Ceiling fans can be one of the cheapest ways to beat the summer heat – if they do their job properly. 

A fan that doesn’t circulate the air enough can be frustrating, but a fan that blows too hard even on its lowest setting can be just as annoying, especially when you’re trying to sleep.

“When reviewing fans at ÌÇÐÄVlog, we look at a number of key performance factors,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog fan expert Denis Gallagher.

“A great fan will deliver a wide variety of air movement options to suit your particular requirements. 

“This includes a good range of high-speed settings for the living room as well as a couple of good breeze-like settings to help create an ideal sleeping environment.

“We also assess ease of use, which covers things like assembly and installation, as well as controls using the wall switch or remote.”

The lowest scoring ceiling fans in our tests

1. Hunter Pacific Majestic Coolah

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Price: $219

Sadly, the ‘Coolah’ failed to live up to its name. 

On the highest setting, it didn’t deliver enough air movement for living areas, but on its lowest setting in the bedroom, it proved too strong to be comfortable. 

Is there anything it does do well? Er, not really. 

It does have a distinctive design and its blades are made of wood, and our experts rate it OK for ease of use. But its pull switch isn’t as easy to use as a remote or wall switch. 

Read the full Hunter Pacific Majestic Coolah review. 

2. Martec Elite

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 54%
• Price: $260

Like the Coolah, the Martec Elite also disappoints in the bedroom and in living areas, although it did score slightly better than the Coolah for high-speed cooling. 

On the upside, it is relatively cheap to run, with our experts estimating it will cost just $20 in power bills for a year.

Read the full Martec Elite review.

3. Hunter Carera

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 64%
• Price: $499

This AC fan has just three speed options for controlling airflow. And you really need to use the highest setting to get some good air movement going. Otherwise performance is pretty average and inconsistent.

Though air movement is very good on the highest setting for some spaces in your home, the Carera may be a bit too powerful for bedrooms. Even on the lowest speed, our testers found it to be pretty strong in that environment.

Running costs are relatively high compared to other high-performing fans as well.

Read the full Hunter Carera review.

The post Ceiling fans to avoid appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Ceiling fans can be a stylish, cost-effective alternative to air conditioning. They can also help you in winter by moving warm air from your heater around the room.

But a noisy fan whirring above your head while you try to sleep isn’t ideal, so it’s important to choose a quiet model with a range of speed settings. That’s why the Bedroom score is such an important part of our ceiling fans test.

We’ve looked at almost 90 models in our ÌÇÐÄVlog labs, giving each one a Bedroom score for its ability to move enough air on the lowest setting to keep you cool, but without disrupting your sleep.

We also measure each fan’s noise level on the medium setting. Anything below 35dB should allow you to sleep soundly.

How many blades is best?

A good number of blades is very important for defending your family’s honour, à la The Princess Bride. But do more blades make for a better ceiling fan? Not so much.

Air flow performance is mostly determined by the design and shape of the blades and the quality of the motor. We’ve come across a range of top-scoring models that use two, three or four blades of varying materials. So as far as numbers go, it’s really a matter of personal preference.

Smart fan functions

There are some advantages to buying a fan with an associated app or Google Assistant, Siri or Alexa support. Think of apps as a replacement for wall switches or remotes with more options.

You can set timers to adjust speeds throughout the night, turn the inbuilt lights on and off and even trigger the light to slowly turn on in time with the sunrise (depending on the brand). Some even support voice commands for basic functions like turning the fan or lights on and off and adjusting speeds.

But if apps aren’t your cup of tea, don’t worry. Most fans still include a remote with basic dimmer and timer settings.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: One question we’re often asked is ‘Can you install a ceiling fan with a DC motor in a standard home?’ The answer is absolutely: The DC motor has an internal rectifier so it’s compatible with normal AC electrical systems. But always use a licensed electrician to carry out the installation.

The best ceiling fans for your bedroom

These are the best ceiling fans for your bedroom based on our expert assessments. They’re not the only bedroom-friendly fans, though, and may not be the best all-rounders.

