In the summer, the weather can get pretty merciless, and as the temperatures rise, you need to find ways to keep yourself and those around you cool. That can be achieved easily indoors. You have ceiling fans, AC systems, or HVAC systems. We even discussed the best window fans in a previous post. However, when you are outside, things tend to get a little bit tricky. That is because you cannot use a regular fan, and needless to say, there is no AC unit that can solve the issue outside. That is where an outdoor fan comes in.
What is the difference between an indoor and an outdoor fan?
The difference between indoor and outdoor fans, as the names suggest, primarily lies in their designed usage environments. But what truly sets them apart? Let’s delve deeper into their unique characteristics.
An outdoor fan is designed to brave the elements while providing the cooling breeze we enjoy. On the surface, it might appear to be similar to an indoor fan, but there are crucial differences that enhance its durability and functionality in an outdoor setting.
Rugged Construction
A prominent difference is the construction. Outdoor fans are made with more resilient materials to withstand the elements – whether it’s blazing sunlight, unexpected rain showers, or humidity. This durability is reflected in every component of the fan, from the propellers to the motor chamber.
Weather-Proof Design
The blades or propellers of an outdoor fan are fashioned from sturdier materials, enabling them to hold up under various weather conditions. Similarly, the motor chamber is designed with a keen focus on weatherproofing. There’s a critical need to protect the electrical components from water and moisture, ensuring that your fan continues to operate effectively, even in damp conditions.
Enhanced Features
Another difference to consider is the presence of unique features on outdoor fans, such as the ability to spray mist. Known as misting fans, these models not only provide ventilation but also add humidity to the air. This additional feature creates a soothing, cooling effect that can be particularly refreshing during hot, dry summer days. Not all outdoor fans possess this capability, but those that do offer an extra level of comfort to your outdoor living space.
Why you should invest in an outdoor fan?
Since there is no way you can actually cool the hot air that is outside, you may be wondering if buying an outdoor fan can actually make a difference. The answer is a definite yes. It is one thing to stay in the hot air, and it is entirely another to sit in the hot air but with a fan blowing air toward you. If it sprays mist, it is even better, but that is not always a must. Here is why you should consider an outdoor fan.
A Cool Retreat on Your Patio
The allure of a warm summer day often leads us to the comfort of our patios. As the season calls, we find ourselves drawn outdoors to soak in the delightful weather. However, the sweltering heat can sometimes be too much to handle, leading us to retreat indoors. Enter outdoor fans – your saving grace for those balmy afternoons. Even when the temperature rises, these fans deliver a refreshing breeze that makes your patio a comfortable retreat.
Avoiding Heat Strokes with Outdoor Fans
One of the major concerns during summer is heat stroke, which poses a particular risk to children and the elderly. While the instinctive solution might be to remain indoors, the benefits of fresh air cannot be ignored. Outdoor fans bring the best of both worlds. With them, you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about heat-related health issues. They provide a cooling environment, reducing the risk of heat strokes while allowing your loved ones to bask in the outside ambiance.
Combating Heat Stress for Comfortable Summers
While heat strokes are a severe concern, heat can also cause discomfort in the form of heat stress. Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and lightheadedness can put a damper on your day. Research indicates that workers with access to fans at construction sites experience less heat stress than those without. An outdoor fan, although a simple device, can significantly alleviate these uncomfortable conditions, making outdoor time more enjoyable.
An Outdoor Oasis for Your Pets
If you share your home with furry friends who love spending time outdoors, an outdoor fan is a great investment for their comfort. Dogs, for example, naturally prefer to stay outdoors. An outdoor fan provides them with a sanctuary where they can cool down. It’s worth noting that dogs mainly sweat through their paws, making it challenging for them to cool down without assistance. By providing a breezy environment, you not only ensure your pet’s comfort but also their health. So, if you’re considering outdoor upgrades, an outdoor fan should be at the top of your list.
How to select the best outdoor fan
If you are in the market for an outdoor fan, choosing one should be easy as long as you follow a set of criteria. Making a random purchase is never a good idea, and you should always read the specifications. Plus, make sure that you are considering the next following factors:
The size of the fan
Size is a paramount consideration when purchasing an outdoor fan. In the outdoor environment, a larger fan can generally provide better cooling, unlike an AC unit that cools down a specific square footage in a given time. An outdoor fan should be powerful enough to noticeably affect the temperature. Of course, you don’t want a fan that’s too powerful and disruptive, but it should be sufficiently large to make a difference. Otherwise, it may not serve its intended purpose. It’s important to note that an outdoor fan will typically be larger than an indoor counterpart.
Outdoor Ceiling Fan Vs. Standing Fan
While one might assume that standing fans would be the go-to for outdoor use, there’s a growing trend toward outdoor ceiling fans. Many homeowners install these fans on their patios much like they would in their living rooms. Recognizing this trend, manufacturers have developed a range of outdoor ceiling fan models designed for patio installation. These outdoor ceiling fans are just as robust and long-lasting as their standing counterparts, and in some cases, even more so.
