The fan is one of those devices that, when you need it and don’t have it, you regret it and think, "why didn’t I get one all this time?" But it’s never too late...or too early! Whether you have air conditioning or not, the fan will make your life easier during the summer months and will provide you with that feeling of coolness you’re looking for.

So let’s take a look at the main features you should consider before buying, so you can end up with the ideal choice for you.

1. Type 

There are various types of fans that cater to different needs and can be useful in different rooms of the house and at different times of the day. 

What types of fans are there?

Pedestal | For all...spaces

This is the classic fan, which is primarily placed on the floor in an upright position (hence its name) and is a common choice. Such fans usually have an adjustable height to cover the entire room, whether you are sitting or standing, and/or rotation, distributing air evenly throughout the space. They can be placed in any room, offering higher performance compared to the other types we will see next, so they are recommended for larger spaces, such as a living room or bedroom.

Tower | The Minimal Choice

Fans with this design feature practical construction and minimal design. They are ideal for rooms with limited space, such as small homes, vacation houses, or offices. They stand out for their vertical design, quiet operation, and provide wide air coverage, thanks to their oscillation function. They can be placed anywhere in the space, are efficient, and add elegance and style without "cluttering" the space. Finally, they usually come with a remote control for easy operation and a timer function. 

Air Cooler | The supplementary source of coolness

This type is something between a fan and portable air conditioner, something that also looks quite similar externally. How exactly does it work? It draws in the warm air, which passes through and is processed through a filter inside it that is soaked with water, then releasing the air cooler and more humid. Thus, it offers a natural and cool feeling, reducing the temperature of a room by up to about 3 degrees. Its use is recommended in spaces with low levels of humidity (< 50%), such as in a mountain village and not so much in coastal areas. Finally, prefer it for smaller spaces or as a supplementary source of coolness.

Misting Fans | For Noticeable Temperature Reduction

Misting fans are an ideal choice for outdoor spaces, such as the balcony or garden, whether you want to sit and enjoy the coolness or during gatherings with friends or other events (e.g., barbecues, birthdays, etc.). They have a water tank, through which water droplets are sprayed and immediately evaporate. They thus provide coolness, noticeably reducing the temperature in the area by up to 10 degrees.

Round | The Balanced Choice

Another classic fan choice is the round one, which rotates and cools the space evenly, in many directions. It can be placed either on the floor or on a piece of furniture, while some also have wall mounting. They are user-friendly, easily portable and have a strong airflow, covering both small and large spaces.

Box Fan | For easy transport

These are fans that are enclosed in a square, round, or rectangular frame and can be placed on the floor, on tables, or even in windows, making them ideal for ventilating spaces. They stand out for their simple design, strong airflow, and ease of movement. They are lightweight and the air cools in one direction, as they do not oscillate. They can effectively cover large spaces and are usually an economical choice.

Bladeless | The silent, safe & energy-efficient choice

Are there small children or pets at home? For greater safety, choose a bladeless fan, which can provide cool air without fear if one of the children or pets approaches it. These fans compress the air and make it move within the ring they have, creating such an airflow that they produce cooling. Consumes less energy than regular fans and offers horizontal air movement.

Clip | For the table or desk

Finally, clip fans are small in size, offer portability, and are extremely practical for use in confined spaces and from a short distance. They can be easily placed on desks, bed headboards, shelves, or even on gym equipment, through a special handle (clip) for instant cooling.

After seeing all the types of fans you can come across and which one is ideal for each need, let’s look at what other features can determine your choice.

2. Placement

Depending on the needs of your space, you can choose from 3 different placements, the one that suits you best and fits your everyday life.

What is the right placement based on your space?

• Choose table fans for small spaces, such as offices and work surfaces, which require a stable and flat surface. The air is dispersed into the room at face level for more immediate cooling.

It is best to avoid placing them near a wall.

• Floor fans, on the other hand, are suitable for use in larger spaces, such as a living room or a bedroom. They can be placed in such a way as to ensure good air circulation and allow the height and direction to be adjusted for better results.

It is best to place them away from furniture and other obstacles.

