More ecological than the air conditioner, the fan is a device with many advantages. It is the ideal companion to face the hot days and enjoy the peaceful nights especially in summer.
Although it is a practical solution to bring you a feeling of coolness in hot weather, it is not easy to find your way around the multitude of equipment on the market. That's why we're going to take a look at the best fan models, their options, the criteria for choosing one and how to maintain it.
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Our selection for the year 2023
There are many fans on the market. In order to make your choice easier, we have limited our selection to 5 products that we believe are the best for your home in 2023.
1. Woozo fan by Iris Ohyama
The most efficient
The Iris Ohyama Wozoo is a powerful yet ultra quiet fan that combines the benefits of column and table fans. With "standard", "cooling breeze" and "night" modes, you can adjust the airflow to one of 10 different power settings with a simple touch.
Capable of projecting air to a range of 31 m, its three-dimensional blades and multidirectional oscillation allow the fan to diffuse air from left to right at 60°, 90° or 120° and from top to bottom at 105° for a better distribution of the air within the room. The height of the fan can be adjusted from 60 to 70 cm on 4 steps to adapt the air flow to your needs.
Equipped with a timer with automatic start or stop after 2, 4 or 8 hours of continuous air supply, this device can be used day or night, thanks to its "night" mode. The remote control supplied is also very useful for adjusting your Woozo from a distance.
2. Mycarbon fan
Our favourite;❤
The Mycarbon is an air circulation fan that differs from conventional fans. Thanks to its integrated turbo device, the air blown is more concentrated and can therefore reach a longer distance. With its multidirectional vertical and horizontal oscillation and 4 speeds, this device promotes better air distribution and thus reduces the ambient heat more effectively.
Equipped with an internal thermometer, the Mycarbon is able to adapt its ventilation speed to the surrounding temperature once the ECO mode is activated. Finally, this very small product, delivered with a remote control, offers 2 innovative functions: beep on/off and light off. These will allow you to enjoy a sleep without noise and without light.
3. Rowenta VU2640F0 fan
The best value for money
The Rowenta VU2640F0 is a 5-blade table fan designed to provide a fresh feeling from the first minutes of use. Equipped with a Turbo Boost function, its airflow is capable of reaching 80 m3/min.
Coupled with a 120° oscillating fan, this fan also offers a silent feature emitting only 45dB of noise when activated. Finally, its 4 power levels allow the Rowenta to produce a formidable airflow, ideal for cooling you down during hot spells.
4. Rowenta VU6670F0 fan
The Rowenta VU6670F0 is a column fan combining design and performance. Featuring a wide 180° oscillation and 3 adjustable speeds, this product offers a cool feeling throughout the room. Ideal for your hot summer days and space saving thanks to its long and slim profile, the Rowenta fits all interior spaces.
Supplied with a remote control, it also features an 8-hour digital timer and an auto shut-off function for added convenience. Finally, its excellent stability and the presence of an automatic winder at its base are two elements that, in our opinion, greatly enhance its practicality in everyday use.
5. Rowenta VU5670F0 fan
The Rowenta VU5670F0 is a very quiet stand fan emitting as little as 35dB when in the night setting. Equipped with 5 speeds, including the Turbo Boost function, this device offers an intense airflow of up to 80 m3/min, which will effectively cool you down during hot spells.
The VU5670F0 is a functional fan with a compact and pleasant design. It has an automatic oscillation, adjustable orientation and adjustable height. The Decrescendo mode decreases the airflow every 15 minutes, making it ideal for a peaceful night's sleep.
How does a fan work?
The fan is a device usually consisting of a motor, a stable component and a rotating part (propeller). The stable component is responsible for guiding the air, while the moving one, driven by the motor, transfers energy to it. Thanks to this structure, it does not lower the temperature of a room as an air conditioner does. Instead, it promotes air renewal by stirring the air.
In reality, air-conditioning units operate on much the same principle as a refrigerator. First, it sucks in the air from the room and then cools it down with a refrigerant. In a second step, it evacuates the heat retained outside the room. Does not have a refrigerant, the fan, once switched on, affects the temperature felt by the user. It does this in two ways:
- Convection cooling ;
- Improved perspiration.
