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Different Types of Fans – Choosing the Right One

May 14, 2022
By Swetha

Undoubtedly, fans are the most crucial appliances for residential use and offices. Apart from circulating the air in the room, they also help in maintaining the humidity indoors.

Fans come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. If you want to choose the right type that is suitable for your home, you need to be familiar with the various types.

If you are confused about which one to choose? Do not worry! We are here with this article to provide every information related to the fan types.

In this article, we will discuss in detail about each fan type, its significance, characteristics, and benefits. We collated every piece of information just for you to help you cut down on your research.

Keep scrolling to know how to choose the perfect fan for your home.

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Different Types of Fans for Home or Office

Below are the various types of fans available for household use and offices. Let us try to learn more about each type in detail:

1. Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are the most common and popular type of fans that we often find in many households. Switch on the fan, and it will start rotating in the clockwise or counter clockwise direction.

Construction

Ceiling fans come in two kinds based on the motor used for operations. They are – AC Motor Ceiling Fan and DC Motor Ceiling Fan.

What is an AC motor ceiling fan?

An AC motor fan rotates only in the anti-clockwise direction. Hence, you can use them in only one season.

What is a DC motor ceiling fan?

A DC motor fan rotates in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. When rotating in the clockwise direction, it draws the cool air upwards towards the ceiling. As a result, the cool air gets in contact with the hot air trapped on the ceiling and becomes hot in less time. This rotation is perfect for winters to keep you warm.

When the fan rotates in the anti-clockwise directions, it allows the air to flow downwards. As a result, it cools down the air in less time. This rotation is the best for summers to keep your body cool.

Significant Features of Ceiling Fans

Some models come integrated with LED lights.
They offer 360-degree oscillation.
The modern ceiling fans come with remote control and inverter technology.
They have a lifetime warranty.
They can rotate in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.
Some models come integrated with chains to switch them on or off by pulling the chains.

Energy Efficiency

The DC motor ceiling fans are 70% more energy efficient than the AC motor fans.

Noise

The DC motor fans tend to be silent when operating.

Ideal For

Ceiling fans are ideal for installing them in the bedroom. However, you can also use them in outdoor spaces.

Advantages

The ceiling fan has a longer lifespan and is highly durable.
These fans are easy to install.
They are very easy to clean.
They do not occupy the floor space.
You can use ceiling fans both in the winter and summer seasons.
They are available in 3, 4, 5, and even 8 blades.
A ceiling can easily circulate air in a room of large size.
Using a ceiling fan when operating an air conditioner can help spread the cool air produced around a room.

Disadvantages

Most ceiling fans come integrated with LEDs that replace the light fixtures already in the room.
They tend to be noisy when operating at high speed.

Note: Make sure you install the ceiling fans at least eight feet above the room’s floor. This ensures optimal performances of these appliances.

2. Tower Fans

As the name says, these fans are tall and narrow just like a tower. They are usually sleek and compact in design.

Construction

This fan has blades that are not visible like in the traditional ones. It usually comes with a rotating base, cylindrical blades, and inlets.

The inlets allow the appliance to take the outside air inside. It blows the air at a 90-degree angle, covering large areas.

Moreover, the cylindrical construction of the blades allows pushing the air in both upward and downward directions.

They also contain in-built ionizers that help in air purification.

Significant Features Of Tower Fans

Tower fans help in air filtration.
They blow the air at a 90-degree angle
They come with variable speed settings
Tower fans have a remote control with adjustable settings.
They have an LED display showing various details like the temperature, fan speed, mode, oscillation, etc.
They contain a pre-programmable timer
Many models come with a programmable thermostat.

Energy Efficiency

A tower fan consumes less power than an air cooler.

Noise

A tower fan facilitates silent operation.

Ideal For

Tower fans are most suitable for placing them in bedrooms and living rooms.

Advantages

Tower fans are very lightweight.
They are sleek and compact in design.
They are easy to clean.
They are easily portable.
They are easy to operate.
They are easy to store.
Most models come with anti-dust and anti-allergen features.
Tower fans occupy less floor space.
They are environmental-friendly.
These fans are kids and pets-friendly.
They consume very little power.

Disadvantages

Tower fans are a little expensive than normal fans.
They are not suitable for larger rooms. They are ideal for only small and medium-sized rooms.
They come with a plastic body.
These fans are less powerful.

3. Pedestal Fan

These are the most versatile fans with great cooling abilities.

Construction

The pedestal fans also called stand fans, come with a detachable stand. This stand has adjustable settings, and you can adjust the height according to your requirements.

They also come with an in-built oscillating feature that maximizes the air distribution and transfer inside the room.

You can easily operate them by plugging in the socket and turning it on.

Significant Features Of Pedestal Fans

The pedestal fans are multi-functional appliances.
They come with adjustable settings for height.
They have an in-built oscillating feature that allows 180-degree oscillation.
They have variable speed settings.
They are lightweight.
The pedestal fans are easy to carry from one room to another.
Many models come with a remote control feature.
The pedestal fans have a high CFM rating.
Some models have a digital display feature.
These fans come with an auto shut-off timer.

