When selecting, several options are available: table fans, pedestal fans, ceiling fans, or tower fans. Prices start at 10 euros, and there are some tips and precautions that can help in making the right purchase.
“Electric fans are among the cheapest and least complex appliances. Often, they are not given due importance, whether during purchase or use. Although simple devices, the blades of the fan propeller reach high speeds, potentially injuring the user if not protected,” advises the consumer protection organization.
The first step, it explains, is “deciding the best type of fan for your situation and how much you are willing to spend.”
“In fact, there are many fans available. From simple table models starting at 10 euros to ceiling models or even tower fans that can reach 200 euros,” notes the consumer protection organization.
“There are various types of fans, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Compare models and prices and test the ease of transportation if you intend to use it in various spaces at home. Also, check if it is quiet enough in case you want to install it in a bedroom or near a television,” DECO PROTeste recommends.
The consumer protection organization provides the following tips for buying the right fan:
- “Choose the fan that best suits the space where you intend to use it. Larger fans are suitable for larger spaces. Smaller fans (such as table fans) are more practical for reduced spaces, like an office, for example.
- Check if the noise produced during operation does not affect the activities you usually perform in the space where you plan to install it. For use near a television, it is prudent to opt for a silent model. The same is valid for a fan you plan to use in the bedroom.
- Check the fan speeds before buying. Most models have programs with different operating speeds. But sometimes, the “weakest program” of one fan may correspond to the “strongest program” in another. Whenever possible, check the different speed settings of the fans.
- Try to test the robustness of the base or stand and its stability during operation. In the store, try activating it at maximum speed to see if it remains stable. Pedestal fans should have a robust base to prevent possible falls during operation.
- Choose a model with removable grilles to facilitate cleaning. Metal grilles are more resistant than plastic ones.
- Children might be tempted to put their fingers through the grille openings to try to touch the fan blades. Manufacturers are required to meet stringent safety standards, and fingers should not be able to pass through the grilles. Nevertheless, it is wise to check the space between the grilles.
- Do not leave the fan running in an empty room. Fans do not cool down the home’s spaces. They only provide a fresh feeling through contact with the user’s skin. Leaving a fan running in a room will not only heat the space due to the motor’s operation but also waste energy needlessly.”
