than tower fans. They also have limited features and variations in terms of style and size.
Key points to consider before buying a fan
Fan power
A combination of two key factors determines how powerful a fan is: the size of the fan and its speed settings. The higher the power output of your fan, the higher the airflow will be. Desk fans have the lowest airflow, tower fans and floor fans are in the middle, and Pedestal Fans have the highest airflow.
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Fans by room size
A small fan suits a small space, while a bigger fan is suits a larger space. If a fast, portable cooling solution is needed in a bedroom, pedestal fans work well because the height can be adjusted and angled so the unit is facing the bed (with the fan facing one direction or oscillating around). On the other hand, tower fans tend to suit living room areas because they’re more compact and can be positioned out of the way.
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If something more permanent is required for the home, a ceiling fan is a cost-effective way to cool bedrooms and living rooms. Ceiling fans require a ceiling height of at least 2.1 - 2.4 metres to perform best, and the fan may need to be lowered if the ceiling is higher. Ceiling fans also consume less electricity than air conditioners, and most pedestal fans and tower fans (depending on which fan speed they are using). Fans with a DC motor are the most efficient to run.
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Fan speed
A fan with higher speed settings and a higher wattage provides more power and airflow.
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Fan noise levels
It is important to take consideration of the noise level a fan will produce when operating. A loud desk fan can break your concentration while working, with the close proximity of the fan making the noise more noticeable. It is essential to look at a desk fan with a quiet noise level. If you are looking to cool down your bedroom so you can sleep peacefully at night, a tower fan is the best option as they are the quietest models. Tower fans are generally quieter than pedestal fans, and come with many night modes.
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NOTE: It is always important to check the room's requirements against the fan's specifications before purchasing.
FAQs | Here are some frequently asked questions
What is an oscillating head?
This is a rotating fan head which ensures all areas are covered.
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What are speed settings
Multiple speed settings to control the amount of air being displaced.
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I don't understand what tilt action refers to
This feature allows a fan to be maneuvered in various directions.
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Does a typical fan have an electronic timer?
This controls the operating time of a fan. Some fans also feature a sleep timer program to switch the fan off late at night whilst sleeping.
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What exactly does a hand held remote control do?
This hand held device allows the fan to be controlled conveniently from a distance.
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Is a noise level important?
This is a measure of how loud a fan is on a certain speed setting. Some fans are so quiet, most people will comfortably go to sleep with the fan working in the background.
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Why do fans have a protective cage?
This is a safety feature to protect small children and pets from getting their fingers injured by the rotating fan blades. Protective cages are an important design feature on heavy duty industrial fans.
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Please explain to me what reverse speed is?
This feature reverses the speed of the blades to heat a room to an even temperature.
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What are integrated lights?
This is a handy light fitting option that some fans may come with. A night light helps to identify controls on the fans at night.
How to contact us
Our friendly customer support team are happy to assist you Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 5:00pm.
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Live chat support: Speak to our livechat team
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Email: support@shuddle.co.uk
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Telephone: 01234 567 890
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(Current call wait time: Less than 3 minutes | Emails typically replied to within 24 hours of receipt)
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