• In spaces where there is no available floor space, such as a kitchen or a professional space (gym, workshop, etc.), you can choose wall-mounted fans. Combining more than one fan will provide better air circulation and ensure even cooling in the space. In this case, you could also consider installing a ceiling fan.

It is best to install it at a height of about 1.8 - 2 meters from the floor, near a power outlet and with a sturdy base.

• Finally, for more flexibility you can choose a 3-in-1 fan, so you can easily move it and place it from room to room, depending on your needs each time.

3. Power 

The power of a fan shows how strong an airflow it can produce and how efficient it can be. It is measured in Watt and is a relative value, as it also depends on other factors, such as the size of the room where the appliance will be placed, temperature levels, etc. In general, the higher a fan’s power, the better its performance will be. 

What does this mean in practice?

• As an indication, for an average room (15-20m²), a fan with power from 40 to 60 Watt is considered a good choice.
• In smaller rooms (< 15m²) fans with power up to 40 Watt are quite efficient, while also offering lower consumption.
• Whereas, for larger rooms (> 20m²) or open spaces choose a fan with power above 60 Watt for maximum effectiveness and performance.

4. Diameter

In several types, such as round fans and pedestal fans, the fan’s diameter also plays an important role, as it reflects how small or large its grille is. It is measured in centimeters (cm) and, depending on the size, it can cover different room sizes. The larger the diameter of a fan, the larger the spaces it can usually cover.

What diameter should you choose, depending on the space where you want to use the fan?

• In small spaces (5-8m²) and for personal use, such as in an office, choose a fan with a 30cm diameter. It offers lower power, which works well in these spaces, as well as easy portability from room to room. Usually, a table fan with these features is an ideal choice.
• In slightly larger rooms (10-15m²), such as a bedroom or a living room, what you are looking for is a balance between power and coverage. So, choose a fan with a 40cm diameter, which will more than meet your needs. Usually, a pedestal fan or any other floor fan with these features is an ideal choice.
• In slightly larger spaces (15-25m²), such as an open-plan living room-kitchen area, as you can understand, you will need a slightly larger appliance. So, a fan with a 45cm diameter will do the job. Usually, floor-standing or wall-mounted installation is preferred in such cases.
• Finally, in large spaces (> 30m²), where the goal is strong airflow and wide coverage, a fan with a 50cm diameter or larger is an ideal choice. It can cover both professional (offices) and outdoor (balcony, terrace) spaces. Usually, these are more industrial/professional models.

5. Rotation

Another feature that we don't find in all types, but mainly in upright fans, round fans, and towers, is rotation. This is a function where the device distributes air over a larger area of the space and not in one direction. We can encounter different ranges. Fans with 70°-90° rotation cover a small area of the space, while fans with 120°-180° rotation are suitable for larger space coverage, distributing cool air evenly.

6. Speeds

It is very important to choose a fan that has the option to select speeds, so you can easily adjust and customize the air intensity according to the space, time of day, or any other need you may have. On Skroutz, you can see if the fan you are interested in has this feature, as well as the exact number of speeds in the product description!

7. Extra features

1. A (perhaps not so extra after all) remote control will really make your life easier, since you’ll be able to control your fan remotely without getting up, for example from your sofa or bed. Choose a fan with remote control and you won’t regret it!
2. The noise level is another factor that is worth considering when buying your new fan and is measured in db (decibel). Prefer a quiet fan with silent mode function for use during the night hours. For a fan to be considered quiet, its noise level should not exceed 45db on its low setting.
3. The metal blades on a fan offer high durability and efficient airflow, ensuring a long lifespan and resilience. Prefer a fan with metal blades, if you want to invest in an efficient appliance and truly have it for years.
4. Finally, fans with a timer can prove very useful, especially during the night, as the timer allows you to set the device to operate for a specific period of time. This provides convenience and energy savings, as the fan turns off automatically after the set time has elapsed.

Don't forget! Many times there can be a difference in a product, based on its overall characteristics and construction. Before you decide, read the reviews of other users to see their opinion as well!

Finally, you can also take a look at the guide to the best fans on the market for every use and need, so it can help you decide on the ideal choice for you!