Column fans: features and subtleties of choice

Buying an air conditioner to save yourself from the summer heat is an expensive purchase that not everyone can afford. It is much more profitable to take a fan. This climatic equipment is distinguished by its favorable cost, compact size and mobility.

Manufacturers offer several types of such devices. One of the most efficient is a column-type fan. We will study its design features, the principle of operation, as well as the pros and cons.

The column fan gets its name from its design. This device is a narrow elongated body (often made in the form of a cylinder) with a grid. Such equipment is safe to use, so it can be installed in a children's room.

The column fans are not designed with open blades. These devices operate on the principle of a domestic air heater. Their rotary motors draw air from the environment through an external opening in the housing and blow it back under pressure at high speed. Manufacturers produce several types of column fans.

• Vertical. Fits vertically on shelves, tables or elsewhere.
• Horizontal. These are floor appliances designed to be placed on the floor.

Pillar fans have significant advantages, distinguishing them from other types of devices.

• Absolute security. All rotating elements of the column equipment are reliably "hidden" under the hull, which eliminates the risk of injury.
• Increased productivity. The efficiency of the device is due to the presence of powerful rotary motors providing smooth centrifugal movement.
• Providing coolness in the heat without drafts.
• Creates an even and continuous flow of cool air.
• Increased device durability. In their manufacture, high-quality, reliable and shock-resistant materials are used. It can be heavy-duty plastic and various metals. Thanks to their application, the column fans are resistant to mechanical damage.
• Stylish appearance. Various manufacturers offer original column fans that will perfectly fit into any interior style.
• Functionality.

Unfortunately, none of the released climatic devices is complete without drawbacks. Column fans, as well as other types of similar devices, have some disadvantages. The main disadvantage is their high price. The cost of such equipment is several times higher than the prices for conventional floor or table fans. In addition, the column technique is loud. Due to the increased noise, the devices are uncomfortable to use while sleeping.

The range of column fans is large, which makes it difficult for many buyers to choose the optimal model. However, there are several criteria that need to be paid attention to first. First you need to decide on the manufacturer of the equipment.The most popular and demanded among domestic consumers are the following brands: Rolsen, Vitek, Bimatek, Mystery. The next important factor to pay attention to is the power or performance of the device.

This parameter determines the efficiency of the HVAC equipment. Power is a measure of the fan's performance per unit of time. It should be borne in mind that the higher the performance of the device, the more energy resources it will consume. Therefore, it is worth choosing the optimal home appliances so that it is not costly, but at the same time effective. The power of the device must be calculated in advance. To do this, you need to perform a number of actions.

• Calculate the area of ​​a room by multiplying the length of the room by its width.
• The resulting value is multiplied by the height of the room to find its volume.
• If the fan is purchased for an apartment, the volume must be multiplied by 3. The resulting value will be equal to the minimum fan power that is required to blow through the room. To find the maximum performance, multiply the volume of the room by a factor of 6.

The differences between columnar fans and axial fans are enormous. The point is not only in their design and principle of operation, but also in the availability of additional options. The column fans are multifunctional. Depending on the model, they may have options that make the operation of the device more convenient. It is worth considering that the more functions are provided in the equipment, the more expensive it will be.

The simplest fan-columns have up to 3 speeds, the switching of which is carried out mechanically. More expensive variations have touch or electronic switching capabilities. Most of the models have a remote control with which you can control the parameters of the device remotely. This feature is most important for people with disabilities.

Other optional features of the column fans include the following characteristics.

• The presence of a display on which the operating parameters of the equipment are displayed.
• A timer that allows you to turn the device on and off after a specified time interval. Thanks to this option, the fan can be programmed for the required time of the day or on certain days of the week.
• Protection of the motor from overheating. Often, climatic equipment works in the heat around the clock. With such intensive use, the engine can be damaged. Special protection will ensure that the device turns off if it gets too hot and will save the motor from damage.

• Ability to work in fan heater mode. Such devices can function both with heating in the cold season, and without it in the heat.
• Humidification option. These models are equipped with ultrasonic humidifiers. They not only cool the air, but also give it optimal humidity. It is important to consider that when activating this function, you should use soft water, which does not contain various chemical impurities.
• Air ionization function.

Some manufacturers produce fans that support the directional enhanced airflow function (air blast). When choosing climate control equipment, it is important to pay attention to some technical parameters, for example, the noise level. Apartment models should have a low noise level. The "quietest" fans operate in the range from 20 to 30 dB.

To make it easier to choose the optimal model of the column fan, a rating of this climatic equipment was compiled. To create it, the responses of buyers were studied, who managed to evaluate the pros and cons of ventilation devices for the home.

• The rating is topped by the AEG T-VL 5537 model. This is a German-made column fan. It has the ability to rotate the body by 75 degrees, which allows you to increase the airflow area. The set includes a remote control. It can work in one of three high-speed modes, has a timer. Among the advantages of AEG T-VL 5537, consumers highlight the uninterrupted operation of the device, its stylish appearance, functionality, compactness and light weight. To the disadvantages, buyers attributed noisy work and an overpriced price tag. Lines lower in the ranking are the following models.

• Vitek VT-1933. Floor fan with 90 degree rotation angle. Has 3 operating speeds. Modes and operating parameters are controlled by a remote control panel. Equipped with a timer (on / off time up to 8 hours).

• Mystery MSF-2406. Floor fan with radial mechanism. It has a mechanical type of control, 3 speed modes and an off timer. Consumers referred to the advantages as the efficiency of this model, favorable cost, and convenient control. Among the shortcomings, many highlighted the unreliability and unaesthetic appearance.

• Tefal VF6555F0. Functional, efficient and safe in operation column with a power of 32 W. According to buyers, this model is easy to assemble and operate. It is lightweight and compact. Differs in stylish design, excellent technical characteristics.

• The model AEG T-VL 5531 closes the rating. This is a 50W floor standing fan. Has 3 speeds of rotation, can be rotated 90 degrees. Equipped with a timer for 2 hours. Does not have a control panel.

In order for the column fan to serve for more than one year, it is important to carry out proper care after it. To do this, you need to follow a number of simple recommendations:

• for any manipulations, the equipment must be disconnected from the network;
• it is allowed to wipe the case with a damp cloth to remove dust (it is not recommended to use cleaning agents with abrasive particles);
• it is not allowed to get water or other liquid inside the device;
• the outer grill should be vacuumed once a week.

For information on how to choose a column fan, see the next video.