In the hot season, in the absence of an air conditioner, a fan helps to improve air circulation in the room. It reduces the temperature in a hot room and provides a more comfortable environment. Moreover, such devices are much cheaper than air conditioners. However, they do not require complex installation. Many models can be used immediately after purchase. You just need to put it in the right place and connect it to the mains.
Due to the high demand for these devices, many people are interested in how to choose a fan. To do this, you need to know what types there are, as well as the features, pros and cons of each of them. We propose to analyze this issue in more detail in our article.
Content
The principle of operation and the device of the fan
First of all, before choosing a fan for your home, we propose to disassemble the general scheme of operation of such devices. Most models have three main components: a service valve, a body, and a motor that drives the wheel to create airflow. The impeller looks like a drum with paddles spread over the entire area of the component. The vanes allow you to change the air flow by 90 degrees.
The slave drum is attached to an electric motor that is hidden in the housing. It is important to understand that when the fan is running, it does not change the air temperature. However, the in-line heat transfer process creates a pleasant feeling, especially on hot days.
Types of fans for an apartment
To decide which fan to choose, you need to disassemble the types of such devices, and then get acquainted with the most reliable and popular models on the market. Today there are 6 main types that are most often found in stores. They can differ in the way they are attached and create airflow. We propose to consider in more detail each category, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
Axial floor fans
In most cases, many are interested in how to choose a floor fan. This is the most common type of device under consideration. Typically, these models look like this: stand, long leg, motor compartment and impeller. This category is characterized by large blades rotating in the same plane.
The stability of the fan on the floor is ensured by the cross-shaped foot. In some cases, manufacturers make round platforms. Safety is ensured by a grill guard that prevents a child from reaching the impeller.
Pros:
- Most designs provide the ability to adjust the height of the foot, as well as the angle of the impeller. This allows you to create more comfortable conditions of use;
- Such models are considered the most budgetary and affordable. However, there are also expensive options;
- Great for small spaces;
- Simple design that does not require additional installation;
- Easy management.
Minuses:
- If there are small children in the room, then it is necessary to carefully supervise them to avoid the device falling and other dangerous situations;
- The power of such models is enough only for small rooms. The air flow is directed to one part and affects the room only zonal.
Tabletop axle models
The next type of fans works on the same principle as floor fans. However, these models are more compact and fit on a hill. This can be a table, bedside table, chair or window. The impeller with blades is also smaller here. In this regard, desktop fans are inferior to floor fans and in terms of power.
Such models are recommended to be purchased for arranging a workplace or a place intended for recreation.
Pros:
- Minimum cost;
- Low energy consumption;
- Small size and weight;
- It does not take up much space and is also easy to transport. In winter, you can put the device in a closet or on a shelf where it can easily fit.
Minuses:
- Low power;
- Limited airflow coverage.
Ceiling axial fans
Such fans were especially popular at the end of the 20th century. Now they have lost their relevance a little due to the development of high technologies and the emergence of other types of technology. However, if you are interested in how to choose a fan for a room, then it is recommended to pay attention to this type of device.
As a rule, ceiling fans combine 2 main functions at once: a lighting fixture and a fan itself. In most cases, these models are installed in the center of the room on the ceiling. More modern devices have additional functions, as well as the ability to remove the blades for the cold season. Thus, the fan is transformed into a standard chandelier.
It should be noted that ceiling models can be used both in summer and winter. In this case, the user sets the blade speed to a low level. This allows warm and cool air in the room to mix and maintain an acceptable indoor temperature.
Pros:
- Can be used outdoors. The best for this is a veranda, a summer gazebo or a summer terrace;
- Low noise level during operation. Especially at low revs;
- The ceiling fan is also installed in the room as a chandelier. Therefore, the user does not need to look for a place to store it for the winter;
- Does not take up free space in the room;
- Maximum safety for children as the blades are not easily accessible;
- Wide and long blades provide a large area of airflow coverage;
- The efficiency of cooling a room using such a fan is not much inferior to an air conditioner. Moreover, the latter can cause colds.