Misting Fan Vs. Regular Fan
If you enjoy a touch of humidity with your cooling breeze, consider investing in an outdoor misting fan. While functioning on the same basic principles as a regular fan, misting fans incorporate a spray mechanism that adds water to the cooling air. Some argue that these fans are more effective than regular fans, although the added humidity isn’t everyone’s preference. If you’re considering a misting fan, remember to plan for its water supply needs. Some models can be connected to your home’s water supply, while others use refillable water tanks. Those connectable to your water supply tend to be more expensive, but they eliminate the need for refilling water tanks.
Durability and Construction
Durability is crucial for an outdoor fan. The unit should be robust enough to withstand environmental elements such as strong winds, sunlight, and most importantly, moisture. Since we’re dealing with an electrical device, the motor chamber must be securely protected to prevent damage from moisture, which could potentially cause a short circuit. While it’s difficult to assess the security of the motor chamber from product specifications alone, online reviews can provide valuable insights into the durability of specific products.
What are the best outdoor fans?
There are plenty of high-quality outdoor fans out there, and as long as you follow the criteria above, you should make the right choice. Read some outdoor fans reviews online as well so that you know precisely what you are buying. Meanwhile, take a look at the products below.
Designer Aire Oscillating Indoor/Outdoor Standing Floor Fan
The first product that I found and thought you would like is the one from Designer Aire. The first thing you will notice about it is the design. It has a beautiful design that will be a lovely addition to any room or patio. Even so, it is a perfectly capable outdoor fan that will help you cool down on those hot summer days.
The Designer Aire fan is adjustable and flexible. The neck enables you to adjust the height of the fan from 40 to 51 inches. Plus, the 18-inch oscillating fan is tiltable so that it can cover as much surface area as possible. The speed of the fan can also be adjusted. The device has three speeds. The 45-watt motor provides a low setting of 900 rotations per minute, a medium setting of 1100 rpm, and a high setting of 1290 rpm.
The construction of this fan is close to perfect. It is made of high-quality brushed stainless steel. It will not rust or corrode. One of the best things about this outdoor fan is that it is designed to withstand any environment. As the title suggests, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. The parts are coated in all-weather, UV paint for outside use. It comes with a wet-listed safety sating and a GFCI plug for some extra protection. The base weighs enough to provide stability.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3WtfjTA
NewAir Oscillating Outdoor Misting Fan
Unlike the previous product, this outdoor fan is a misting device as well. It sprays cool water along with blowing fresh air, and that ensures a maximum cooling effect. Many people prefer such a model because it tends to be more efficient, so if you can withstand it, I strongly recommend it. It is a high-quality outdoor misting fan that will cool down a relatively large surface area in just a little amount of time.
Both the height of the fan and the speed are adjustable. The rate can be set from low to high, and all three speeds are as efficient as possible. The telescopic leg allows you to adjust the height according to your preferences or needs, and the oscillating head will make sure to cover as much surface area as possible. As for the water supply, this outdoor misting fan does not have a water tank. It features a hose that you can connect to a water supply. The water can be interrupted whenever necessary, and the ball valve regulates the flow as needed.
The construction of the NewAir outdoor fan is solid. Since we are talking about a misting fan, moisture will never be an issue. Plus, it has a safety feature that shuts the fan off whenever a leakage happens, so you do not have to worry about frying the motor.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/423xoJj
Lasko 4890 Elegant Outdoor Tower Fan
Last but not least, if you are looking for something more elegant, you will love the outdoor fan from Lasko. Just as the name suggests, it is a tower fan that will beautify your patio. It looks very stylish, and you will feel very fancy. But looking beyond the looks, this unit is a high-quality product that will not disappoint.
The Lasko outdoor fan has an in-line GFCI cord with a 3-prong plug for safe outdoor use. It is very quiet, and the cool air will make you feel better. Thanks to its design, you cannot possibly adjust the height, but you can change the speed of the fan so that you can enjoy a comfortable level. One little but useful feature is that it also manages to keep bugs at bay.
This outdoor fan has control buttons, but as a bonus, the manufacturer added a remote to the combination so that you do not have to get up whenever you want to change a setting. The unit has a timer as well. It turns off the fan if it functions for 14 hours. You may not see it, but there is an internal oscillation for broader coverage.
Check the product at https://amzn.to/3OxcWgP
Our recommendation as the best outdoor fan
I can honestly say that I like all three products, but if I were to choose just one, I would go with the NewAir Oscillating Outdoor Misting Fan. However, I am entirely subjective because I will always prefer a misting fan over a regular one. Even so, I consider this model to be one of the best outdoor fans you can find.
Conclusion
Keeping yourself cool during the summer is good for both your body and your mind. Have you ever measured your productivity when you were really, really hot? The point is that just because you are outside, it does not mean you cannot enjoy a cooling breeze. That is the entire purpose of an outdoor fan, which is why I strongly recommend one.
Last Updated on May 23, 2023
Dustin Hopkins has over 12 years in the cleaning industry, working in the past for one of the top 5 cleaning companies in the US. Currently, he is the chief editor of CleaningRank.com and the proud father of a 5-year-old, Chris.