Pedestal Fan Guide
Updated: Jul. 22, 2021
Here's why a pedestal fan might be right for you.
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Looking for a way to beat the heat without spending a fortune on air conditioning? You might want to consider a pedestal fan.
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What is a Pedestal Fan?
Pedestal fans are electric, oscillating fans with the blade or blades sitting on top of a long stand. The stands are often adjustable, and can be detached into two pieces for easier storage. They come in various heights, speeds and blade lengths, but all are freestanding. They don’t need to be propped up on a table, desk or shelf like other smaller fan options.
Popular Pedestal Fans
Honeywell is a major fan producer, and its Double Blade 16 Pedestal Fan is one of the highest rated sellers on Amazon, with more than 6,000 reviews and a 4.5 star rating. It can cool medium to large rooms. The fan also features three speed settings, an auto-off timer and a remote control.
Another quality choice is the Klarstein Silent Storm Pedestal Fan, which has 12 speed settings and an adjustable tilt/inclination angle. However, it costs more than twice as much as the Honeywell.
Pros and Cons of Pedestal Fans
Pedestal fans are a much cheaper option than installing a window air conditioning unit or central air. However, they do have drawbacks.
Some cheaper pedestal fan models can be noisy and don’t consistently cool the room. And while a fan will make you feel cooler, it can’t lower the temperature in the room. Fans circulate air, which increases the amount of evaporation from your skin. So if you set the fan to oscillate, you’ll only feel cooler while the fan is blowing on you.
Tower vs. Pedestal Fans
Tower fans, as the name would suggest, are taller and skinnier than pedestal fans. They’re also typically not as powerful as pedestal fans. However, tower fans are good options for smaller rooms because they’re slimmer and can fit in tight spaces.
Pedestal Installation and Maintenance
Most pedestal fans come in two parts, with the top detaching from the bottom. Installation is generally straightforward, but refer to your owner’s manual for complete instructions.
The most important part of pedestal fan maintenance is keeping the fan blades clean of dirt. Also, to avoid serious injury, always unplug the fan before cleaning. Refer to the owner’s manual for how to access the fan blades. Do not stick anything through the fan blade guard while the blades are moving.
