Are you tired of waking up in the morning only to open the window and get blasted with hot, annoying air? Most homeowners know that leaving their windows open isn't going to cut it. The best way to reduce the excess heat in your home is by getting a reliable and inexpensive cooling solution like a floor standing fan.

Homeowners have a lot of options when looking for products to help improve their homes. Electric fans are some of the most popular, as they are easy to use and don't require batteries. However, there are many reasons why you should consider owning a floor standing fan and not just another one that sits in your attic or on your patio.

Standing fans come in all shapes and sizes, and the one you choose determines whether you have the best cooling experience.

How do floor fans work?

A floor standing fan, or pedestal fan, is a portable cooling device that adds that much-needed cold breeze when your house gets a little too hot in the summer. The appliance comprises three main parts: a fan stand or base, a tall stand, and the fan head mounted on the stand.

Floor standing fans are available in a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate diverse tastes and room sizes. A modern stand fan would come with varied speed settings, which enable the user to determine airflow intensity. Some advanced standing fans include smart features like in-built timers, remote controls, and air filtration systems.

In general, floor standing fans are an efficient and practical means to cool the inside of your home.  The units are flexible for different room layouts and individual preferences due to their freestanding design and configurable features. A floor standing fan can effectively deliver the cool airflow you need to combat the heat, whether you need to cool down your bedroom, living room, home office, or any other space.

Is a tower fan better than a floor fan?

Choosing between a tower fan and a floor fan highly depends on your specific cooling needs, preferences, and the environment the fan will be used in. Both fans have their advantages and disadvantages that must be considered before making a final purchase decision.

Floor fans

It is important to note that the terms standing fan, pedestal fan, and floor fan are often used interchangeably. This is because nowadays, a floor standing fan can be adjusted down to function as a floor fan, and vice versa. So if we are specifically talking about a floor fan, then we are referring to the permanent floor fans that are often used in commercial and industrial settings.

Commercial or industrial floor fans may not be height adjustable, but they come with wheels at the bottom for easy mobility. These fans are built with strong materials like metal to make them rugged and durable. Like standing fans, floor fans have an adjustable tilt head that tilts 120° anticlockwise to vary the direction of airflow. These floor fans have a powerful 120W motor that is capable of blowing air at a whopping 3450 CFM.

When you want to quickly cool a large area, floor fans are ideal. The 3450 CFM airflow combined with multi-speed settings is enough to produce a strong, high-velocity breeze as needed.  Floor fans produce at most 70 dB of noise, which is quiet for an appliance that will be used in a garage, warehouse, or gym.

Standing fans

Tower fans or standing fans are mainly designed for home use-although they can also serve in commercial spaces if they have enough power and durability.

Given the multitude of features they come with, tower fans are easier to operate compared to floor fans. They have an adjustable height to function as floor fans, and they are mountable to work as ceiling or wall fans; mounting brackets are usually included.

Are you worried about the aesthetics of your home when using fans? Then a standing fan is ideal due to its slim profile that can fit in a corner or next to your TV. The fan has a 90° blade rotation, making it possible to create a downdraft, which is ideal if you are relaxing on the couch. The fan oscillates at a 120° angle, which increases the airflow direction and coverage in a room. This works better than a ceiling fan, which focuses cold air in a specific spot and will only circulate hot air in the rest of the room. 

So, is a tower fan better than a floor fan?

Well, it depends on where you want to use the fan. If you are buying a fan to solely cool your home, then you should consider a floor standing fan. Standing fans are height-adjustable and can work as floor fans. Buying one will save you a second trip to the appliance store.

Here are more reasons why a floor standing fan is better than a floor fan;

● They are height-adjustable

● They have a 90° rotation and 120° oscillation, which improves air coverage

● Narrow design is ideal for small spaces

● A stand fan is wall mountable

● Quiet and won’t interrupt sleep or conversations

● More flexible in usage

What are the disadvantages of standing fans?

While a floor standing fan is flexible and inexpensive for cooling, there are some caveats to be aware of when using this fan in your home. 

Not effective in large rooms

A stand fan may struggle in rooms larger than its recommended coverage. Even with its impressive airflow coverage, the cooling effect may not be felt in all corners of a large room. In such cases, a central cooling system may be required.

