Air Circulators Vs. Fans

One of the common questions among homeowners and renters is how to go about cooling a room. And with these questions, many consumers analyze their options for the market’s best fans and are left unsatisfied due to the overwhelming number of choices available to them. If this sounds like you, we’re here to help you narrow your selection by comparing air circulators vs fans.

Although this article covers various cooling tech options, we have even more resources comparing all types of fans. For example, this article compares a ceiling fan and a standing fan. And we have another matchup explaining the differences between tower and box fans.

Differences Between Air Circulation Fan and a Fan

When it comes to cooling methods, most people have an opinion on the debate between a window fan vs AC. However, few are familiar with air circulators and how they harness the element of wind to cool a space.

An air circulator fan looks a lot like a standard fan and even uses many of the same mechanical properties, such as a spinning fan blade. But there are differences. Fans blow air in one direction, while circulators use an aerodynamics system to keep all of a room’s air in constant motion.

This air cycle is accomplished using specialized propeller blade pitches and ducts along with air accelerators. This design creates a vortex action and a continuous air current throughout the room.

If you want to look at some of the top air circulator models, read our review comparing the Vornado Flippi V6 vs the V8 model. You may also want to see an article comparing other cooling technology types, such as air coolers vs fans.

Cooling Effect

The aerodynamics of an air circulator create a more consistent and comfortable chilling effect than a fan. Where a fan cools the air directly in front of it, air circulators keep all of a room’s air in constant motion.

Power Consumption

Both fans and air circulators are energy efficient. However, circulators use a slightly smaller wattage per hour. So, where a fan on high speed costs around $.01 per hour, an air circulator will cost closer to $.008.