For the full results of our tests and to find out which ones our experts recommend, head to our ceiling fan reviews.

Aeratron AE2+

• Cost: $879
• Bedroom score: 90%
• Features: Stylish, quiet design; energy efficient, remote control, reverse mode, Wi-Fi module for smart controls (optional).

With a design inspired by bird wings to create noiseless movement, this stylish fan is also efficient. It uses far less energy than an ordinary AC ceiling fan, costing around $11 a year to run. It’s also one of the quietest fans in our test at all speeds, making it an ideal choice for the bedroom.

It has six speed settings and provides excellent air movement performance at all fan speeds, including the lower settings required for a good night’s sleep. Reverse mode also allows it to run in conjunction with a reverse-cycle air conditioner to help circulate warmth.

Aeratron is also one of the few manufactures that supports retrofitted lights. The optional lighting kit can mount to the fan after it’s installed, unlike most other brands which require you to add a light at checkout.

Read the full Aeratron AE2+ review.

Aeratron AE3+

• Cost: $1179
• Bedroom score: 90%
• ¹ó±ð²¹³Ù³Ü°ù±ð²õ:ÌýStylish, quiet design; energy efficient, remote control, reverse mode, Wi-Fi module for smart controls (optional).

This is the three-blade equivalent of the Aeratron AE2+ and test results are identical save for one result – noise. At 32dB The AE3+ is one decibel quieter than the AE2+. You’re unlikely to notice the difference.

Read the full Aeratron AE3+ review.

Big Ass Fans Haiku L

• Cost: $865
• Bedroom score: 90%
• Features: 30W lighting kit (optional), remote control, reverse mode, smart controls including Google Assistant and Alexa support (optional).

The Haiku range has seven speed settings, whereas most other brands stick with six or less. This offers you a little more air flow finesse and may provide the ideal middle ground for your sleeping conditions.

Air movement is excellent across all fan speeds so you can still keep things circulating on the lower settings suited for sleeping. Reverse mode can help your heater evenly warm the bedroom in winter as well.

But the 41-decibel operating volume is a little louder than the quietist models in our test, which hover around the low 30s. This is still pretty quiet all the same, well below the volume of a normal conversation, for example, which is 60-70dB

As well as a 30W lighting kit, Big Ass Fans also sells an optional Wi-Fi module that adds smart controls and voice commands via an official app. You can use it to change speeds, set schedules, control all the fans in your house at once using group mode or activate the ‘woosh’ setting (which automatically adjusts the speed to simulate the feel of a breeze).

Read the full Big Ass Fans Haiku L review.

Big Ass Fans Haiku I

• Cost: $1495
• Bedroom score: 90%
• Features: 30W lighting kit (optional), remote control, reverse mode, Google Assistant and Alexa support, SenseME motion sensor and room temperature monitor.

The Haiku I is the more technologically advanced sibling of the Haiku L. While performance results are the same (save for a minor difference in operating noise), the Haiku I comes with a handful of fancy smart functions called SenseMe – for a price.

Motion sensing and temperature control are the two drawcards that may justify the $1500 price tag. For example, SenseMe’s motion sensors can automatically turn the fan, light or both on and off whenever someone enters and exits a room.

Temperature control, meanwhile, consistently monitors the room’s temperature and humidity, so fan speeds can regularly adjust and maintain a comfortable environment. But this feature only works if you have the optional Bluetooth remote which, you guessed it, costs extra.

The Haiku I also includes the Haiku L’s optional Wi-Fi module and app support, by default.

Read the full Big Ass Fans Haiku I review.

Milano Slider Junior DC

• Cost: $699
• Bedroom score: 90%
• Features: Wooden blades, LED light (optional), remote control, reverse mode

At just 33dB, the Slider Junior DC is another quiet operator. In fact, it’s among the softest spinners in our test, but it still does an excellent job of circulating air at all six speeds.

Like most fans in our test, this one comes with a reverse mode to use in cooler seasons and a remote control. It has a fairly unique design too which is worth keeping in mind if you’re chasing a particular aesthetic for your home.

