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What are Cooling Fans?
Almost everyone thinks of running a fan as a method for cooling down. However, not all fans can always do this job. In fact, basic fans are only able to bring about a feeling of coolness up to a certain temperature level, and they don't actually cool a room. To be able to truly cool an area, rather than just cool down the outside of people's bodies, it generally takes using an upgraded type of fan-based cooling.
Large Fans for Cooling People
These are basic fans, but they are industrially-sized and meant to move the air in large areas. They may be referred to as cooling fans since the purpose is to cool groups of people.
Straightforward cooling fans work by increasing airflow over the skin. This results in an increase in the evaporation of sweat from the body. In turn, heat transfer is increased. Fans of this sort have one big limitation, and that's that they do not cool the air. Therefore, they can only cool people if the air is already below about 95 degrees. If the air is hotter than that, using a fan will actually make people hotter as well. To avoid this problem, make sure to look at a thermostat in the working area before activating the fans.
Air circulation fans work on the same principle as other straightforward fans. Industrial versions are typically huge, and can be mounted on the wall or on stands instead of sitting on the floor. They do not replace air conditioning or heating, but instead, are used to help prevent stagnant air and make indoor temperatures more uniform.
When portable solutions are needed, drum fans are often brought in. Like other fan-only options, they move air rather than cool it. However, the increased airflow is also good for causing evaporation in damp or wet areas. Therefore, they are often used during the drying phase of flood remediation. They're also good coolers for gymnasiums, where human physical activity can cause an excess of localized humidity.
Fans that Actually Cool the Air
When the air isn't cool enough for a standard fan to do the job, or you just want a stronger effect, you don't have to go for air conditioning. Instead, it's time to switch to evaporative coolers or misting fans.
An evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, pulls incoming air through wet pads. The water in the pads cools the air, which is then sent out of the other side by the fan. These systems come in multiple sizes and capabilities, so they're good for cooling anything from small rooms all the way to large outdoor spaces.
Misting fans also use water, but not to pre-cool the air. Instead, a mist of fine water droplets is sent out along with the fan-forced air. This type of cooling fan is good for outdoor situations, where the water droplets won't be a problem. They are often used by sports teams, animal farms, and other outdoor-centric organizations.
These options offer the ability to reduce your need for air conditioning or to bring cooling to the outdoors. Choosing the right ones will increase comfort and lower your energy bills.