I’ve tested tower fans in multiple properties over the last 10 years to figure out how good they are at cooling.
Are tower fans good for cooling?
Tower fans are good at direct cooling and cooling smaller spaces. Tower fans are also quiet and take up less space, so they work well for cooling offices, dorm rooms, and other compact spaces. Tower fans are not as good at cooling larger rooms like big basements or factory floors.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the cooling capacity of tower fans.
5 Reasons Tower Fans Are Good for Cooling
After conducting tests over the last decade, I’ve found that there are at least five reasons that tower fans are good for cooling.
To find these reasons, I tested tower fans:
- Over a span of 10 years
- Using different models and brands
- In different-sized rooms
Here are the five reasons tower fans are good for cooling.
1) Tower Fans Are Good at Direct Cooling
Tower fans are good at direct cooling because they are tall and skinny.
I tested tower fans in my home office, bedrooms, and basement. I found that the tower fan in my home office worked the best. The tower fan directed a stream of cool air at me all day while I worked.
The tower fan in my basement worked but not as well.
The basement is large and sprawling, so the fan could not circulate the air well all the way through the space. However, when I stood within 10 12 feet of the fan, I could feel the breeze.
Therefore, my tests proved (once again) that tower fans are great at direct cooling but not as good at cooling everything all at once.
2) Tower Fans Oscillate for More Cooling Spread
Many tower fans have an oscillating feature, which means that they rotate back and forth on a central axis.
This helps to spread the cool air around the room more evenly, and it also allows the fan to cover a larger area. As the fan oscillates, it produces a moving column of air that helps to circulate the cooler air throughout the room.
The oscillating feature is especially beneficial in larger rooms, or rooms with high ceilings.
By circulating the air, tower fans can help to create a more comfortable environment during hot summer days.
3) Tower Fans Come With Multiple Cooling Settings
Many tower fans come with multiple cooling settings, so you can adjust the airflow to meet your specific needs.
Common settings include timer settings, which allow you to set the fan to turn off after a certain amount of time, and nighttime settings, which dim the display and run the fan at a lower speed.
Many tower fans also come with different speed or power settings:
- Low
- Medium
- High
By understanding the different settings on your tower fan, you can customize the airflow to achieve maximum comfort.
4) Tower Fans Cool While Taking Up Less Space
Tower fans are a great choice for cooling because they take up less space than other types of fans.
This makes them ideal for small apartments or rooms where you don’t want the fan to be a focal point. Or, where you just have less space for a fan but still want to be cool.
And because they are tall and skinny, they can often fit into corners, which maximizes airflow and helps to cool the room more quickly.
5) Tower Fans Quietly Cool
Tower fans are a great choice for cooling because they offer quiet operation.
This is important because a fan that is too loud can be distracting, making it difficult to focus on work, play, or family. A quiet fan, on the other hand, allows you to stay cool without disrupting your peace of mind.
In addition, a quiet fan is less likely to disturb your sleep, making it easier to get the rest you need to stay refreshed and energized during the day.
When it comes to cooling, tower fans are an excellent choice for those who value peace and quiet.
Are Tower Fans Good for Cooling Small Rooms?
Tower fans are a great way to cool small rooms because they take up very little space and can circulate air effectively.
The blades on a tower fan spin quickly, creating a direct, cooling breeze that can help to lower your body temperature in a hurry.
Like I said earlier, in my tests, I found that tower fans excelled at cooling smaller rooms.
Smaller rooms include:
- Offices
- Bedrooms
- Dorm rooms
- Apartment rooms
Also, tower fans typically have several speed settings, so you can adjust the airflow to suit your needs in a small space. If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use way to keep your small room cool this summer, a tower fan is a great option.
Are Tower Fans Good for Cooling Large Rooms?
Are tower fans up to the challenge of cooling down a large space? Let’s take a closer look.
Tower fans are most effective in small to medium-sized rooms. In a large or very large room, you’re likely to need more than one tower fan to fully cool down the space.