LED lighting is available but only as an optional extra. You can’t retrofit a lighting kit to the Slider Junior DC so don’t forget to tick the LED box when buying if your bedroom requires a little extra luminance. Annual energy fees aren’t too expensive at around $18, but this is also well above the most efficient models in our test.

Read the full Milano Slider Junior DC review.

Milano Slider Nova Full Moon

• Cost: $759
• Bedroom score: 90%
• Features:Wooden blades, 18W LED light, remote control, reverse mode

Susceptible to sounds while you sleep? Consider installing the Slider Nova Full Moon fan in your bedroom, because it’s the second softest fan to come through our test labs. Operating noise is a comfortably quiet 30dB.

It also comes with an LED light built in, which you can easily replace at home when it burns out. This could end up being a cheaper option than adding the optional lighting kit to the Slider Junior DC. Performance wise, the Slider Nova Full Moon is the same as the Slider Junior DC according to our test experts.

Read the full Milano Slider Nova Full Moon review.

The post Best ceiling fans for bedrooms appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Dyson isn’t just about high-end vacuums. Their range of space-age fans – which cost from around $500 up to $1000 or more – have also developed a cult following among lovers of the sleek design and fancy features. 

Most have air-purifying capability, which appeals to people wanting to improve air quality in their personal space by removing irritants such as smoke, dust or pollutants. The Dyson Hot + Cool models have both heating and cooling functions, while some of the other air purifying fans only have a cooling function. 

They all come in a ‘tower fan’ design, as opposed to a basic pedestal fan design, and are available in various finishes and sizes.Ìý

Whether they’re worth the price tag depends entirely on your priorities and what you will primarily be using the product for.

ÌÇÐÄVlog home appliance expert Chris Barnes says, “We have tested a few Dyson models across a number of areas, looking at how well they perform as air purifiers, how good they are at cooling, and how well they heat a room. 

“We have seen mixed results, so how well this product will perform for you depends on what you will be using it for.”

Features of Dyson air-purifying fans 

• They’re easy to clean as they don’t have grills or blades that gather dust.
• They don’t have fast spinning blades or exposed heating elements that could cause an injury or accident.
• They are controllable via remote, with adjustable speed settings and sleep timers. Most also have a ‘Night Mode’ for quiet operation and some models can also be controlled using the Dyson smartphone app.
• Most Dyson fans have air purifying and cooling capabilities. Some models also have a heating function.
• All models come with a two-year guarantee.
• They have a sleek look, a small footprint and are easily portable. The brand is known for investing heavily in engineering new prototypes and perfecting its designs.

46

pedestal and tower fans rated and reviewed

We've tested to find you the best.

Read pedestal and tower fans review

Are Dyson fan air purifiers any good?

Dyson air purifiers claim to improve indoor air quality by projecting purified air, either hot or cool, throughout your home, and removing dust, allergens, gases, odours and pollution in the process.

If you’re not interested in the air purifying function, the Dyson Cool tower fan (RRP $499) is the simplest option.

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts have looked at the air purifying capabilities of quite a few Dyson models over the years and found that, while their performance scores vary, they don’t tend to clean the air as quickly and effectively as other air purifiers we’ve reviewed.

Our latest expert air purifier review includes the following Dyson models:

• Dyson Big+Quiet Formaldehyde BP03
• Dyson Purifier Cool TP07
• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09
• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen 1 HP10
• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1
• Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP2

ÌÇÐÄVlog members have access to our detailed testing data, with information on how each of these models performed at removing dust, smoke and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) from the air. We also include an assessment of how easy each model is to use.

For some models such as the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, we have also tested how well it performs as a fan. 

In our air purifier review, the Dyson Big + Quiet Formaldehyde was the highest-scoring of the Dyson air purifiers, with our experts noting that it’s very good at removing VOCs from the air but rated as ‘only OK’ in other areas of the testing. 

Chris says: “Our test method for air purifiers is based on the industry standard Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) test, while Dyson has devised a different test called Polar which they say is more realistic. This may be part of the reason why they perform less effectively in our reviews.”

