October 17, 2024
Can there be problems with how to choose a fan? A simple thing - a motor, an impeller, a stand. Turn it on - it works, what else? But here it does not. With a thoughtful approach, you will be surprised to find that in fact the choice of fan varieties is large, and this must be done wisely. Even if we are talking exclusively about household fans for the home.
Why not an air conditioner?
Firstly, a fan is always cheaper.
Secondly, even stationary models are much easier to install than air conditioners. If the house is too hot for a short time, there is no point in buying an expensive air conditioner. It is much easier to get a fan out of a closet or pantry, and when the hot period is over, put it out of sight.
Thirdly, these two devices have different functions. An air conditioner maintains a set temperature, and a fan simply creates air movement in a certain direction. Although fan heaters are capable of heating the air, but we will talk about this separately.
A fan does not dry the air. Most models are mobile and can be easily moved around the house.
Types of household fans
Household appliances can be:
floor;
table;
wall;
ceiling;
duct.
The design of these devices also varies. In everyday life, axial and tangential devices are usually used.
There are varieties by the method of fastening, by the degree of protection from harmful factors, but for household models this does not matter much.
How to choose the right fan for different rooms of the house?
living rooms
For these rooms, table, floor and ceiling fans are most often used. Floor models can be both axial and tangential. The remaining varieties are always axial. Floor tangential devices are made in the form of a column.
Column models can be equipped with additional functions:
built-in humidifier;
heating element for heating air masses;
temperature sensor;
remote control and LCD screen.
The cost of such advanced fans is much higher than that of conventional floor models. They look stylish and are quite safe in all respects.
The most powerful are ceiling varieties. If conventional devices are equipped with 40-50 W motors, then a more powerful electric motor of up to 250 W is required to drive the large blades of a ceiling model. The blades of a ceiling fan do not rotate at a high speed, but their unhurried movement creates a constant pleasant movement of air directed from top to bottom. Such a fan is especially appropriate above the bed in the bedroom, above the dining table in the living room. Often such fans are installed on terraces and in gazebos near a country house. In this case, you should take care of protection from moisture.
Floor axial models are the most popular product in the hot season. They are sold in thousands by home appliance stores. Floor fans have large blades, several operating modes, a rotary device for blowing a larger area and a stable base. The height of the impeller can usually be changed slightly.
When choosing a floor fan, you need to pay attention to the degree of protection of the rotating parts, especially if you have children and pets at home. The protective mesh cover should cover the blades on both sides.
A floor fan can be equipped with a remote control unit, which is very convenient.
Tabletop models are the least powerful. But they have undeniable advantages:
low price;
mobility;
the ability to create a local air flow of low or high power.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the power, size of the blades, number of operating modes, reliability of protection of the rotating parts of the device.
The manufacturer is also important. Well-known companies produce more reliable models that are noticeably more expensive. Of course, cheap Chinese equipment is not as reliable and can break down faster. But its low cost makes this circumstance uncritical: you can throw away an inexpensive fan and buy a completely new one for home instead.
Separately, we should consider axial fan heaters, which can be either tabletop or floor-standing. Their design, even in inexpensive versions, allows you to turn on the device without heating, that is, use it as a regular fan. At the same time, the presence of built-in heating elements allows you to quickly increase the air temperature in small rooms if necessary. Some models have a built-in humidifier, temperature sensor and many operating modes. You can use such a fan at low impeller speeds with or without heating, or arrange intensive blowing with cold or hot air.
When choosing fan heaters, special attention should be paid to the quality of the housing materials. Plastic parts must be heat-resistant so that harmful substances are not released into the air when heated.
If the function of a fan in living rooms is to create air circulation, then in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen the task is completely different. In these rooms, it is most often necessary to create an exhaust hood to remove air saturated with moisture, unpleasant odors, etc. In the kitchen, this problem is partially solved by installing a hood over the stove. But this device does not replace conventional ventilation.
By the way, the kitchen hood should not be connected to a conventional ventilation shaft; its air duct must be led outside. And it is better to cut a duct fan into the ventilation shaft, which will create an outflow of air from the kitchen. Such a device will help maintain a pleasant temperature in the culinary sanctuary and will not allow odors to spread throughout the apartment.
The power of the kitchen hood must be carefully calculated so as not to disturb the comfort of your neighbors. If you install too powerful a device, then if the air duct is not very clean, the neighbors' ventilation shaft will turn into a supply one. All your odors, mixed with dust from a clogged ventilation duct, will get into their kitchen.
If you are installing a hood in the kitchen, you need to ensure an air flow. A slightly open window or balcony may be enough for this, but it is better to install a supply fan.
Additional options
Noise level. The quieter the device operates, the more comfortable it will be to be in the same room with it. Especially if the device is to operate at night in the bedroom or in the children's room. The minimum noise level is 21 dB. Models with a nominal noise level of more than 30 dB in the passport should not even be considered, since manufacturers mean the indicators for the operating mode at minimum power. That is, in reality, this unit will make a lot of noise. Duct fans are noisier than column and axial fans.
Stability. This mainly applies to outdoor models. It is especially important to check the device for stability if children or four-legged pets run around your house.
Protection. All rotating parts must be securely protected with a mesh to completely eliminate the possibility of injury. Bladeless fans are the safest.
The device can be equipped with all sorts of improvements that are not necessary, but can be very nice. This can be:
A timer that turns the device on and off at a certain time.
The already mentioned remote control, which allows you to change the operating modes of the device without getting up from a comfortable place.
A backlight that can function as a night light. Ceiling models often have a fairly powerful lamp or even a chandelier.
Protection against overheating of the device, which is especially important for fan heaters.
When buying, be sure to inquire about the warranty period for the device, as well as the availability of service centers or warranty workshops within your reach.