Tower Fan Pros and Cons

In our small apartment with full afternoon sun exposure, our tower fan is a summer life saver. They have been on the market for a relatively short time, but are the fan of choice for many. This article covers the many benefits of tower fans for those living in small spaces, including their size, shape and multiple settings. We also consider why some consumers may feel they need a little more than a fan to keep their space cool.

A few years ago we spent just a couple of minutes in our friend’s apartment living room being cooled by his new tower fan and we were sold. This was exactly what we need for our small space. Unfortunately summer was half over and these things were so popular that every store we went to was sold out. So we suffered through the rest of summer with our sad little table fan and picked up a tower fan as soon as the stores started carrying them the following spring.

Pros

Tower fans come in a wide range of prices with a variety of options. We went with the most basic, inexpensive model but still ended up with multiple features and functions: an oscillating fan, multiple speeds and settings, a remote control, and a timer option. This has worked well for us for a few years, but if we ever need to replace the fan down the road, we can chose a similar model or go for something more expensive with ultra-modern styling.

The tall and thin design makes them ideal for small- to medium-sized spaces. They fit well into any corner of a room, are easy to pick up and move, and when summer ends storage isn’t a headache. Being able to keep the fan on the floor frees up limited counter and table space. They are also easy on the electrical bill and barely make a sound.

If you want more than air movement out of your tower fan, models are available that also act as air purifiers, removing particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. In addition, some models are equipped with water tanks that can be filled with cold water by itself or with ice to increase the cooling effect.

Cons

If you have larger areas to cool, then a portable air conditioner may be a better option for you. Some living in larger apartments or a space with floor-to-ceiling windows with all-day sun exposure have felt the need to invest in portable air conditioning units. For most of us, though, a tower fan will be just what we need to keep us cool when the mercury rises.