Chris says another reason that Dyson air purifiers failed to impress our testers could be because they’re designed to do double-duty as fans, so this may require some compromise in how much air is filtered at any moment. 

“Most air purifiers work by sucking in air and pushing it through a series of filters, and the air leaving the air purifier has lost speed by the time it exits the filters,” he says. 

“If you really want a tower fan or heater with air purification capability and you have the budget for a Dyson, the models we’ve tested may be worth considering as there aren’t many other combination fan/air purifier models out there. 

“However, we recommend looking at the scores for how well each model performs at removing dust versus smoke or VOCs, as certain capabilities may be more important to you than others.

“It’s also worth noting that there are many cheaper heaters and pedestal fans that have superior cooling and heating capabilities and other air purifiers that perform better in our reviews.”

How well do Dyson’s air-purifying fans work as heaters? 

If you’re looking for a unit that’s useful all year round, you may want to look at one of the Dyson fan air purifiers that also functions as a heater.

We have tested Dyson models with heating functions in the past and they’ve delivered mixed results, though some are quite good.

Heating scores for the models we’ve tested over the years have ranged from 66% (which our experts classify as ‘OK’) through to 85% (‘very good’).

If you’re just after a simple heater to keep you toasty in the winter, though, our electric heater review uncovered models that outperformed (or performed as well as) the Dysons but cost less, including some impressive models for under $100.

How well do Dyson air purifying fans perform at cooling?

Pedestal fans and tower fans are great options if you can’t install air conditioning or if you’re renting and need a fast cooling fix. 

But if you’re just looking to quickly cool a room, do you really need to fork out hundreds for a Dyson fan, particularly when you can pick up a pedestal fan for under $20 from places like Big W and Kmart?

If you’re keen on the air-purifying function and also want an appliance you can use as a heater in the cooler months, then it may be worth considering. However, if you’re just after a fan, our experts are less convinced. 

“We test a range of basic, traditional pedestal fans in our labs here at ÌÇÐÄVlog alongside the more high-tech expensive models such as Dyson,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog home expert Rebecca Ciaramidaro.  

“Our test looks at the strength of airflow of each fan and its ability to create a nice cooling breeze. Although the Dyson models don’t perform badly in our tests overall, if a fan that cools you down is your main priority, you can buy a product that does the job for less than a tenth of the price.” 

Granted, a cheap $20 pedestal fan won’t have any of the additional features touted by the Dyson models – including the air-purifying technology, smart connectivity and heating functions â€“ so it depends what your priorities are. 

Should you buy a pedestal fan or a tower fan?

Pedestal fans usually have a height-adjustable stand, and can be useful when you want air directed at a height above ground or at a certain spot in the room – for example, to blow directly onto your face, across a bed’s surface, or angled up toward the ceiling for an indirect breeze. 

They’re ideal for small- to medium-sized rooms. Choose one that has an oscillating function and various speed settings to give you greater control. 

Tower (or column) fans have a long rectangular air outlet that usually sits closer to the floor, although their upper section can still blow air at a reasonable height, and some have louvres to direct the airflow up or down. They’re often best suited to a large living area. 

Their slimline design means they also often have a smaller footprint so can be easier to fit into a corner or narrow space (around 20cm–23cm as opposed to 46cm–51cm for a pedestal fan). They also usually have concealed blades, which is good news if you’re concerned about small children or pets.

Comparing Dyson fan models

Our lab experts have reviewed the fan function of many Dyson models in the past, some of which have been discontinued but may still be available from certain retailers or secondhand. 

These include the Dyson Pure Cool TP04 fan and the Dyson Pure Cool TP00.

In our most recent review of tower fans and pedestal fans, you can compare results for the Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus AM09, the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, the Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 YY and the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10. 

“Although these fans perform adequately in our tests, we find that if you’re just looking for something to circulate air and create a cooling breeze, the Dyson fans probably aren’t worth the extra cash,” says Rebecca. 

“You’re paying a significantly higher price for the design and technology of the added features, which you may or may not need.”