Energy Efficiency

A pedestal fan is a power-saving fan since it consumes less power.

Noise

A pedestal fan can be a little noisy.

Ideal For

The pedestal fans are ideal for having them outdoors. You can also place them in your bedrooms.

Advantages

Pedestal fans are very cost-effective and cheaper than ceiling fans.
They are multi-functional and come with a host of features.
These fans are stronger and powerful.
The high-end models from pedestal fans are very quiet.
The pedestal fans are easy to carry between the rooms.
They are easy to clean.
You can disassemble a pedestal fan easily and effortlessly.
These fans have a longer life expectancy.

Disadvantages

The pedestal fans require more space for installing in a room.
They tend to be noisy when operating at high speed.
They allow air circulation in only one direction.

4. Bladeless Fan

When we talk about fans, we cannot stop thinking about the blades it has. What if I told you about a fan that has invisible blades! Yes, it is the bladeless fans that are an advanced version of the tower fan.

Construction

As mentioned above, these fans do not contain any visible blades. Instead, they have the motor, and the blades kept hidden inside the base of the appliance.

The bladeless fan works similarly to the reverse vacuum cleaner. It uses a brushless DC motor that absorbs the surrounding air through the base. It then amplifies the air almost 15 to 18 times before blowing it outside.

These fans come in elongated oval and spherical shapes.

Significant Features Of Bladeless Fans

The bladeless fans have invisible blades.
It is unique, sleek, and compact in design.
These fans help in air filtration.
They come with variable speed settings.
The bladeless fans have a remote control with adjustable settings.
These fans contain a pre-programmable timer.
Many models come with a programmable thermostat.

Energy Efficiency

The bladeless fans are very energy-efficient, as they consume a very small amount of power.

Noise

The bladeless fans are completely noiseless.

Ideal For

They are an excellent choice for use in bedrooms and even offices.

Advantages

Bladeless fans are very powerful.
They are easy to clean.
You do not have to disassemble the fan.
You can control the speed and other settings using a remote.
Their sleek and elegant design helps in improving the aesthetic appeal of your home.
These fans are kids and pets-friendly.
They facilitate noiseless operation.

Disadvantages

The bladeless fans are very expensive.

5. Desk/Table Fan

As the name says, these fans are specifically designed for placing them on the desk or a table.

Construction

The desk fans or table fans come in several models and designs. Some look similar to the pedestal fans. However, they do not have any stand. Some models are a smaller version of the tower fans, as well. Few others come in other shapes.

Significant Features Of Table Fans

The table fans come with a tiltable head, which you can adjust based on your requirement.
They come with multiple speed controls.
Most modern versions have remote controls.
180-degree angle rotation and oscillation.

Energy Efficiency

The table fans consume very little power.

Noise

The table fans tend to be very noisy.

Ideal For

The table fans are ideal for personal or individual use. You can place them on your reading table, bathroom, living room, terrace, etc.

Advantages

It does not require any installation.
It is small and compact in design.
These fans come with variable speed controls.
Modern table fans have a remote control with adjustable settings.
They are available in different sizes, shapes, and designs.
The table fans are easily portable.
They are faster than the ceiling fans.
These fans are very lightweight.
The table fans are very affordable.
They are environmental-friendly in nature.

Disadvantages

There are chances of fatal accidents while operating.
The table fans may be a little difficult to clean and consume more time in this process.
These are within reach of the children, and hence there are increased chances of them getting injured.
The table fans need a solid surface to place them on.
These fans are less powerful.

6. Floor Fan

As the name says, these fans are exclusively designed for placing on the floor.

Construction

The floor fans come in several models, designs, shapes, and types. Box fans and window fans are the most common types found in floor fans.

Significant Features Of Floor Fans

The floor fans come with tiltable heads.
They have a metal steel or superior grade plastic body.
They come with adjustable height settings.
They come with multiple speed controls.
180-degree angle rotation and oscillation.

Energy Efficiency

The floor fans consume very little power.

Noise

The floor fans tend to be very noisy.

Ideal For

These fans are super convenient to place anywhere. You can even have them outdoors like the terrace, balconies, etc.

Advantages

A floor fan does not require any installation.
It is small and compact in design.
These fans come with variable speed controls.
They are available in different sizes, shapes, and types.
The floor fans are easily portable.
You can use the floor fans almost anywhere.
These fans are very lightweight.
The floor fans are very affordable.
They are eco-friendly in nature.
These fans are very powerful.

Disadvantages

There are chances of fatal accidents while operating.
These fans are within reach of the children or pets. Hence there are increased chances of them getting injured.
Floor fans need a solid surface to place them on.

7. Exhaust Fan

We all know about exhaust fans, and why we use them. Mostly found in kitchens and bathrooms, these fans help in maintaining a comfortable temperature and quality of air.

Construction

These fans operate through electricity. When electric current passes through the system, it initiates the operation of the fan. They rotate at high speed absorbing all the moisture and hot air from the room and expelling it outside.

Significant Features Of Exhaust Fans

The exhaust fans come with a built-in thermostat.
They come in ducted and non-ducted models.

Energy Efficiency

They are energy-efficient fans.

