Wondering what box fans are, or how to use one more efficiently? This guide covers how to choose the best box fans, use them for optimal airflow and perform essential box fan maintenance tips to keep them running for years.
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For years, families have counted on box fans to beat the summer heat. Back when air conditioning wasn’t common, people would lug these fans from room to room all season long. They’re simple, they work, and they won’t break the bank—making them a go-to cooling solution for most households. Whether you’re looking for a quiet box fan for the bedroom or want to know how to use one effectively to cool your entire space, this guide will help you make the most of these versatile cooling companions.
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As the name suggests, a box fan’s blades are enclosed in a shallow square box, with grilles on the front and back to allow air to pass through. A box fan can be oval or round, although most manufacturers and consumers refer to those as floor fans. Unlike pedestal fans, most box fans do not oscillate or rotate from side to side. While they can be placed in a window, they’re not specifically designed for it.
Choosing the right box fan depends on your specific needs. Here are key features to consider when choosing the best box fans for your space:
Fans typically consume a lot less energy than air conditioners, and their affordable price ($10 to $50) keeps them within most homeowners’ budgets. Unlike a permanently installed ceiling fan, these fans are portable, so you can carry one to any part of your home, porch or patio. And you can take it with you when you move.
Using a fan is straightforward, as long as you keep a few simple things in mind. Here’s how to use a box fan effectively:
The main considerations are airflow and safety—even the best box fan would fail if not placed properly. While fans are tested for stability, don’t press your luck. Place a box fan on a stable base where the cord won’t pose a tripping hazard.
The best setup gets air flowing across the room from one side to the other. To maximize airflow, don’t set the front or back too close to a wall. Try to leave a gap equal to one fan blade length, or half the fan width. So a 20-inch fan would be at least 10 inches from the wall. The best way to do this is to place one fan facing out an open window in one area to push hot air out. Then, place another fan in an open window or doorway in another part of the room or house, facing in, to pull cooler, fresh air in.
Position the fan to blow air directly over you. The airflow helps evaporate perspiration, cooling your skin.
A box fan can operate with an extension cord, but it’s better to buy a fan with a cord long enough to reach a convenient wall outlet. Don’t place the cord in areas with high moisture or where someone might trip over it.
Never place a box fan where a child or playful pet might tip it over. Box fan bearings won’t generate heat if tipped over, so they won’t be a fire hazard.
The protective grille will keep children’s fingers out, but it won’t prevent a curious kid from sticking a pencil or toy into the path of the blades. Rounded corners and plastic enclosures make some of them slightly less hazardous for toddlers who might tumble into them. But if your child or pet will be unattended even for a moment, always place the box fan out of reach.
It can. Like all machines with moving parts, the bearings or motor will wear out at some point. But a box fan should run reliably for years regardless of how much you use it.
There’s one common cleaning or maintenance task that comes alongside owning a box fan: Cleaning dust off the grille and blades. How often you need to do this depends on how often the fan runs, its location and the amount of dust and hair in the area.
To clean the fan:
For longevity, check the motor performance occasionally. If the fan seems to be running slower than usual or making unusual noises even after cleaning, the motor bearings might be wearing out or require lubrication. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific lubrication instructions, if applicable, or consider a replacement.
Box fans can be better than pedestal fans depending on their use. Box fans generally move more air in a wider pattern at a lower velocity and are great for window use or creating general room circulation. Pedestal fans often oscillate, can be height-adjusted and may offer more targeted airflow.
Box fans definitely use a lot less energy than air conditioners. An average box fan might use 50-100 watts of power, while a central AC can use 3000-5000 watts and window units 500-1500 watts. Pairing box fans with your AC can help you save energy.
For maximum airflow in a room, create cross-ventilation by placing one fan facing out a window to exhaust hot air and another facing in from a different window or doorway to pull in cooler air.
