What do I need to pay attention to when using fans?

A table wind machine that can be used on a table, shelf or windowsill.

Typical axial fans are those with 2–5 blades in a protective grille, often with a swivel function (oscillation). Advantages include their compact size and low price – they can be flexibly positioned wherever cooling is needed.

Despite their size, many table fans can offer multiple speed settings and sufficient airflow to ventilate even medium-sized rooms.

Modern 3D air circulators circulate air indoors even better. These three-dimensional fans don't just push the air in one direction, but distribute it both vertically and horizontally throughout the room. This ensures optimal air circulation and actively cools your skin.

Advantages:

Compact and lightweight, mobile, usually inexpensive

Often consume less power than larger models (typically ~20–40 watts).

Disadvantages:

Limited range and performance – a single table fan only effectively cools part of the room

In addition, simple models are often loud at higher levels and offer fewer additional functions (e.g. timer or remote control).

A pedestal fan stands on a base and is height-adjustable. Its large rotor (often 30–40 cm in diameter) moves a lot of air and can provide an entire room with a refreshing breeze (efficiency). Most pedestal fans are oscillating, pivoting their airflow to distribute the cooling effect widely.

Advantages:

High air performance and range – ideal for larger rooms

It can be placed anywhere on the floor, and the height can be adjusted to blow directly over the sofa or bed, for example. Many models offer multiple settings, and some have convenience features like a remote control or timer.

Disadvantages:

Need more space and sometimes appear a bit clunky due to their size

They also tend to be noticeably louder at the highest level

Powerful pedestal fans often reach 60 dB or more. They may not be to everyone's taste, but designer models are available. When setting them up, make sure they're stable so the often heavy fan head doesn't wobble.

The floor wind machine is a device that stands on a frame or stand close to the ground, without a high column.

These are usually powerful axial fans (sometimes known as "floor turbos") or flat box fans. Floor fans are designed to generate a particularly strong, direct airflow that blows across an entire room, for example.

Many models can only be adjusted by tilting them upwards, and therefore often have no oscillation and always blow in one direction.

Advantages:

Compact, sturdy design (often smaller than a pedestal fan), but very powerful

They are ideal for quickly ventilating large rooms or for creating a “wind tunnel” – for example, to push cool air from a window deep into the apartment in the evening.

High-quality floor fans create high air flow and can ensure air exchange even in narrow, old buildings

Disadvantages:

They are often noisy, especially at high power

Due to the strong, concentrated airflow, less suitable for placement close to people

In the bedroom, a floor fan on full speed could disturb sleep. Furthermore, swivel functions and extras are usually missing.

The air is only blown in one fixed direction, which is less comfortable in some situations.

Tip: In addition to these three types, there are also tower fans (column fans). These have a slim, tall housing with an internal fan wheel and slats. Tower fans are very space-saving and usually quieter in operation than conventional fans—ideal for the office or bedroom.

However, their air flow is often lower than that of comparable pedestal fans

For limited space and low noise levels, they are a worthwhile alternative.

Quiet cooling is important in the bedroom . Quiet fans with a timer function are ideal. A small pedestal fan or a tower fan on a low setting can provide air circulation without disturbing sleep. Make sure the noise level is low (under ~40 dB).

Tip: Place the fan near the window in the evening before going to bed and let it run with the window open

This draws in the cooler evening air and makes the room pleasantly warm before bedtime. However, the fan shouldn't run continuously at you during the night (see health aspects below). Ideal models include timers that automatically turn off after 1–2 hours, or quiet ceiling fans that distribute warm air across the ceiling.

In the living room or larger rooms in general, more air circulation is often needed. A pedestal fan in the corner of the room can be useful here, as it distributes the airflow throughout the room through oscillation. For very large or angled rooms, combining several fans can also be useful – for example, two pedestal fans in opposite corners to simulate a draft. For living rooms in older buildings with high ceilings, it's worth tilting the fan slightly upwards: This distributes the rising warm air under the ceiling and mixes it with the cooler air near the floor.

A floor fan can be used in long rooms (e.g., a hallway + living room combo) to create a powerful airflow from one side to the other. Remember to place the fan on the shady side of the room and away from direct sunlight—otherwise, it will just stir up hot air.

