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Using fans in the home is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways of staying cool. Not only are fans cheaper to run than an air conditioner, but they also use a fraction of the electricity consumed by A/C units and use no planet-heating refrigerants. 

If you do have an A/C unit, a fan can help circulate that cool air and is also ideal for those early summer days when an A/C unit isn’t yet necessary. Whether it’s a window fan moving air in and out, bathroom fans removing steam, or ceiling fans keeping people comfortable in the living areas, modern fans are more energy-efficient than ever.

Here are the best energy-efficient fans:

As a trusted company that got its start in the 1940s, Vornado’s signature vortex air circulation technology is still used to keep air flowing throughout an entire room. Its new EnergySmart products are up to 80 percent more efficient, yet still just as powerful and backed by a 10-year warranty.

The Vornado 6803DC Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator has touch-speed controls with 99 settings that can be set anywhere from a soft, silent flow to full-throttle circulation. In addition, there’s an energy-saving timer that can be set between one and 12 hours that can also be controlled by a remote. The fan’s pedestal height can be adjusted between 31 and 39 inches.

When shopping for an energy-efficient fan, look for products that have a timer with an automatic shut-off option so the fan won’t be wasting energy when not in use. Don't run fans if you're not in the room to enjoy the breeze!

A quality window fan can move hot air out and cool air in, and the dual-blade, Genesis Twin Window Fan has the ability to do both at the same time. Other window fans operate in one direction, but the reversible airflow of the Genesis allows one side for exhaust, and the other for fresh air intake (or they can both be used in the same direction).

Three speed settings and a built-in thermostat with LED lights helps control room temperature (and save energy), and the expandable side panels can add up to 6.5 inches on either side, ensuring a snug fit in any windowsill. A great option for renters or anyone who wants an easy-to-install alternative to a heavy window A/C unit.

The Lasko Portable Electric tower fan is an ultra-quiet and highly effective tower fan that’s great for living rooms (you can still hear the television when the fan is on high), dens, offices, or any room that needs increased airflow. An energy-efficient auto shut off timer is programmable from 30 minutes to seven and a half hours, plus there’s a night setting that automatically dims controls and decreases fan speed.

Controlled manually or with a handy remote, the fan has three speed settings as well as oscillation. Plus, there’s a special safety feature that cuts off the current if it detects any electrical issues. The fan is 42 inches tall and is available in woodgrain and grey, or in sleek silver.

The Monte Carlo Maverick is extremely energy efficient, and also visually appealing and versatile. It has a contemporary yet elegant design. It features rounded, hand-carved wood blades that are available in a number of colors and finishes to accent any room – from living areas to bedrooms. There are several sizes to choose among.

This ceiling fan is also damp-rated for use in covered outdoor areas. A 13-degree blade pitch is designed for optimal air flow, and costs just $6 per year on average to operate. The fan also comes with a remote, six different speed settings, and reverse flow for winter operation.

Bathroom ventilation fans are key to reducing humidity and shower mildew, and the Panasonic WhisperValue is an extremely effective choice. Delivering just .3 sones (less than the sound of a refrigerator running), the Panasonic is a quiet fan that’s also EnergyStar rated (thanks in part to its DC motor) and produces an airflow of 110 cubic feet per minute. It also has an LED light and condensation sensor to control the moisture in the bathroom.

In addition, Panasonic has developed a number of sustainable initiatives and is taking steps to help reduce energy waste.

If you’re looking for a desk or table fan, the GreenTech Environmental PureFlow is an excellent option. It’s bladeless design makes it quieter than some similar fans (meaning fewer distracting noises at the home office). The unique 90-degree vertical tilt and 90-degree horizontal oscillation ensure that air will keep moving in every direction with up to 30 feet of airflow.

Designed to conserve energy, the PureFlow fan can use as little as two watts of power and operates at just 13 decibels. With 12 different air speeds, a remote control, and an automatic shut of timer (for up to nine hours), this fan is a versatile option for many small spaces.

For a whisper-quiet, yet capable fan for the bedroom, the Dyson Pure Cool TP01 HEPA Air Purifier & Fan is a worthwhile splurge. The sleek, bladeless design is safe to use around children or pets, and cleaning is a breeze. The powerful HEPA filter removes 99.97 percent of pollutants and allergens, to help you breath easy while you sleep.

The fan rotates on its base to cool a wide swath of the room, and there's a night setting to quiet the machine's noise. Plus, the LED digital display comes in handy when the fan needs to be adjusted at night, but it can also be dimmed.

The 20-inch, EcoHouzing High Velocity fan is a heavy-duty air circulator that’s ideal for a garage, shed, attic, or other workshop spaces. EnergyStar compliant, the sleek, circular fan rests on the floor (like a typical square box fan). It has three different speed settings and a 90-degree oscillation option for maximum room coverage.

A convenient carry handle makes it easy to tote to different workstations. The EcoHouzing fan produces 40 decibels—so it is fairly loud and not a fit for bedrooms or living areas. The copper motor and replaceable blades make for a long product lifetime.

Our top pick is the Vornado Energy Smart Medium Pedestal Air Circulator Fan (view at Lumens.com), a versatile option with a wide range of air speeds, while the Lasko Portable Electric Tower fan (view at Amazon) is a solid choice from another well-established company.

Fans are more energy efficient and cost efficient than air conditioners, however, they do not lower the air temperature in a room the same way that air conditioners do. Fans and air conditioners work in different ways: Air conditioners remove heat from the air inside your home, then cool the air and recirculate it. Fans increase the velocity of the air flow, that in turn helps to cool a person inside a room (but not the room itself).

Bladeless fans can often use less electricity than fans with blades, however, efficiency can vary with each product, and there are many types of cooling fans available including floor fans, desk, mounted, or ceiling fans. 

When comparing efficiency of cooling fans, the Department of Energy states that “Ceiling fans are considered the most effective of these types of fans, because they effectively circulate the air in a room to create a draft throughout the room.”  Bladeless ceiling fans are gaining popularity in part because they are quieter than traditional fans, but options and availability are more limited than fans with blades. 

There are a few easy ways to maximize a fan’s efficiency, such as changing the direction the blades rotate (for ceiling fans). In the summer they should rotate counterclockwise to push the air down, and clockwise in the winter to distribute the warm air. Placing your fan on a lower speed setting will also keep energy use down. In addition, properly maintaining a fan and keeping it free and clear of dust and debris will increase the overall efficiency.

Treehugger is dedicated to helping our readers find the best solutions for heating and cooling with the fewest possible planet-heating emissions. The author, Amber Nolan, lives off-grid in the Florida heat year-round and has tried many types of fans to stay cool.

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