Buying a Fan? My Tests Show Why Airflow Speed Isn’t As Important As You Think

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Summer heat waves call for powerful cooling fans, especially if you’re trying to use less central air and trim your energy costs during warm months. When perusing fans in-store or online, one spec always stands out: airflow. Manufacturers put a heavy hand on airflow, convincing you that more speed means better cooling comfort. It all sounds good until you dig in — and so I dug in.

My lab data tests showed that airflow speed, while certainly a factor, is just a part of the equation. You’ll want to consider the fan’s motor type, design (standard or bladeless) and how much energy it uses in order to gauge value over time. Buying a cheap, inefficient fan with a high speed rating may seem like a steal — but bad design may end up costing you more on your electric bill.

I found that the more efficient — and sometimes more...

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