Electric Fans: Reasons to Purchase

In the 1500s, mechanical fans made their first appearance as canvas covered frames called "punkahs" that were suspended from the ceiling. There were ropes connected to the frame that servants pulled, making the fan move back and forth to create a cooling effect. During the 1800s, belt driven fans powered by factory waterwheels were produced. After electric power was introduced, electric fans were available to the general public. The fans were functional and stylish, equipped with brass blades and cages so that they enhanced a home's decor. When the 1920s arrived, mass production of modern electric fans was made possible by industrialization. When air conditioning was made widely available during the 1960s, fan sales slowed downed. Presently, fan popularity has resurged and they are still commonly used in many parts of Europe and Asia. Currently, fans feature a more utilitarian design and are not used to enhance home decor as much. Electric fans are more energy efficient than refrigerated cooling provided by air conditioners, and are often used as supplemental cooling devices or for spot cooling. Electric fans can also be used to add ventilation, exhaust or any type of gaseous transport.

Axial, centrifugal and cross flow are the three main types of fan technologies used for air movement. Axial flow is the method that fans used for climate control utilize to provide comfort or ventilation. The blades force air to move parallel to the shaft while the blades rotate around it and blow across the axis of the fan. Personal cooling in personal desk fans and giant fans commonly found in wind tunnels are a couple of the applications that use axial flow. The common main components of an electric fan include the base, fan blade, armature and lead wires, motor, blade guard, motor housing, oscillator gearbox and oscillator shaft. The types, size and number of blades determine the rating of electric fans. The price is determined by the materials from which the fan's components are made. Four blade fans are the most common. Fans do not actually lower the temperature to provide comfort. Instead, a wind chill effect is created.

There are many different kinds of fans made in a wide range of designs. There are fans that can be put on the floor or table, hung from the ceiling, or built into windows, walls, roofs or chimneys. Electric fans are used in hair dryers and space heaters and in electronic systems like computers to cool the circuits inside.

The most popular electric fans are:

Portable Electric Fans- These electric fans are fully portable and can be moved from one room to the next. Many different kinds of fans can fit into this category, such as floor fans, pedestal fans and many types of industrial fans.

Ceiling Fans- These electric fans help cool rooms and complement decor. They employ hub-mounted, rotating paddles constructed of a number of different materials to produce a cooling effect and are suspended from the ceiling of a room. Air is blown or drawn in to create a draft which produces a chill effect. You can air out or freshen a room, lower your household's electric bill, increase the cooling effects of a portable air conditioner or central air conditioner, and increase the efficiency of your heating system when used in reverse during winter.

Exhaust Fans- These fans are mostly used to cool and provide ventilation. Some exhaust fans are installed in a window. These window fans can be used as alternatives to air conditioning. They usually have a 20 inch diameter and require a mounting kit and side panels. Exhaust fans can also be used in attics because they expel the moisture and heat that accumulates before it damages and deteriorate insulation and construction materials.

Industrial Fans- To ensure the health and safety of employees and customers, industrial and commercial settings require proper ventilation and climate and odor control. These settings are usually subject to high heat levels so high volume, low speed industrial fans are crucial when the space cannot accommodate traditional air conditioning systems. These electric fans promote fresh air and circulation so they can regulate odors and gaseous fumes and industrial blowers are particularly useful for cooling or drying applications.

Bathroom Exhaust Fans- These electric fans deal with offensive odors and humidity levels, making them vital components of your home. Excess moisture in bathrooms can lead to paint damage, warping doors, and the eventual accumulation of mold spores. Bathroom exhaust fans can come with built-in heater, lights and timer units. They are designed to be mounted on the ceiling or onto the wall.