The first method is to remove the hot air layer of very little thickness that is often above the epidermis. The human body produces heat naturally. By sweeping away this small layer, the individual feels a low temperature, which explains the feeling of well-being and freshness obtained.
The second technique is to evaporate sweat from the skin and to make the temperature of the room even. One of the conditions for our survival is to keep our body temperature at around 37°C. To keep it that way, even in summer, our body produces sweat, which must then be evaporated.
The fan does this by removing the humid air around the skin. At the same time, it replaces the humidified wind with drier air. It is this change in fluid state that accelerates the evaporation of perspiration, and it is also responsible for cooling.
How to choose a fan?
In order to choose a fan for your room or office, you must base your purchase on certain parameters. These are, for example
- of the airflow ;
- of the sound power ;
- and the shape of the device.
Their values are essential for you to get the most out of your ventilation device. This is also essential in order to make the right choice among the multitude of products available on the market.
Airflow
The airflow rate is one of the criteria you should consider when choosing a fan. Expressed in m3/h or m3/min, it allows you to adapt the device to a specific use. For example, it can be used for for localized ventilationA unit with an airflow of 20 to 50 m3/min is more than sufficient. On the other hand, an airflow of 100 m3/min is necessary to ventilate a room of 20 m2. For a room of 30 m2 , an airflow rate of 150 m3/min is essential.
In addition to this, the electrical power of the fan must be considered. It defines, in reality, the air movement capacity of the unit. Otherwise, this parameter indicates the amount of air the fan can move. It is expressed in watts and varies greatly depending on the model. To get an idea of the value of an appliance, simply look at the packaging.
If you want to buy a high-performance appliance, you should choose a high power level. In order to make an optimal choice, you will also have to determine whether it will ventilate one or more people. You should also determine whether it will blow only on the upper part of a body or on the whole body.
Sound power
Sound power is a factor that should not be neglected in the process of choosing the right fan. It provides information on the level of discretion of the fan during operation and is expressed in dB (decibels). If you are a fan of quiet models: choose a fan that delivers less sound power at maximum speed.
In addition, there are models that are equipped with a "silent" or "night" mode. Their sound power is often around 30 or even 45 dB. It is recommended to choose such an accessory if you are looking for a moment of relaxation and still benefit from the advantages of your fan.
With blades or without blades?
The first fans available on the market were equipped with blades to move the air. In recent years, the evolution of technology has made it possible to introduce models that no longer have blades. These do not have a specific format, as they can be column or pedestal mounted. Indeed, they have a propeller that is fixed in the engine block. This propeller propels a small stream of air into a ring which, by means of an aerodynamic principle, increases ventilation by 15 times.
Thanks to this system, the bladeless models have a lower noise level than the conventional ones. They combine maximum airflow capacity with lower noise levels. They are also very economical in terms of power consumption. On the other hand, they are very expensive to purchase. You can consider buying a fan without blades for more comfort and less energy consumption, but expect to pay a large sum of money for it.
Size and design
Another parameter that comes into play when choosing a fan is the size and design of the fan. It is advisable to consider the space to be ventilated, in order to better decide on the dimensions of the device. Also, you should compare the diameters of several models in the case of fans with blades. This will help you to determine their efficiency in order to choose the most efficient one.
As for the design aspect of the fan, it should not be relegated to the background. Aesthetics and practicality have become inseparable parameters, so choose a design that will perfectly match the decoration of your home. In addition, you should check the materials used to manufacture the appliance you wish to purchase. This will ensure that you have opted for a device that is reliable in use and, moreover, durable.
The different types of fans
Fans come in a variety of shapes. These different forms are designed for a specific purpose. These include ceiling fans, floor fans, column fans, air movers and mini fans.
The ceiling fan
The ceiling fan is one of the ventilation devices that do not have storage concerns. It has a large span and is more able to make large premises cool. In a room, this type of fan is often mounted in the centre of the ceiling and traditionally near a light fitting.
Note that some models offer the possibility of combining lighting and air circulation. In addition, other forms of ceiling fans offer a change of direction of rotation. This is especially important in winter, as it helps to dissipate the heat downwards. This also saves on heating costs.
