5 Floor Fans You'll Want To Cool Down Your House This Summer
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Beating the heat is a daunting task, especially if you don't have the luxury of AC. As temperatures have skyrocketed due to climate change, areas in the U.S and much of the world that previously had no need for cooling devices during the peak of summer are seeking relief. Recent studies even show that having an indoor fan and decreasing your AC use allows you to reduce energy use without feeling noticeably hotter, per Science Daily. So even if you have a functional AC system, adding a floor fan can be a more efficient energy use, helping to reduce your ecological footprint and perhaps, save money on utility bills.
But all of the buying guides can leave you wondering what the right type of fan for you is. We've found some of the best floor fan options available on Amazon based on various criteria to help you make the best decision when making your purchase.
1. Bestseller on Amazon
Available in 12, 18, and 20-inch sizes, the High-Velocity Heavy Duty Metal Industrial Floor Fan from Simple Deluxe is the best-selling model available on Amazon. And at under $100, it's an absolute steal with over 4,500 5-star reviews. Buyers love its lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry from room to room. Appliance Analysts report that these low-to-the-ground floor fans are the preferred type for garage and industrial spaces. Additionally, customers note its quiet operation and low vibration that isn't overwhelming but can serve as a nice ambient white noise. With a sturdy base, you don't have to worry about kids or pets accidentally knocking it over. It puts out a ton of air at any of its sizes.
But a very few number of people found issues with the fan overheating, which can be detrimental if left unattended. Be sure to monitor the fan for the first few uses to avoid any possible defects or dangerous situations. Because this is a stout and wide fan, it can take up more room than a tower or pedestal, and it can't be placed behind any furniture, as this will obstruct the airflow.
2. Best-selling tower fan
Tower fans are a space-saving miracle that looks sleek and keeps little fingers safe from the blades of traditional floor fans. These models are sometimes a little light on airflow, says the Airflow Academy, but the Honeywell Quietset Whole Room Tower Fan can keep a room extremely cool. With over 35,000 5-star reviews, this is a top-of-the-line tower fan.
If the constant noise of a traditional fan winds you up instead of helping you wind down, then this ultra-quiet tower fan from Honeywell is the fan for you. You can set a timer or turn the fan off without getting up with the help of a remote. Additionally, you can switch between cooling modes depending on how much airflow you need. You can choose between making the fan stationary or oscillating. With a number of bonus features to make this fan tailored to your needs, it's a great buy and looks great, too. Per the cons, some folks reported a light rattling noise, but this was limited to as few as 14 reviews and did not seem to be a common occurrence.
3. Best convertible fan
Convertible fans are a great choice if you need a fan that can go anywhere and can stow away with ease. This model from AlCase can be stored in the cold months without taking up a ton of room and even be with you on the go. If you are working in a stuffy office (away from home or otherwise), a fan that works as a desktop accessory is a great choice, says Lasko.
The AlCase Stand Fan comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that goes best with your home décor. The three settings allow for a ton of options when displaying and transporting your fan. It can work as a desktop or tabletop air circulator or be tucked into a corner, even behind furniture at its highest setting, without being obstructed. However, around eight reviewers found that the fan stopped working, and a few reported the breakdown happening just outside the return window, but this is a very small sampling of reviews.
4. Best floor fan under $50
Super compact, less than $50, and the second best-selling floor fan available on Amazon make the PELONIS 3-Speed Box Fan one of the best picks on our list. The narrow profile of this fan makes it able to sit comfortably on a windowsill or other slight ledge that many options won't fit, and the tight grid cage makes it impossible for pets or kids to be hurt by the powerful turning blades of the device. Choose from three settings for optimal cooling, and easily take this tiny fan from room to room. If you're looking for a fan that doubles as a white noise machine, which DelMar Fans & Lighting notes can help with sleep, this model offers a pleasant, steady hum.
But we do not expect this feature to be pleasing to all consumers. If the ambient noise of fans keeps you up, then opt for one of the quieter models found on this list, as this option is definitely audible.
5. Best looking
Floor fans aren't always the cutest accessory; if you're a dedicated aesthete, it may be tough to bring one into your perfectly curated space. But pedestal fans are an attractive alternative to boxy industrial fans, says Crowdy Home. Some manufacturers have created stylish vintage-inspired fans with all of the modern technology, like the VFAN Sr. Pedestal Vintage Air Circulator Fan from Vornado.
The design of this pedestal fan makes it a gorgeous addition to the home that is a beautiful meeting of style and function. It is also available in an off-white shade if sea foam green clashes with your décor. Beyond its good looks, this fan is built to last through heat waves and daily use with ease. If you find yourself falling in love with the first model, you can buy compact desktop sizes as well. As with any fan on our list, a few folks reported that the fan died suddenly and unexpectedly after light use, but this does not seem close to the norm.