What Is a Table Fan?
Table fans are electric appliances small enough to sit on a desk or any table, and circulate air by a motor turning a series of blades on a rotating shaft. They essentially work the same way a ceiling fan or a floor fan works, the spinning blades forcing air ahead of it in a forward direction, creating a cooling effect The size and weight of most table fan allows the user to move and maneuver it easily. These fans are also sometimes called desk or portable fans, and are usually made of metal, plastic or a combination of both. Does this Spark an idea?
-
History
-
The first fans were believed to be hand-held versions first designed and used by the Egyptians in the time of Cleopatra. They were generally made of gold and bird feathers. The table was invented in 1890 by the Emerson Motors Company. The first table fans were said to be works of art, made with solid craftsmanship and brass. By the beginning of the 20th century other companies were beginning to manufacturer table fans, including fans that oscillated. The fans became most popular in business offices during the 1920s and 1930s, and then later in the home.
Benefits
-
Although the heyday of table or desks fans came well before centralized air conditioning, the fans are making a comeback. Business or home air conditioning is designed to cover entire spaces in buildings, including the tightest of corners. But some architects contend that parts of the open floor space of a larger room may not be always be reachable by centralized air. Small desk or table fans may be part of the solution. Also, table fans, if used properly can be a more effective and cost-efficient way to cool a space, thus being viewed as a part of the so-called "green" movement.
-
Table Fan Styles
-
A number of different kinds of table fans are available. One is the old-fashioned metal fan with stainless steel or aluminum blades and a rounded metal cage covering the blades and motor. This fan is sometimes referred to as the "retro" fan and resembles the popular table fans of the 1930s. However, more table fans are being made of plastic, lightweight and possess a more modern, sleek design. Technology is also playing a part in fan style. USB fans are gaining popularity. These fans can be plugged directly into the USB port on a computer and are powered through the computer battery. Most table fans come with on/off and variable speed switches, and some feature the ability to oscillate.
Purchasing Fan
-
Look for several features when buying a table fan. First, there are many sizes available. Most table or desk fans are 6 to 12 inches. The bigger the fan blade, the more air that is moved. Second, some fans offer the ability to oscillate, allowing it to rotate smoothly and evenly to the left and right, and circulating air in a wider area. If the idea is to cool a larger space, an oscillating fan is a good choice. Third, many table fans also offer variable speed switches. This feature allows the user to adjust the force of the air being blown. Fourth, table fans made with plastic parts are generally lighter, but have less durable motors. Conversely, the metal fans are heavier to move about, but generally have motors and mechanisms that last longer.
Costs
-
Most table fans, according to the retail website bizrate.com, cost between $19 and $75. The materials used and the size of the fan will dictate its cost. Smaller fans made of all plastic materials are the least expensive. The larger fans made of metal tend to be the most expensive variety. Cost is also determined by whether the durability of the switching mechanisms and the motor, plus whether the fan has a variable speed feature.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ancient fan image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com