The stand fan
The design technology of pedestal fans is the intermediate level between pedestal fans and air movers. It should be remembered that pedestal fans are the most basic form of ventilation device. They can be placed on a desk to meet a specific needThey are not capable of ventilating a whole room. They usually have an airflow of between 20 m3/min and 50 m3/min.
Stand-mounted fans have an air flow rate of up to 100 m3/min. They therefore have a larger ventilation radius. They also offer several options such as speed control, oscillation (rotation), etc. Smaller models can be purchased for as little as €30.
The air blower
The air blower is a much more powerful type of fan than those that can be placed on a table. It can produce a minimum airflow of 150 m3/min and is capable of going up to 400 m3/min and beyond. For this reason, it is advisable to install it on the floor before starting it up. Given this power, it is often prized by professionals. You can find the simplest models of the air blower from 50 euros.
The column fan
If you only look at the presentation of the column fan, it is tempting to make a link with the floor fan. However, it works with a very different technology. Instead of the propeller that blows the wind, column fans have a suction system at the back. The air is sucked in and propelled into a housing with an impeller. Once in the wheel, it is expelled towards the front.
This cooling process, with the same power as the propeller system, produces less noise. However, it is not possible to achieve the same level of noise as the propeller system, it should be noted that it is less effective. For basic models without other options, you can expect to pay around €40. On the other hand, their price can vary between 100 and 200 euros, if you want to enjoy features such as the timer or the remote control.
The mini fan
The mini fan, as the name suggests, is a small ventilation device. It is often used in closed, small or confined spaces. It is mainly powered by a USB power cable or batteries. In addition, it offers two to three speeds that can be adjusted according to your needs or desires.
On the market, two main forms of mini-fans can be identified. These are the classic analogue type and the new generation model. With their small size, you can transport them easily and discreetly. This makes them the most economical and energy-efficient ventilation device.
Possible options
All ventilation devices have the same basic functions. These are precisely :
- of the speed setting ;
- of the rotation ;
- of the tilt.
However, in addition to these functions, high-end fans offer other options that promote a high level of comfort. These include a timer, remote control, humidification, misting and purification.
The timer
Also known as the programming option, the timer allows you to plan the hours of operation of your fan. This feature is useful in the evening, especially if you want to sleep under the influence of the fan's breeze. Once set, it becomes automatic, saving you the trouble of moving between the unit and your seat to turn it on or off.
Purification
This option is often found on column fans. It gives them the property of retaining the smallest particles in the air. In effect, these fans are able to sanitise rooms by removing pollutants through its filters.
You should know that they use two main types of filters: the carbon filter and the electrostatic filter. The former is excellent for eliminating bad odours, while the latter is effective against dust, bacteria, etc. Also keep in mind that these filters require regular maintenance to fully perform their functions.
The remote control
The fan can also be equipped with a remote control. In this case, it allows remote adjustment of the device's operating parameters. These are :
- the fan is switched on or off ;
- of the aeration speed setting ;
- of the rotation control.
Note that some remote control models have a magnet that allows them to be attached to the fan when not in use.
Humidification
When the fan is equipped with this option, it is able to increase the humidity content of the room air. By doing so, it makes the atmosphere more breathable. For your information, a too dry wind can be responsible for the development of respiratory problems. As breathing disorders we can distinguish cough, asthma, cold, etc.
Fogging
Fogging is an option that you will only find on higher performance fans. Unlike humidification, it consists of expelling a small amount of water in combination with the air movement. This makes the room feel even cooler.
How to maintain your fan?
Like electronic devices, the fan requires minimum maintenance. It is especially important to clean it after winter dusting before starting it. Otherwise, you can expect to pollute the air in your home. Regular dusting is recommended to rid the unit of impurities. On the other hand, it is not advisable to use cleaning products that would be capable of damaging it.
For thorough maintenance, first make sure that the fan is switched off. Then remove the grille with a screwdriver. Now clean the blades using a damp cloth and soap. Finally, reassemble the fan and start it up to ensure that it works properly.
This maintenance procedure is also recommended for ceiling fans. The only requirement is to avoid leaning on the blades, as this may damage them or cause them to lose their balance.