The post Are Dyson air purifiers, fans and heaters worth the money? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Evapolar Evasmart

The Evasmart is a personal cooling device, not a fan – by which we mean an ‘evaporative’ or ‘swamp’ cooler. The heart of an evaporative cooler is a permeable screen or cartridge that soaks up water from a built-in reservoir. A fan passes air across this filter, evaporating some of this moisture, increasing humidity and cooling the air.

Testing the Evasmart

Keen to cool off, we set the Evasmart on the desk, filled the tank, plugged it in and… nothing. The power brick that came with it didn’t work, so we used the USB port instead. Next, we installed the Evasmart app, but couldn’t get it to work, so we ended up resorting to manual controls. These were pretty intuitive: lights on the control panel indicate how to adjust fan speed and the hue of Evasmart’s mood lighting.

One notable absence from the controls is temperature. That’s because, for simple evaporative coolers, temperature is at the mercy of environmental factors, particularly humidity. The lower the humidity, the more effective the cooler.

Does the Evasmart work?

In a word – yes, and surprisingly well. Even in our air-conditioned office, we observed a temperature reduction of between 3°C and 5°C, which is not insignificant for what’s effectively a small fan and a wet sheet.

We also took Evasmart out to the park on a sweltering 37°C day. Even there it was pumping out a refreshing 20.5°C from the front end – that’s a staggering 16.5°C temperature differential. True, the airflow was too weak for a windy park, but on a hot day indoors without air conditioning this would be wonderful.

Who needs the Evasmart?

Evasmart is great if you’re just a little too warm for comfort but don’t want the cost of air conditioning the whole room. It only needs to power its smallish fan and the LED lighting, so you can run it from a USB power bank – the type you use to recharge your phone. It’s also a good option for people in small apartments without air con, or student dorms with a relatively small space to cool. Compared with air conditioning it’s cheap to run and doesn’t require drilling holes in walls, so it’s rental-friendly too.

Does Dyson rain on Evasmart’s parade?

Dyson Pure Cool Me

Given its price and stylish design, you’d expect Dyson’s Pure Cool Me to be pretty potent. It isn’t. This is basically just a fan without any humidification or cooling technology beyond blowing air. Pure Cool Me isn’t Wi-Fi enabled – unlike EvaSmart, there’s no connectivity, no control via the internet, and no app.

What’s it like to use?

The centrepiece of the fan is an aerodynamically designed dome that focuses the air and makes it directional. You can adjust the vertical angle of airflow by sliding the dome back and forth. But it’s not immediately apparent how to do this and it took a few minutes of poking and prodding to figure it out.

This fan has an activated charcoal and glass HEPA filter, which Dyson claims will remove virtually all pollutants and allergens from the air – great for allergy or hay fever sufferers. The filter is easy to access by pressing two buttons on the sides of the dome to remove the top. The Evasmart has no such filter.

When you start Pure Cool Me, the small display lights up, showing fan speed and, at the push of a button, the relative health of the HEPA filter so you can see when it needs replacing.

Does the Pure Cool Me work?

Yes it does – it’s a good fan, if a little noisy. It’s also very imposing to have on your desk while you’re working, so perhaps it belongs more on a nearby shelf. Does it actually cool? No, it just blows air, but it does that pretty well.

The post Review: Evapolar Evasmart vs Dyson Pure Cool Me appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose what we test
• How we test pedestal and tower fans

Here’s how we determine which fans have the best airflow.

Our expert testers

We’ve been testing pedestal and tower fans in our in-house labs for a while now, so our expert testers know what makes a good one. Our test coordinator Matthew Tung has decades of experience in product testing – everything from cots and strollers to stick vacuums and pillows.

How we choose what we test

With so many to choose from, what makes us choose one pedestal fan to test over another? As with most of our product testing, our aim is to test the most popular brands and types on the market, and what you’re most likely to see in shops.

• We survey manufacturers to find out about their range of products.
• We check market sales information.
• We check for any member requests to test specific fan models.

From this information we put together a final list that goes to our buyers. They then head out to the retailers and purchase each product, just as a regular consumer would. We do this so we can be sure the products are the same as you’d find them, and not ‘tweaked’ in any way for better performance.