Noise

They tend to make a loud noise when operating.

Ideal For

The exhaust fans are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms to remove hot air, odour, and pollutants.

Advantages

The exhaust fans help in eliminating unpleasant odours.
They reduce humidity and excess moisture in the bathrooms.
These fans remove airborne contaminants.
They maintain the temperature inside the kitchen and bathroom.
The exhaust fans improve the air quality.
They increase indoor comfort.

Disadvantages

The exhaust fans require installation.
These fans are very loud while operating.
Improper or poor installation does not allow the humidity, heat, and moisture to expel out. Instead, these escape into other areas of the home.

8. Wall-Mounted Fan

As the name says, these fans come mounted on the wall.

Construction

These fans are exclusively designed for spaces with low ceilings and compact areas, etc. They function and operate differently when compared to regular ceiling fans. They do not circulate the air downwards like the ceiling fans. Instead, they push the air horizontally throughout the area of their installation.

Significant Features Of Wall-mounted Fans

The wall-mounted fans come with a plug-on and off operation.
They are lightweight.
They come with multiple speed controls.
180-degree angle rotation and oscillation.
Many models come with a remote control feature.

Energy Efficiency

The wall-mounted fans are energy-efficient fans.

Noise

The wall-mounted fans can be loud when operating.

Ideal For

These fans are ideal for low ceilings and compact spaces. You can install them in small offices, auditoriums, warehouses, etc.

Advantages

The wall-mounted fans are easy to install.
They do not occupy the floor space.
These fans are lightweight.
It is small and compact in design.
These fans come with variable speed controls.
They help in effectively circulating the air.
These fans are very durable.
They are easily portable.
They provide instant cooling.
The wall-mounted fans are available in different sizes.

Disadvantages

The wall-mounted fans are best at providing direct air in a particular area of the room.
They may not circulate air in all parts of the room.

9. Misting Fan

The misting fans are the best alternative for air conditioning units.

Construction

These fans come with water jets that produce mist at periodic intervals. Hence the name, misting fans. They contain water tanks, high-pressure water pumps, and misting nozzles. They work by using evaporative cooling technology. The user needs to fill the water tanks with water. The pumps below the water at high pressure, which passes through the nozzles and breaks down into water droplets.

Significant Features Of Misting Fans

Some models of the misting fans come with tiltable heads.
They come with adjustable height settings.
They come with multiple speed controls.
The misting fans come in both stationary and portable options.
They are weather-proof and rust-resistant.
The high-end models come with temperature detecting sensors.

Energy Efficiency

Misting fans are more energy-efficient than air conditioners.

Noise

The misting fans can be very loud when operating at full speed.

Ideal For

The misting fans are ideal for dry and hot areas.

Advantages

The misting fans are excellent cooling appliances.
The mist produced from these fans does not wet your clothes or skin.
They are available in various sizes and pressure levels.
These fans are cost-effective.
They are highly durable.
They come in both portable and stationary models.
These fans are water-proof.
The misting fans drop down the temperature and give a cooling effect.

Disadvantages

The misting fans are not suitable for areas having high humidity.
You need to refill the water tanks.
There will be water build-up in front of the fan.
Fans with the indoor label are still not suitable for rooms.

10. Attic Fan

Attic ventilation fans are exclusively designed to cool the attic.

Construction

The attic fans are similar to ceiling fans because even these get installed on the ceiling. However, you can use these appliances only in your attic.

The attic fans help in maximizing the effectiveness of the AC unit. They draw cool air from the outside through the attic vents and push the hot air outside. They can be a powerful addition to your ventilating system.

Significant Features Of Attic Fans

These fans come with a variable-speed motor.
They come with an in-built thermostat.
They have an in-built humidistat.
Some models from the attic fans have automatic shutters.
They are weather-proof and rust-resistant.
The high-end models come with temperature detecting sensors.

Energy Efficiency

The attic ventilation fans are very energy efficient.

Noise

The attic fans can be quite louder while operating.

Ideal For

They are best suitable as a supplemental ventilation system in homes that have ACs already installed.

Advantages

The attic fans help in minimizing the electricity bills.
They keep the home cool during the summer months.
They keep the home warm in the winter by reducing the moisture.
They lessen or eliminate the mould build-up
The attic fans help in maintaining a steady temperature inside the house.
These fans help in reducing the strain on your AC.
They lengthen the life of the air conditioning unit.
The attic fans prolong the life of your roof and insulation.

Disadvantages

The attic ventilation fans require installation.
They are very loud while operating.
Improper or poor installation may saturate the spread of humidity, heat, and moisture in the home.
The attic ventilation fans may trigger the build-up of carbon monoxide.

Conclusion

I hope this article gave you deep insights into the different types of fans, along with their significant features and pros and cons. Now that you are aware of everything related to fan types, choosing the right one will no longer be a confusing task. Let us know what type would you choose and why by posting your answers in the comments.

Write to us in the comments section below if you find this article helpful and informative. Let us know if you have any questions or need more information on this topic. You can also add your inputs to this article and let us know if we missed out on any points.

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Stay healthy and stay safe!!!