Energy consumption

Running a floor standing fan with a 40-watt consumption rate wouldn't dent your financial pockets. However, if you have to use more than one standing fan for extended periods, especially when cooling large spaces, this will cause a spike in your monthly energy bills. Use a fan judiciously, even if it's one, when cooling your home. Using a floor fan in large spaces may save you energy compared to using a tower fan.

Bulky in tiny rooms

Although a stand fan has an adjustable height, you cannot adjust the size of the head. A floor standing fan with a wide head may not suit small spaces like caravans or tiny flats where space is limited. An ideal alternative for small spaces will be a portable air conditioner due to its narrow design.

Possible noise pollution

Standing fans are not created equal, and some have the potential to produce a lot of noise, especially in high-speed settings. Always check the noise rating of the fan before buying it, giving special preference to standing fans with a noise rating of 58 dB and below. These would be quite enough not to disrupt sleep or any activity that requires your utmost concentration.

Rapid wear and tear

Although floor standing fans are built with high-quality metal, they can still get easily damaged. Rapid wear and tear can happen to the stand if it is frequently adjusted to different heights. Floor standing fans built from cheap materials may not last long either.

Where is the best place to put a floor fan?

A floor standing fan will only be effective if it is placed strategically in a room. Here are some tips to remember when considering the best placement for your stand fan:

● Place a standing fan near windows or doors; doors and windows are entry points for cold air. Placing the fan near a window/door creates a cool breeze that circulates in the room faster. This reduces energy bills in the long run.

● It is ideal to place your standing fan across a large room for the best air distribution. Placing it across from where you spend time creates a wider airflow projection to reach all corners. Place the fan at different angles and vary the fan speeds to achieve your desired airflow distribution.

● Place the fan where there is high traffic. This is normally where people pass or spend a lot of time. People can feel the cooling breeze immediately, which minimizes the discomfort caused by a hot, humid day.

● Placing the fan near obstructed areas. For instance, a piece of furniture that is blocking air from an open window or door. Placing the fan strategically between the furniture and air inlet, while pointing the fan blades towards the room can help distribute the obstructed airflow across the room.

Ultimately, where you place your standing fan will be determined by personal preference. Experiment with different fan positions and varying fan speeds until you reach your desired cooling experience.

Will a fan stop condensation?

A floor standing fan may prevent or reduce some condensation, but it is not a reliable method for total humidity control. However, you can improve the efficiency of a fan in controlling condensation by doing these three things;

Improving ventilation

Improving the air circulation in a room can help control condensation. Placing the fan next to an air inlet, like a window or door, will circulate air in a room faster. It forces humid air out while dry air is blown in. Doing this introduces fresh air in a room as well.

Place fan next to affected areas

Pinpoint the areas in your home where condensation is high. Tilt the fan in the direction of the walls or surfaces that have condensation.

Use a dehumidifier

Using a standing fan with a portable dehumidifier helps manage high humidity levels. While the dehumidifier removes excess moisture in the air, the floor-standing fan helps distribute the dry, cool air back into the room. This will cool a room faster and help you enjoy your home even in those hot, humid summers. 

Conclusion

A floor standing fan is a worthy investment if you want a reliable cooling solution on a budget. It is possible to adjust the height and fan blades of a standing fan to direct airflow to desired areas. Most standing fans have multiple speed settings to cool a room faster or maintain optimal cooling. Standing fans can help with condensation, but it is wise to use them with a dehumidifier for better results.

FAQs

Are floor fans better than pedestal fans?

Floor fans are preferable if you want to cool a large room faster. For home applications, pedestal fans or standing fans are ideal because they are flexible, durable, and easy to maintain. A pedestal fan gives you more freedom to direct airflow in your home as opposed to a floor fan.

Should you put your fan on the floor?

Standing fans can be placed on the floor, and the fan head can be tilted to direct airflow as desired. There is no harm in placing a fan on the floor next to a chair to enjoy the cool breeze as you read a book, binge on your favourite show, or enjoy an afternoon nap.

Why is my floor fan so loud?

The noise rating of your fan will determine how loud it is. A fan with a noise rating of 70 dB or higher is better suited for commercial and industrial applications. A floor standing fan for home use should have a noise level of 58 dB or below.