How we test pedestal and tower fans

We test dozens of pedestal and tower fan models to find out how well they’ll cool you down.

Airflow

The airflow score is determined by placing the fan in the middle of our test area, then using a sensor to measure airflow speed at various intervals with the fan at maximum speed. We then calculate airflow volume. The ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating, our overall score that determines which products we recommend, is made up purely of airflow performance.

We calculate the airflow for circular pedestal fans using a different formula to the tower fans, which are generally a rectangular shape, as the airflow follows a different pattern. You can choose the type you prefer using the filters in our pedestal and tower fan reviews.

Noise

We also measure noise at high and low speeds at a 1.5m height and 2m from the fan, but this isn’t scored.

The post How we test pedestal and tower fans appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we choose what we test
• How we test ceiling fans
• Our test lab

They’re also available in a wide range of prices, with some being cheap as chips or setting you back several hundred dollars.Ìý

So how can you tell which one will do the best job? We put fans through their paces to help make buying a breeze. Here’s how we do it.

Our expert testers

We’ve been reviewing ceiling fans for many years now, and we’ve adjusted our testing methods over that time to keep them rigorous and practical.Ìý

While we test most products in our own labs, fan testing requires particular facilities and equipment that we unfortunately don’t have space for.Ìý

Because of this, fans are one of the few products we send to another expert lab, which tests them according to our requirements.

How we choose what we test

With so many models to choose from, what makes us test one ceiling fan over another? As with most of our product testing, our aim is to test the most popular brands and types on the market, and what you’re most likely to see in stores.

• We survey manufacturers to find out about their range of products.
• We check market sales information.
• We check for any member requests to test specific ceiling fans.Ìý

From this information, we put together a final list that goes to our buyers. They then head out to the retailers and purchase each product, just as a regular consumer would.Ìý

We do this so we can be sure the product is the same as any consumer would find it, and not ‘tweaked’ in any way for better performance.

How we test ceiling fans

Ceiling fan performance

The fan’s performance is evaluated using our test program and quality requirements in a controlled test room measuring 4.5m x 4.5m x 2.4m high.Ìý

The room has no furniture or heat source and has bare flat walls, floor and ceiling.Ìý

We measure room temperature and humidity before and during the tests to confirm their consistency for all tests, and all fans are pre-conditioned by running them on maximum speed for one hour.

Fan rotational frequency

Fan rotational frequency is measured with a tachometer on each regulator setting. The instrument output is averaged over one minute for each reading. Measurements are taken for the highest and lowest regulator settings only.Ìý

Total air delivery is calculated for both high and low settings. The temperature rise of the regulator and fan motor is measured after approximately 30 minutes of operating time.

Performance in a living room

This accounts for 40% of the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating (our overall score).

It’s how we assess the fan’s ability to move air at high speeds – a setting more likely to be used in a larger area during the day. The more powerful the setting is, the better the score.

Performance in a bedroom

This accounts for 40% of the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating.

It rates the fan’s ability to move air at the lowest setting – the most common setting to be used at night while sleeping.

• Weak air movement earns a score of 55%
• Moderate air movement earns a score of 70%
• Gentle but effective air movement earns a score of 90%
• Models considered too powerful on their lowest setting score 50%.

Strong air movement is less desirable when you’re trying to sleep, but can still be compensated for with an extra sheet, for example. Weak air movement, on the other hand, is essentially useless.Ìý

Many DC ceiling fans have very low air delivery on the lowest setting, but one of the next four settings will most likely deliver the required optimum air delivery for a bedroom.

Ease of use

This accounts for 20% of the ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating.

Ease of use is based on how easy it is to follow the installation instructions, use the fan control, reverse the rotational direction of the fan and move from one fan speed setting to another.Ìý

We allocate a higher proportion to the day-to-day use of the fan, as you’ll most likely have an electrician install the fan.

Noise (dBA)

Noise is measured with a sound level meter positioned one metre below the centre of the fan in the test room on:

• the lowest and highest regulator settings
• the highest regulator setting in the reverse fan direction.