That said, it can be helpful to strategically position each tower fan around a large room to ensure more consistent cooling.
For example, you might place one tower fan near the window and another in the corner of the room. By circulating the air around the room, you can help reduce hot spots and make the room feel more comfortable.
Are Tower Fans Good for Cooling in Hot Temperatures?
In most cases, a tower fan will work great in hot climates.
You want to make sure that you get a good quality fan, however, as with any other type of fan. In general, you get what you pay for when it comes to fans.
A good quality tower fan, such as a Dyson, will be able to provide sufficient cooling even in the hottest weather.
The key is to make sure that the fan is powerful enough to circulate the air effectively.
In addition, you may want to consider getting a fan with multiple speed settings. This way, you can set the fan to run at a lower speed when the temperature is not as hot, and then increase the speed when the temperature rises.
Are Small Tower Fans Good for Cooling?
In my opinion, small tower fans are ideal for cooling smaller rooms.
They’re not as powerful as larger fans, so they’re not great for cooling large spaces. But in my experience, they work well for offices and bedrooms.
I like to set my small tower fan on top of a dresser or file cabinet, so it can push air right at me.
This way, I stay cool and comfortable without having to worry about the fan taking up too much space.
Plus, small tower fans are usually more affordable than larger fans, so they’re a great option if you’re on a budget.
Are Tall Tower Fans Good for Cooling?
Tower fans are excellent for cooling a room because they create a column of airflow that effectively cools the floor to about your waist.
If you’re sitting down, instead of standing, this is even better cooling for you.
They cool better without taking up any more horizontal space in the room. In other words, they are very efficient with the space they occupy.
Another great thing about tower fans is that they can be placed in a corner, out of the way, and they will still do an excellent job of circulating the air and cooling the room.
Do Tower Fans Cool Better Than Regular Fans?
Tower fans are an excellent choice for cooling a room, and they offer a number of advantages over other types of fans.
First, they are tall and thin, so they take up less space than a traditional floor fan.
Second, they offer more airflow options, so you can customize the level of airflow to your needs. Third, they are generally quieter than other types of fans, so you can keep them on all night without disturbing your sleep.
Fourth, they come with a variety of features that other fans don’t have, like timers and remote controls.
Fifth, they’re more energy-efficient than other types of fans, so you’ll save money on your electric bill. Overall, tower fans are the best option for cooling a small to medium-sized room quickly and efficiently.
Other fans beat out tower fans for:
- Cooling power
- Size
- Price
Therefore, if you’re looking for a really powerful fan that is big and cheap, then tower fans might not be right for you.
Here is a good video where a guy runs several tests comparing tower fans to other fans:
How Do I Make My Tower Fan Colder?
As the weather heats up, many people find themselves reaching for their trusty tower fan to help stay cool. But did you know there are a few simple things you can do to make your tower fan even more effective?
Here are ways to make your tower fan colder:
- Placing the fan in front of a window
- Putting a bag of ice in front of the fan
- Using the fan in a smaller room
- Setting up the fan closer to you
- Using the highest/coolest setting
- Turning off the oscillation mode
Coolest Tower Fans
Here is my personal list of favorite tower fans after 10 years of testing:
| Best Tower Fans for Cooling | Price |
|---|---|
| Dyson AM07 Cooling Fan | Check the latest price |
| Honeywell Quietset Tower Fan | Check the latest price |
| Vornado Tower 184 Circulator | Check the latest price |
Final Thoughts: Are Tower Fans Good for Cooling?
As a result of my tests, I usually recommend people get a good quality tower fan if their priorities are cooling a small space with a low-profile, quiet fan.
If you liked this article, you’ll probably enjoy some of our other articles on fans.
Check out these related fan blog posts:
- Are Tower Fans Worth It? (Helpful Advice for Beginners)
- Why Are Dyson Fans So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)
- Can Fans Get Clogged? (Explained for Beginners)
- Can Fans Get Wet? (13 Things You Need To Know)