Summer is here, and as temperatures reach unbearable temperatures, staying cool in our homes can become a real challenge.
And if you don’t have one of the best smart air conditioners, or your AC has suddenly stopped blowing cold air, a powerful fan ior air circulator s the best option.
But before you rush off to buy, you’re probably wondering what’s the difference between an air circulator and a traditional fan.
Although both cooling devices may look alike and essentially do the same job, they operate differently. A standard fan blows cool air in one direction and is only beneficial when facing you, while an air circular keeps the air in motion, distributing cool air evenly around the room.
To help you decide what’s best for your home and needs, we take a closer look to see how they compare and which one should you buy.
Air circulator vs fan — How do they work?
What is a fan?
Typically, fans are designed to focus airflow on a specific area, which allows a direct quick breeze in that space.
Whether it be a desk, pedestal, tower or even bladeless fan, these types will direct airflow to one spot, and provide instant cooling relief.
For this reason, fans make great personal cooling machines, and work well in smaller spaces, but do not typically circulate air across the room.
With that said, you can find fans with wide oscillation that will help move air around such as the Dyson Pure Cool purifying fan that can oscillate up to 360 degrees. Or smart tower fans like the Govee 42" Smart Tower Fan 2 Max.
What is an air circulator?
On the other hand (and as the name suggests), air circulators are designed to evenly circulate the air flow around the entire room. This will ensure a consistent, cool breeze, and is ideal for large room and space coverage.
These work by drawing air in through the back of the fan head, and pushing it out though a spiral air funnel.
Cool air is then propelled out into the space where it bounces off the walls and ceiling to be evenly distributed throughout the room. Air circulators often come with a wider range of oscillation settings like this Dreo TurboPoly Fan 508S.
Air circulators are especially effective when paired with an AC unit, since they help to cool the room better.
This works by simply rapidly reducing the overall temperature in the room, and ensuring better air circulation.
What’s more, air circulators are typically quieter than traditional fans, while fans can be noisy, especially when you ramp up the speeds.
Air circulator vs fan — Pros and cons
3 reasons to buy an air circulator
1. You have large rooms to cool
Since an air circulator is designed to evenly distribute cool air around an entire room, it's more suitable for large spaces.
This is thanks to its continuous, cycled airflow that a traditional fan can’t achieve. What’s more, you can place your air circulator in a corner of the room or even on a table, and still feel a cool breeze in the room.
Although a traditional fan will keep you cool, you’ll need to be seated or standing directly in front of it to feel the difference.
For this reason, a fan is more suited to smaller spaces.
2. You want to use it all year round
Another great benefit is that you can use an air circulator any season.
Unlike a cooling fan, air circulators can keep the air moving on a continuous cycle, so the room won’t ever feel stuffy.
This is particularly useful during winter months, when you have your central air on. Since heat rises, a lot of that warm air tends to get trapped up near the ceiling.
An air circulator will capture pockets of warm air and distribute it around the whole room, keeping you toasty and comfortable.
3. You can use with your AC unit
As mentioned previously, air circulators can be affective when used alongside an AC system.
This is mainly because it can amplify a source of existing cool air, and distribute it evenly around. Thus making the room feel significantly cooler.
If you want to get the most out of your AC, check out these 5 ways to prepare your AC for a heatwave.
3 reasons to buy a fan
1. You want immediate relief
A standard fan is a great buy for personal cooling, and can instantly cool you down in seconds.
This is because it directs a blast of air towards a person helping them to feel cooler by the evaporation of sweat.
A fan is also ideal for smaller spaces, like a home office where you just want to direct a fan towards your desk. Or if you’re preparing a feast in the kitchen on a sweltering day, and need a fan to cool you down and keep you comfortable.
2. You want something for outdoor use
Another handy thing about fans is that these are easily portable, and can be taken outdoors. Be it keeping cool in the backyard, or wanting to keep your guests comfortable, a fan is a great option.
Not only do these offer immediate, cooling relief but there are even misting fans on the market that use a spray of water to cool you down. In fact, our Homes editor tested the Shark FlexBreeze misting fan and was thoroughly impressed.
3. You don't have an AC unit
If you have yet to invest in one of the best smart air conditions, a cooling fan is convenient. Not only will it do a good job at instantly keeping you cool, but it is much affordable and energy-efficient to run.
Plus, there are a range of different fan models to choose from including, tower, pedestal, desk or floor fans to suit your home and needs. While traditional fans can’t actually decrease room temperature, the cool air will help small spaces feel cooler.
Air circulator vs fan — which should you get?
While both do a good job of cooling, buying a fan or an air circulator all depends on your lifestyle and needs.
If you’re simply after immediate, cooling relief when you’re literally overheating, a powerful cooling fan will get the job done.
Just bear in mind that this won’t circulate cool air around the room, just directly towards a specific area. What’s more, fans can be used outdoors and are versatile to take anywhere.
However, if you prefer cool air from every angle, or you have large rooms to cool, an air circulator is your best bet.
Not only does it evenly distribute air around the space, but it works effectively with an AC unit.
Essentially, that would mean that you’re even cooler and comfortable for much longer. Either way, you'll stay cool as a cucumber all summer!
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