Buying guide to fans and air coolers

Desk fan

Position a desk fan just where you need it for an instant cool breeze. Ideal for both homes and offices. Desk fans range in size from 18cm to 30cm. Bigger fans will obviously cool a larger area.

Pedestal fan

Pedestal fans give excellent air circulation to a wider area - good for larger rooms. Height-adjustable models offer greater flexibility.

Tower fan

Sleek tower fans look so contemporary and are great space-savers. Perfect for tight corners.

Oscillating head

The rotating fan head ensures the largest area possible is cooled.

Speed settings

Allow you to control the temperature of the room.

Tilt action

Sends fresh air in the direction it's needed.

Timer

Controls operating time from two to 12 hours. A sleep timer automatically turns off a fan at night when temperatures are lower.

Remote control

Makes a fan easier to use.

Protective cage or mesh grill

Safety feature ideal for homes with small children or pets.

A ceiling fan keeps a room cool without the need for air conditioning. It's a powerful and very economic way to stay fresh in the heat. Here are some things to bear in mind when choosing a ceiling fan:

Ceiling drop

This measurement indicates how far from the ceiling a fan will sit. Drops range from about 30cm to 45cm.

Motor size

The higher the motor size, the quicker the fan will cool a room.

Blade pitch

The greater the angle - or pitch - of the blade the more air the fan will move. Look for blade pitches between 12 and 16 degrees.

Controls

Ceiling fans are operated by a basic pull chain, hand-held remote set or wall control. Remote control is great for bedrooms when you don't fancy getting up!

Reverse speed

Reverse action circulates heat and creates an even room temperature.

Integrated or optional lights

Some ceiling fans come with lights or have a light fitting option for an integrated look.

Safety

Blades should be no less than 2m 2cm (7ft 6in) from the floor, according to the British Standards Institute.

Fans are measured by the length of their blades or paddles - match these to your room size. This guide will help you find your ideal model:

Evaporative air coolers are the ideal way to keep cool without the fuss or cost of installation. And they're cheaper to run than an air conditioner. Simply plug it in and move from room to room - wherever you need it.

Placed near an open window or door, the cooler draws in hot air and passes it through a wet filter. Cool, clean air is released and forces hot stale air out of the room - leaving everything cool and fresh. Unlike air conditioners, coolers don't need a hose vent so they're ideal for rooms without external windows.

Tank size

The larger the tank, the longer the cooler can run before the tank needs to be refilled with water.

Adjustable fan speed

For greater control over temperature.

Water level indicator

To avoid the water tank running dry and the room heating up.

Timer

Offers more cost-effective operation.

Automatic louvres

Louvres can be set to oscillate from side to side to produce an optimum fan effect.

Touch control/remote control

Makes air cooler easier to use.

Ice packs

An option to insert ice packs for even cooler rooms.

Heater facility

Means air cooler can be used during colder months to heat rooms.

Need a fan or air cooler for a conservatory or south-facing room? Buy a slightly bigger model as these rooms tend to be warmer.