In an open-plan office , there are lots of people and technology in a small space - this is where heat builds up. Several quiet fans are better than one loud turbo: for example, place a table or tower fan on low speed at every other row of desks. This distributes the air without punishing individual colleagues with a storm. Keep the noise level low so that the working atmosphere remains peaceful. Fans with oscillation are recommended so that the air flow shifts and no one is constantly sitting in a draft. In very large offices, pedestal fans with a large rotor can be useful, but check the noise level. If in doubt, it is better to distribute several smaller fans strategically. Important: Dust and clean the fans regularly, as the office generates a lot of paper dust that would otherwise be blown around.

In a home office or small office space, it's all about your personal comfort zone. A table fan on your desk or sideboard may be sufficient. If the direct airflow to your head bothers you, place the fan a little further away or use a pedestal fan in the corner of the room aimed at you. Tower fans are also well suited for home offices, as they can be placed next to your desk to save space. A quiet mode is useful for phone calls or video calls to avoid annoying background noise. If you're working at a computer, make sure the fan doesn't blow loose papers off your desk (a humorous suggestion, but actually advisable – otherwise, important notes will fly off!). A modern fan with a remote control can be conveniently controlled from your desk in a home office.

Older apartments often have high ceilings and can heat up considerably in the summer. At the same time, old floor plans sometimes allow for drafts between windows and doors. Take advantage of these conditions: A pedestal or floor fan can be placed near a window to either draw in cool air or blow warm air out (see the tip for nighttime ventilation in the summer use chapter). Due to the height of the rooms, warm air tends to collect at the top – point the fan slightly upward to break up this layer and distribute it throughout the room.

In large rooms in older buildings, a powerful floor fan can be helpful for bringing airflow to distant corners. However, be mindful of the noise level: In these often echoey rooms, a droning fan can be even louder. A ceiling fan may be an elegant solution in older buildings, as it covers the entire room, runs quietly, and doesn't require floor space—though this requires installation on the ceiling.

Why shouldn't a fan be placed directly at head height next to me or others?

A little distance is good. For example, 2–3 meters away from your seat or bed.

This way, you'll feel a pleasant breeze without sitting in a constant draft (which in turn prevents tension). Use the oscillation to ensure the airflow moves around the room, so no one is constantly being blown on.

Why does a fan work best when it is at floor level and blows at a slight angle upwards?

This effectively circulates different air layers in the room: Warm air from the ceiling is mixed with the cooler air below. This prevents heat buildup at the top and creates a noticeably cooler breeze throughout the room.

Why shouldn't a fan be placed directly in an open window on hot days?

Better: Keep windows closed during the day and only ventilate in the evening or early morning when the outside air is cooler (see next section). If you must ventilate during the day, do so without a fan or position it so that it circulates the room inside and doesn't blow in the heat.

Except early in the morning, when it's still quite chilly outside. Place the fan near the window while ventilating so that it can draw in the still-cool outside air and circulate it throughout the room. This will bring more cooling air inside. 3D fans are particularly suitable for this, as their horizontal and vertical swivel function allows for optimal air circulation throughout the room.

Why should I choose the coolest place in the room to place the fan?

This is often on the shady side of the house or in an adjacent hallway that is less heated

From there, the fan can blow the colder air into the warmer room. A fan at the door can, for example, direct cooler air from the hallway or stairwell into the office.

Create a draft: Use two openings: Open two opposite windows or door+window, and position the fan so that it blows outside

This trick (Bernoulli effect) creates a slight negative pressure and automatically sucks cooler air in from the other opening

This allows a room to cool down much faster in the evening by actively expelling warm air. (The fire department uses a similar principle for smoke extraction—in living spaces, it helps to remove heat.)

Why should a fan be placed freely, without any immediate obstacles directly in front of or behind it?

Furniture, curtains, or walls too close to the unit can obstruct airflow or cause unwanted vibrations/noise. A fan needs "breathing room," meaning enough space to draw in and expel air.

No tripping hazards: Especially in the office, make sure that cables and fan stands don't cause anyone to trip. Position cables along walls or under cable ducts. Maximum efficiency won't help if someone steps on the fan—so safety first!

