Retro Floor Fans

Just like any other product, not all floor fans are the same when it comes to the different features that are available. The more options you have to choose from, the more versatile your fan will be.

• Ideally, you want to find a fan that includes an adjustable base so you can alter the height to suit your specific needs.

• An adjustable fan head at the top is another great feature so you can angle the fan in any direction. If the fan is stationary, you won’t have the flexibility to change the direction of air to keep you cool and comfortable.

• You’ll also want to pick a floor fan that has adjustable speeds in case you just need a gentle breeze rather than a rapid monsoon of air, or vice versa on hot days.

• A unit with an oscillating fan head is the perfect choice for most spaces. These floor fans are designed to slowly move from side-to-side, keeping the air flowing in a consistent way that makes any room much more comfortable.

• If possible, try to find a floor fan that includes a remote-control feature. This will make life much easier, particularly if you’re using the fan in a nursery or office where you can’t always get up to make the necessary adjustments. The remote should include the option to change the fan’s speed and direction, and it may also include an automatic shutoff feature.

• Some high-quality fans come with an ultrasonic humidifier that sends tiny droplets of water in the air and ensures better cooling.

If you have a small spare bedroom or a home office, you may not need a massive floor fan. Make sure the size of the fan you choose is in proportion to the size of the room.

A tall tower-style floor fan looks attractive and works quite well in small rooms where it can be placed in one corner. A box floor fan is the least versatile choice since these fans only point the air in one direction and can’t be adjusted in terms of height or angle.

Consider the CFM of the fan you're interested in, which stands for cubic feet per minute. This measurement will determine how much time it takes for the fan to circulate air through a room.

There are online calculators that can help you determine the right CMF for your room. But to get an estimate of how many minutes the air will take to travel through your entire room, divide the cubic foot number of your room by the CFM of the fan, like in the following example:

Remember that the greater the CFM, the more air your fan will move. A higher number is best for larger rooms, while a lower CFM may work better for smaller spaces. Most fan manufacturers will include the CFM rating in their product specs and on the packaging so you can decide what works best for you.

As a general rule of thumb, you want the fan to take not more than five minutes to circulate air through a room; less than three minutes is ideal. For a 2,000 cubic feet room, the perfect CFM rating would be 670 or higher.

• If you have children in the home, look for floor fans that have small grids on the front grille so that little fingers can’t get inside and end up becoming injured.

• Your floor fan should also include a heavy, sturdy base so it won’t tip over easily.

• All fans should have the proper plug with grounding to avoid the risk of fire.

• The outer case of the fan should be made of thick, durable plastic or metal whenever possible.

• If you’re in search of flexibility, ensure that your new floor fan is easy to move around. Many newer models include wheels on the base or a handle on top of the fan so you can easily maneuver them anywhere you need to.

• You’ll also want to choose a floor fan that runs quietly so it doesn’t disturb you while working or disrupt sleeping family members during the night. If you're particularly concerned with noise level, try to find a fan with as low decibel (dB) rating as possible. Fans that produce sound from 40 to 52 dB are considered quiet.

Besides the option of an oscillating fan head and adjustable speeds, there are a few other crucial qualities to look for in a floor fan. First, you want to make sure that the fan is easy to clean. The blades of your fan will easily pick up dust which can start to look unsightly rather quickly. Some fans allow you to remove the front grille for easy cleaning. Of course, you may also want your new floor fan to look attractive in the home, which is why there are so many options available today. Classic white and black plastic fans are still popular, but newer fan designs feature colored metal and fun, retro-inspired designs. The slender tower fans are another popular choice that’s more pleasing to the eye. Their compact size and sleek aesthetic look great in contemporary homes or office spaces.

Choosing floor fans for your home doesn’t have to be a complicated process as long as you know what you want and what to look for. Before you commit to a new floor fan, consider these final tips and thoughts when you make your decision:

• Look for floor fans that have versatility in their design such as adjustable speeds, a rotating fan head, and remote control for the ultimate in flexibility.
• Make sure you choose a floor fan that will cool down the entire room and that it fits properly within your chosen space.
• Tall tower fans and colorful new designs will make your floor fan look more attractive than many of the classic, older styles.
• Ensure that the fan is safe to operate and features a front grille that kid’s hands and fingers cannot get into. Read the safety instructions and tips carefully so you’re operating the fan in the correct way.
• Read customer reviews and check out several models of floor fans so you can be sure that you’re getting the level of cool air and airflow you need to stay comfortable.