Tower fan buying guide

Buying a tower fan can be an affordable way to cool your home. Tower fans are more suited to smaller spaces and can offer extra features such as dust filters and ionizers. We’ll help you compare tower fans and help you decide upon the best fan to combat sticky summer nights.

Compare some of the best tower fans

Name	Average price	Number of speeds	Oscillating?	Remote?	Purchase
Lasko 4924 High Velocity Blower Fan with Handle	$65	3	Yes	No	Buy now
Honeywell Fresh Breeze	$69	3	Yes	Yes	Buy now
Dyson Cool AM07 Air Multiplier	$300	10	Yes	Yes	Buy now
Honeywell Quiet Set Whole Room	$49	5	Yes	Yes	Buy now
TRUSTECH 48” Oscillating Tower Fan	$90	3	Yes	Yes	Buy now

What are tower fans?

Tower fans are alternatives or supplements to ceiling fans and air conditioners. They work by pushing and pulling air through vents in the tower, using impeller blades.

Why should I consider a tower fan?

There are a number of benefits to choosing a tower fan over ceiling fans or air conditioners.

• Flexibility. Tower fans provide flexibility that air conditioners and ceiling fans cannot. You can easily pick them up and move them from room to room or aim them in a specific direction as needed. You can also transport them between homes and offices, should you find yourself on the move.
• Cost-effectiveness. Tower fans run at a fraction of the cost of air conditioners. If you’re worried about mounting electricity bills or your environmental footprint, a tower fan could be the way to go.
• No chill factor. Air conditioners “chill” a room with cool air. Some people find this to be uncomfortable. If you want to cool down without being frozen, a tower fan could be the right option for you.

How to compare tower fans

Tower fans can cost anywhere from $20 for a basic model to upwards of $300 or more for a high-tech fan. Consider your budget and these important features when shopping:

• Space. Know which room you want to use your fan in and choose a model that’ll fit without taking up too much space. If you’ll be using the fan in a child’s bedroom, look for a tower fan with concealed blades or a bladeless design.
• Timers. If you’re using the fan in a bedroom, you can set a timer to power off while you are asleep. If you know you’ll be arriving home from a hot day of work, you can set the timer to turn on just before you walk through the door.
• Speed settings. Adjustable speed settings allow you to moderate the temperature within your space.
• Height. Think about how you’ll use your fan, and where you’ll want the airflow directed to determine an ideal fan height.
• Remote. Many tower fans come with a remote that allows you to adjust settings and use other special features without getting up.
• Noise. Some models offer night modes that operate at slower speeds and lower volumes. In general, higher fan speeds are noisier, but loose mechanisms can also generate sounds.

Bottom line

Tower fans can instantly increase the comfort level of practically any space by increasing air flow and cooling you down. Consider your budget, space and which special features you can’t live without when comparing your options.

Frequently asked questions

• Do tower fans cool a room?

  Unlike air conditioners, tower fans don’t lower the temperature of a room, but they can help to make you feel cooler and more comfortable by circulating air throughout the space.

• Do all tower fans oscillate?

  Most tower fans have an oscillating feature, but not all models do. Oscillation can help to increase air flow more than stationary fans.

• How do you clean a tower fan?

  Check the manual that came with your fan for specific cleaning instructions. Different fans may require different cleaning methods. In general, you can try:

  • Using a can of compressed air to blow away dust and dirt from inside the fan
  • Using a vacuum cleaner hose attachment to sweep away dust
  • Taking the fan apart if you can and wiping down the blades