Why can fans promote drafts, colds and allergies?

Fans improve indoor climates, but if used incorrectly, they can also be uncomfortable. Here are some health concerns and how to avoid problems:

Avoid drafts: A constant, strong airflow on the body can lead to draft discomfort. Typical consequences include tense neck and shoulder muscles or headaches when certain parts of the body cool down.

Prevent this by never pointing the fan directly at people, but cooling indirectly (e.g. keeping your distance and letting it swing). We strongly advise against staying permanently in the direct airflow.

If you notice that the airflow becomes uncomfortable or too cold, point the fan away or turn it to a lower setting.

Can fans cause colds?

In itself, the breeze from a fan won't make anyone sick—a cold is caused by viruses. However, constant drafts can dry out mucous membranes and cool the body, making you more susceptible to infections.

If the fan constantly blows on the nose and throat at night, they dry out; viruses and bacteria then have an easy time settling in

Therefore: Don't leave the fan running continuously all night, but only when you're falling asleep (with a timer). Avoid directing the airflow directly onto your head or neck.

If your immune system is currently weakened (e.g. due to a previous cold), be extra careful with strong ventilation or avoid it for a while.

Why does a fan inevitably stir up dust and pollen in the room air?

For allergy sufferers, this can worsen symptoms – pollen allergy sufferers may experience sneezing attacks, while dust mite allergy sufferers may experience irritated eyes or a cough. The moving air disperses allergens much more quickly throughout the room, which can, in the worst case, trigger asthma attacks.

If you or your colleagues are allergic, pay particular attention to cleanliness: Dust-free fans and rooms are a must. Clean the fan blades regularly (preferably every few days with a damp cloth) to prevent dust from accumulating on them and then spreading it around. If you're allergic to pollen, ventilate only during times when pollen levels are low (usually early in the morning or after rain) and consider using a fan with an air filter .

There are models that have integrated HEPA filters or ionizers to remove some of the particles from the air. People with severe allergic asthma should avoid fans altogether if they noticeably worsen their symptoms – an air purifier may be a better choice in these cases.

What health and safety considerations should I consider when using a fan to protect my eyes, skin, and electrical safety?

People who wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes should also avoid drafts, as dry air can irritate the eyes. Similarly, very dry air from a fan can dry out the skin. Drinking plenty of fluids and, if necessary, using a humidifier or a wet cloth (see the next chapter) helps to prevent the air from becoming too dry.

Safe operation: Make sure the fan is in good working order. Cheap, flimsy devices or very old fans can overheat or, in the worst case, cause a short circuit.

If possible, use devices with overheat protection. Don't leave a fan running unattended for hours, especially not at the highest setting, and unplug it if you're leaving the house for an extended period. For pedestal and table fans, always keep the protective grille in place (especially if there are children or pets in the household) – it prevents injuries.

Why should I keep windows, shutters, or blinds closed on hot days to keep the heat out?

A fan should circulate the air in the room when the windows are closed, but should not bring in warm outside air (see placement tips).

Ventilate at night: Take advantage of the cool nights and morning hours to ventilate the accumulated heat from your home. Fans are a valuable tool for accelerating this cooling process.

Conversely, early in the morning you can ventilate cool air from outside before it gets hot again outside.

Use evaporative cooling: A popular trick is to additionally humidify the air to create evaporative cooling. You can find out more about air coolers at this link.

What measures help keep the heat out and indoor spaces cool on hot days?

While fans cannot replace real air conditioning in terms of actually lowering the temperature, they are significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. A typical fan consumes only 20–100 watts of electricity, while even

When used continuously during a hot summer, fans can save energy and costs. For example, a 50-watt fan running for 8 hours a day consumes only about 0.4 kWh per day (equivalent to a cost of about 12 cents) – comparatively low. From an environmental perspective, fans are therefore often a better choice than air conditioning.

However, you should be aware of the limitations : In extreme heat or in poorly insulated rooms, fans reach their limits. Additional measures (e.g., shading, nighttime ventilation, or, in exceptional cases, an air conditioner) can help. In most cases, however, fans can achieve noticeable cooling without the disadvantages of air conditioning (high costs, dry air, installation effort, etc.).

