| Electric Fan Basics
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The History of Electric Fans |
Mechanical fans first made their appearance in the
Middle East during the 1500s. Known as "punkahs," these fans
consisted of a canvas-covered frame that was suspended from the
ceiling. Servants pulled ropes connected to the frame to move the
fan back and forth in order to produce a cooling effect.
The Industrial Revolution in the 1800s then saw belt-driven fans
powered by factory waterwheels, but it wasn't until Thomas Edison
and Nikola Tesla introduced electric power in the later 1800s and
early 1900s that electric fans were readily available to the general
public. By this time, most electric fans were not only functional
but stylish as well. Equipped with brass blades and cages, they were
often used to enhance a home's d?cor. However, although beautiful,
these fans were far from safe, as large cage openings often resulted
in hand or finger injuries.
Nonetheless, by the 1920s, industrialization allowed for the
mass-production of the modern electric fan. By the 1960s, the advent
of air conditioning slowed down fan sales, but in recent times,
electric fans have seen a resurgence of popularity. In fact,
in many parts of Europe and Asia, electric fans are still commonly
used. Although many portable electric fans are now more utilitarian
in design as opposed to decorative, they are considered to be more
energy efficient than refrigerated cooling and are often used for
supplemental or spot cooling. Moreover, electric fans can be
used for a range of purposes besides cooling such as adding
ventilation, exhaust, or any other type of gaseous transport.
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How Does an Electric Fan Work? |
Electric fans come in a range of styles and sizes,
but most electric fans used in home or industrial settings utilize
the same basic technology. There are three main types of fan
technologies used for air movement: axial, centrifugal, and cross
flow.
Most fans used for climate control purposes provide comfort or
ventilation via axial flow. These fans have blades which force air
to move parallel to the shaft about which the blades rotate and blow
across the axis of the fan (hence the name). These are used in
variety of applications, from providing personal cooling in personal
desk fans to the giant fans commonly found in wind tunnels.
The main parts of a typical electric fan such as a
portable electric fan
include the base, fan blade, armature and lead wires, motor, blade
guard, motor housing, oscillator gearbox, and oscillator shaft.
These fans are rated according to type, size, and number of blades.
Four-blade electric fans are the most common, and the materials from
which an electric fan's components are made often determine its
price.
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Electric Fan Tip:
Keep
in mind that while electric fans provide comfort, they
do not actually lower temperatures. Instead, they
simply create a wind chill effect. |
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Electric Fan Types and
Functions |
As mentioned above, there are several different
types of electric fans used for several different purposes besides
just cooling. From residential to industrial settings, electric fans
such as exhaust
and window fans can provide additional ventilation and prevent the
inhalation of dangerous gases and fumes and even help with odor or
moisture control as found in bathroom fans. Here is a breakdown of
the most popular electric fans and their functions:
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Portable Electric Fans |
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A portable electric fan is exactly what the name
implies. From simple desktop fans used for personal cooling
to larger box fans that have the ability to efficiently
distribute large volumes of air for rapid, even cooling, all
portable electric fans are fully portable and can be moved
from one room to the next. Portable electric fans also
encompass many different fan styles, including
floor fans
which are placed on the floor of a home or workplace;
pedestal fans which offer the versatility of moving air
at shoulder height while being tucked away in a corner
behind a table or furniture; and many types of
industrial
fans. The type you choose will generally depend on your
location and basic needs. Obviously, smaller table fans are
great additions for rooms or offices and provide a
comforting breeze, while industrial fans are more suitable
for larger spaces that require more powerful air
circulation. For more information on portable electric fans,
Click Here. |
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Ceiling Fans |
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Ceiling fans are fans not only help cool a room, they
can also complement any type of d?cor. Ceiling fans
primarily provide comfort by creating a current of air or
breeze. Suspended from the ceiling of a room and employing
hub-mounted, rotating paddles constructed of a number of
different materials to product a cooling effect. Air is
either blown or drawn in to create a draft and in turn, this
produces a chill factor on skin. Moreover, ceiling fans are
great for airing out or freshening a room. Many people may
also be unaware that ceiling fans are multifunctional and
can also lower a household's electric bill. When used in the
summer, a ceiling fan used in conjunction with a room air
conditioner or central AC increases the cooling effect of
these appliances but allow you to turn up the temperature on
your thermostat, and when used in the winter in reverse,
ceiling fans can also increase the efficiency of your
heating system by forcing the heat accumulated at the
ceiling down along the walls and to occupants. Therefore, no
other home appliance can match a ceiling fan's combination
of beauty, functionality, and dependability. |
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Exhaust Fans |
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Again, like many types of portable electric fans,
exhaust fans perform many functions, but the two many
reasons consumers choose these types of fans are to cool and
provide ventilation. Exhaust fans installed in a window
(also called "window fans") can greatly add to the comfort
of a home and is an alternative to air conditioning. Most
window fans have a 20" diameter, and the majority require
some sort of mounting kit and side panels. The panels both
support the fan and prevent air from circulating around and
back into the fan, which may result in performance loss. On
the other hand, when used for ventilation, exhaust fans are
excellent for areas like attics where moisture and heat can
accumulate. This combination of moisture and heat, when not
exhausted, can condense. In turn, this condensation can
damage and deteriorate insulation and construction
materials. Therefore, temperature and moisture control are
the major reasons for purchasing an exhaust fan. For more
information on exhaust fans,
Click Here. |
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Industrial Fans |
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Industrial or commercial settings require proper
ventilation as well as climate and odor control in order to
ensure the health and safety of employees and customers.
Thus, high volume, low speed industrial fans provide
numerous benefits for chemical, automatic, and construction
settings. They are usually placed on the floor, and
industrial blowers such as the
Air King
9550 are powerful, yet portable. In terms of temperature
control, because industrial and commercial settings are
usually subject to high heat levels, industrial fans are
essential in such areas which usually cannot accommodate
traditional air conditioning systems. Also, because
industrial fans promote fresh air and circulation, they stir
up air in enclosed areas and can regulate odors and gaseous
fumes commonly found in chemical or automotive industries.
In addition, another type of industrial fan is an industrial
blower. These systems also provide air and gas movement, and
they are particularly useful for cooling or drying
applications. For more information on industrial fans,
Click Here. |
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Bathroom Exhaust Fans |
| A bathroom exhaust fan is an absolutely vital component
of your home's ventilation system because it can effectively
deal with both offensive odors and humidity levels. Moisture
is a common problem in bathrooms, and excess moisture can
cause paint damage, doors to warp, and even lead to the
accumulation of mold spores. There are many types of
bathroom exhaust fans available, from simple, no-frills
models, to more elaborate units that come with built-in
heaters, lights, and even timer units. Most models such as
the
Broan QTXE150FL are designed to be mounted on the
ceiling, but some can be mounted to the walls. Therefore,
with a simple exhaust fan, you can greatly decrease or even
eliminate the many problems associated with excess bathroom
moisture. For more information on bathroom fans,
Click Here. |
Electric Fan Buying Guide Main Page
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