“Three Fan Failures and the ‘Four Nos’ Rule for Buying Appliances”

6 October, 2024

1. Think Twice About Buying a Tower Fan

Tower fans not only provide cooling but also add a touch of elegance to your space, especially in the living room. Their tall, slender structure makes them space-efficient.

They can rotate at different angles, producing a gentle breeze. Tower fans also offer multiple functions, such as mist spraying, acting as an evaporative cooler, and creating ions to disperse into the air, eliminating allergens like pollen and mold spores.

However, tower fans are more expensive than traditional fans. They have numerous air vents, making them prone to dust buildup and challenging to clean. For those lacking the necessary skills or patience, cleaning a tower fan can be a real headache.

While tower fans have an additional air filter to minimize dust accumulation, this feature may reduce their cooling efficiency.

2. Avoid Air Circulator Fans

Air circulator fans, also known as air mover fans, are compact and provide instant cooling by generating powerful airflow. They also help reduce humidity and eliminate odors, improving indoor air quality while being energy-efficient.

However, these fans are quite pricey and produce operational noise, which may be bothersome for those sensitive to sound. Their airflow is limited to a specific range, making them suitable only for spot cooling, and they cannot evenly cool an entire room.

Another drawback is that air circulator fans blow dust around the house, which can be even more unpleasant if you have pets.

3. Steer Clear of Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers are more affordable than air conditioners but pricier than standard fans. They can cool faster than conventional ACs due to their ability to enhance air circulation and provide humidity…

Evaporative coolers also humidify the air, preventing dry skin and discomfort associated with AC use. They use water to cool the air, and you can move them around the room proactively, unlike traditional ACs.

However, these coolers can only reduce the temperature by 6-7 degrees Celsius at most. They don’t offer precise temperature control like regular ACs, and their speed settings are relative.

Another issue is the loud operational noise produced by these coolers.

4. Avoid Buying Bladeless Fans

Bladeless fans feature a creative, modern, and aesthetically pleasing design. They are compact and safe, especially for children and pets, and their exterior is easy to clean.

These fans generate a strong, consistent breeze without the noise associated with traditional fans. They offer a wide angle of rotation and can be controlled remotely via a phone or tablet app. They also include smart functions like timers, heating, and air purification…

However, bladeless fans are expensive, and their unique structure makes it challenging to clean the internal motor. Repairs or replacements of internal components are also difficult to perform at home due to their intricate design, often requiring a trip to a service center.