The dB values are comparative only. We’re unable to deliver the exact decibel figures collected for each model, as the test room’s ambient noise levels are not low enough to distinguish the difference in noise levels below 30dB.Ìý

While the actual fan sound may seem loud or quiet, it’s the type of noise produced that people often find distracting, and these noises can be produced at levels that are still very low.

A listening test is also used to describe the type of sound (clicking, humming and so on).Ìý

We’ve started to carry out additional noise measurements in a quieter test room and will deliver more useful data on the noise generated at the lowest speed setting in our next test.

Humming or buzzing

We’re sometimes asked aboutÌýhumming or buzzing noises in ceiling fans.ÌýThese are usually caused by ripple control signals sent through the electricity supply (to switch devices such as hot water systems on and off for off-peak tariff switching).Ìý

This is a known problem that’s unlikely to be covered by the fan’s warranty.Ìý

Your electricity supplier may be able (or even required) to fix the problem, so contact them in the first instance to see how they can help. We don’t test fans for this problem so we can’t advise if any are more susceptible to it.

Running cost

These costs are based on eight hours of use per day for six months of the year, used in summer to keep cool and part of winter to help move warm air down to the living area. To calculate this, electricity is priced at 40 cents per kWh.

Our test lab

TheÌýÌÇÐÄVlog labsÌýare up to date with the latest reference machines and calibrated measurement tools, so our testers can bring you the right results.

For any testing required where we don’t have the necessary in-house skill or equipment, we use an external expert lab.

The post How we test ceiling fans appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

For most of us, ceiling fans are synonymous with summer, when we’re coping with 40 degree heat or trying to sleep through a humid night. But did you know they can be just as useful in winter and even slash your heating costs?Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog home expert Denis Gallagher explains how they work and how we put them to the test using thermal heatmap imaging in our recent lab experiment.

The key is using winter (reverse) modeÌý

In normal ‘summer’ mode, ceiling fans move anti-clockwise, generating a downward breeze that cools the skin and helps evaporate perspiration.Ìý

But what you may not know is that most fans have a reverse mode too (sometimes conveniently called winter mode), which can work wonders with any type of heater.Ìý

“Reversing the direction of the fan pulls the cooler air up and pushes the warm air off the ceiling and down the side of the room into the living area,” explains Denis.Ìý

“Otherwise the hot air remains up near the ceiling which, unless you’re Lionel Ritchie, won’t be any good at keeping you warm.”

The best bit? It saves you money

Running a heater and a fan might sound doubly expensive, but the opposite is actually true. Fans are far cheaper to run than hungry heaters (by a lot) and reverse mode means your heater has to do far less work to maintain a constant temperature.Ìý

To demonstrate this, our testing partners at ARS labs conducted a test using thermal heatmap imaging.Ìý

We used a convection heater consuming 1.67kW of power to maintain a temperature of 18.5°C. The heatmap is pictured. Note that most of the hot air is too high to be useful if you’re on the sofa watching TV.

When the fan was turned on in reverse mode, the heater’s power consumption to get the same temperature dropped to 0.70kW. Importantly, the fan itself used just 0.009kW.

So the heater and fan’s total power consumption is less than half used by the heater alone, which can make quite a difference to your bill over time. Here’s the heatmap showing how the fan circulates hot air near the ceiling more evenly.

In short, using a ceiling fan in reverse mode – in combination with a heater –significantly reduces the power you need to maintain a comfortable room temperature, thereby lowering your heating bill.

Can you use normal mode if you don’t have reverse?

Technically yes, according to Denis, but it will be less pleasant.Ìý

“A ceiling fan in normal mode will give you a similar result, moving warm air from up to down, but the downward airflow blast won’t be particularly comfortable in winter,” he says.

Will a pedestal fan work?

The short answer is – no, not really. “It really needs to be a ceiling fan in either mode, as it’s up where the warm air is and that’s the only way it can bring the warm air down,” says Denis.

“A pedestal fan will just blow air side to side and, again, be uncomfortable for anyone copping the blast.”