What role do noise level, energy consumption, and additional features play in choosing a fan?

Finally, let's take a look at important technical criteria when using and purchasing fans to help you find the right device for your needs:

Noise level (dB): Fans are never completely silent—the whirring motor noise and the rushing of air are part of it. However, there are significant differences: Quiet models reach ~30 dB (approximately whisper level) on low settings, while powerful fans can reach up to 60–70 dB (comparable to a running television or vacuum cleaner) on the highest setting.

For bedrooms and concentrated work, a fan that stays below 40 dB on a low setting is recommended

It's often worth looking specifically for "silent" or "whisper" fans – these sometimes use brushless DC motors , which run more smoothly and are more energy-efficient. Keep in mind that air turbulence also causes noise: Larger rotor blades rotate more slowly for the same airflow and are therefore sometimes quieter than small, high-speed fans. Check the decibel ratings before purchasing, and if in doubt, test the device. In the office, it's also considerate to avoid loudly whistling turbofans – your colleagues will appreciate it.

What criteria regarding energy consumption, efficiency, and additional features should I consider when selecting a fan to optimally combine comfort, cost savings, and environmental friendliness?

As mentioned, fans are very energy-efficient. Small table fans often consume 10–30 W, pedestal fans around 40–60 W, and tower and floor fans, depending on their power, can consume up to 100 W.

For comparison: an air conditioner consumes 1000 W and more

In times of high electricity prices, an efficient model is worthwhile. Some fans carry energy labels or test awards.

Pay attention to the hourly consumption (watts) in the technical specifications. And turn the fan off when no one is in the room—since it doesn't actually cool the air, there's no point in running it in an empty room (except for ventilation). In short: fans offer excellent cooling per watt—a real bonus for the environment and your wallet.

Additional features: Modern fans can do more than just blow air. Here are a few useful features:

Timer & Sleep Mode: Allows automatic shutdown after a certain time – ideal for falling asleep so the fan doesn’t run all night

Some have a special night mode with a particularly quiet level or intermittent operation.

Oscillation: The oscillation function (usually horizontal, sometimes vertical) distributes the airflow more effectively throughout the room. This is useful for cooling multiple people or ventilating an entire room more evenly.

Most pedestal and table fans have oscillation; floor fans, on the other hand, almost never

Remote control & smart home: A remote control allows you to operate the fan from a distance—from the comfort of your sofa or bed. Some higher-end models can be controlled via a smartphone app or voice assistant (Alexa, Google Home). Smart fans are also available for offices that can be integrated into a network, but their functionality usually remains simple (turning the fan on and off, adjusting the fan speed).

Air filtration/ionization: Some combination units also function as air purifiers . They have HEPA filters that filter pollen, dust, and even germs from the air while the fan is running. Allergy sufferers in particular can benefit from these units, as fewer irritants circulate.

Ionizers are also occasionally integrated – they electrostatically charge particles so they fall to the floor. However, such additional features drive up the price (think Dyson Pure Cool, etc.) and are only necessary if air quality is a key concern.

Adjustability: Standard pedestal fans can be adjusted in height and tilt angle. Table fans also allow at least up/down tilt. This helps direct the airflow exactly where you want it (e.g., slightly upwards rather than directly into your face). Make sure the mechanism is sturdy and stays in place.

Speed ​​levels & modes: Several speed levels (at least 2–3, often up to 5–8) are standard. Some fans also offer predefined modes, such as "Natural Wind," which automatically varies the speed in intervals to simulate natural wind. This can be more pleasant than a constant airflow. A turbo mode can be helpful for quickly blowing through a room while you're not in it, and then switching back to normal operation.

Finally, a word of advice: Listen to your gut. Everyone reacts slightly differently to drafts. Find the settings and positioning that are most comfortable for you. Sometimes a small change—moving the fan a little further away, setting it to a lower speed, or changing the angle—is enough to turn "drafty" into "pleasantly cool." With the right fans and the tips above, nothing stands in the way of a fresh, comfortable indoor climate in your home and office. So, stay cool!