Minuses:
- The most difficult type of fans. In the case of other types of devices, it is enough to simply place the model, connect it to the mains and activate it. This requires a complex installation process. If you do not have the necessary skills, you will have to seek the services of a specialist;
- Cannot be used in a room with a low ceiling;
- The fan is tied to one specific location and cannot be transported to other locations. Only if you dismantle it and install it on the ceiling in another room, however, this is a rather laborious process.
Radial floor devices
Recently, more and more popularity is gained by radial fan models, which have appeared relatively recently. The design and principle of operation of such devices is completely different from axial units. However, it also uses an electric motor to create airflow. Air is drawn from the room through external slots with extremely high power (about 100 thousand revolutions per minute).
The engine pushes the cooled air through the main slots. In this case, the flow rate is 90 km / h. This pressure allows you to organize a more efficient flow that spreads over the entire area of the room. It should be noted that in such models, manufacturers provide a built-in rheostat. With it, the user can adjust the number of revolutions when the electric motor is running.
Pros:
- As a rule, radial fans are equipped with a remote control option. For this, a special remote control is provided;
- Attractive modern design that fits well with most interior styles;
- Maximum safety for children as there is no impeller with paddles.
Minuses:
- The cost of such fans is much higher than in the case of axial models.
Bladeless models
Next in line are the most modern fans using advanced technologies in their design. Bladeless fans are considered an innovative cooling solution and have enjoyed some success. You can find both floor and table options. The principle of operation involves the use of a high-speed turbine located in the housing. It draws in air from the room and creates an air flow. Thus, the air that has passed through the air frame is accelerated tenfold.
Pros:
- Use of advanced technologies;
- Modern and attractive design that fits perfectly into any interior;
- Doesn't require additional installation;
- Easy control;
- It does not require special care;
- High level of stability and safety, since there is no impeller with blades;
- Uniform air flow.
Minuses:
- High cost relative to other categories of fans;
- High noise level during operation.
Fan selection parameters
We propose to consider the most important factors that you should pay attention to when choosing a fan in the first place.
Security level
First of all, safety is important. If you are considering axial fans, there must be a cover to protect children from contact with the blades. For families with many children or pets, it is recommended to buy wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or models without paddles. This will minimize the risk of a hazardous situation.
Rotary system
If the fan can rotate, then its coverage area is automatically increased. Therefore, it is more efficient and provides a more comfortable environment.
Power
The higher the area of the room where the fan will be located, the higher its power should be. Standard floor standing models, as a rule, have an indicator in the region of 40-60 watts. The power of ceiling models can reach 250-300 W. If you have a large room, it is recommended to purchase a ceiling version.
Number of speeds
It will not be superfluous to be able to adjust the air flow rate. This allows you to set more comfortable working conditions, as well as use the device in the winter season.
Work volume
This parameter does not require additional comments. If quietness in the room is important to you, then it is recommended to choose a model with a minimum noise figure. This is especially important at night when the user is trying to sleep.
Availability of additional features
Many manufacturers try to incorporate as many opportunities as possible into their products to attract new customers. In stores, you can find multifunctional fans with a remote control system, timers, humidification and air ionization functions, and so on. It should be noted that this increases the total cost of the model. Therefore, these options are not suitable for everyone.
Impeller dimensions
The higher the value of the blades and the larger their dimensions, the more powerful the air flow and, consequently, the efficiency of the device. However, this also increases the noise level during fan operation.Therefore, you should not buy models with a too massive impeller, if this is not urgently needed.
Model cost
The last, not least, parameter that is worth paying attention to is the cost of the model. In most cases, this factor is fundamental. Therefore, it is necessary to know the approximate prices for different categories of fans.
- The cheapest are desktop axial fans. Their cost varies from 500 to 1000 rubles;
- More expensive - floor axle models. You can buy such a fan for 800-1500 rubles. However, there are also more expensive models;
- Next comes the wall-mounted axial category. The cost ranges from 1-2 thousand rubles;
- Then there are more expensive models that not everyone can afford. The cost of columnar floor fans starts from 3 thousand rubles;
- A ceiling fan will cost at least 4-5 thousand rubles;
- Bladeless models are considered the most expensive. Their cost starts from 5-7 thousand rubles.