The post How ceiling fans can slash your winter heating costs appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Everyone, stay cool. Aldi are selling four different types of fan next Wednesday 23 October as part of their Special Buy promotion. And, as to be expected from the discount retailer, the prices are low: a 52-inch ceiling fan is $169, a 40cm DC motor pedestal fan is $79.99, a tower cooling fan is $39.99 and a high-velocity floor fan is $49.99.Ìý

As we look down the barrel of a hot, dry summer, have you got all your cooling needs covered and should you consider buying one of these Aldi options to help you beat the heat?

A reverse-cycle air conditioning unit and a portable air conditioner are also available as Aldi Special Buys, but we’re big fans of fans right now (they’re cheap, easy and portable, after all) so that’s what we’ll be talking about. Plus, not everyone is able to install air conditioning, and we all like to limit our energy bill shock at the end of a long summer, right?

Aldi Special Buys are famously available for a limited time only and only while stocks last in store, so read up on what’s available and what our experts say:

Aldi 40cm pedestal fan

“We test a range of basic, traditional pedestal fans in our labs here at ÌÇÐÄVlog alongside the more high-tech expensive models,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog homes expert Rebecca Ciaramidaro.

“Quite a few pedestal fans that we’ve tested are even cheaper than this Aldi one (which is $79.99). Although we haven’t tested this particular model, we generally find that even the cheapest pedestal fans are effective at producing a decent airflow and cool breeze.”

When choosing a pedestal fan, consider any added features that are important to you, such as multiple speed settings, timers and if it has a remote control. Check our pedestal fan reviews before you buy.

“It’s worth noting that this Aldi pedestal fan has a two-year warranty,” Rebecca says. “The majority of pedestal fans we test only have a one-year warranty so that’s a plus.”ÌýRead more here on using your warranty if you have a problem with a product.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Not sure if you need a pedestal fan or a tower fan, or even what the difference is? Read our useful fan buying guide.

Aldi tower fans

You may like to opt for a tower fan over a pedestal fan as they can be easier to clean, the blades are concealed if you’re concerned about safety (around small children, for instance) and they generally take up less space than pedestal fans so can be easier to fit neatly in a corner.

“We’ve tested two tower fans that are cheaper than this Aldi model (which is $39.99), and although they don’t score highly enough to be ‘Choice Recommended’, they don’t perform too badly,” says Rebecca.Ìý

“We give each fan a score for airflow and we measure the maximum and minimum noise you can expect from the fan in decibels. Generally, the cheaper tower fan models still get what we consider to be a ‘good’ score, just not quite enough to meet our Choice Recommended criteria.”

This Aldi model has fairly standard features that are worth considering when you buy, such as a remote control and timer, and three speed settings and fan modes. It also has a one year warranty, which is common for these types of fan.

Aldi ceiling fan

“$169 for a DC ceiling fan with five-speed settings is great value,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog home expert, Denis Gallagher. “The Aldi model also has an integrated light and remote control, which are handy features that make this even better for value for money.

“In fact, out of the almost 40 DC ceiling fans we currently review in our labs, only one is at this price point and the cheapest DC fan with a light we tested will cost you $100 more.”

Most DC fans cost around $300 but some can cost up to $1000.ÌýFans using a direct current (DC) motor deliver good efficiency and can lower running costs, as you can adjust the speed and have greater control over air movement.Ìý

For more tips on buying ceiling fans, read our ceiling fan buying guide.

Interested in air conditioning?

If the thought of a sweltering summer with just a fan to cool you down makes you break out in an anxious sweat, you may like to consider installing air conditioning.Ìý

It can be quite an expensive, permanent investment though, so we advise you do your research before you buy. First, it’s important to choose the right size air conditioner for the space you are cooling (the Aldi model on sale next week has a 5.1kW cooling and heating capacity). Second, ensure you’ll have an idea of the running costs and installation process.

If you’re renting, you may like to look at a portable air-conditioner unit instead, so you can move it from room to room (seeÌýHow do I install a portable air conditioner?). For more tips, read our air-conditioner buying guide.Ìý

The post Should you buy a cheap Aldi fan? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.