Air circulator vs. box fan
Fans are designed to move air. However, the particular way that each type of fan moves that air is what makes it unique.
The main difference between air circulator fans and box fans is penetration. If you place your thumb over the nozzle of a hose, it creates an intense stream of water that makes the water travel further than it does when you remove your thumb. This is closer to how an air circulator fan works. When you remove your thumb from the nozzle, its function is closer to a box fan — the air stream is still somewhat focused, but it doesn’t penetrate as deeply into a room. In short, a box fan is less disruptive to the overall air circulation in a room.
Air circulator fans
Often, the air in a room is tranquil, like a lake. As you move about the room, you might discover a cold or a hot spot. The purpose of an air circulator fan is to get all the air moving so the overall temperature of a room will become consistent — no hot or cold spots.
In order for an air circulator fan to be effective, however, it must be strong enough to get all of the air in a particular room moving. If the fan is too small and this doesn’t happen, it becomes a regular fan. Additionally, to create the optimal pattern, an air circulator fan needs to be positioned properly. Since the ideal position can change from room to room and season to season, the best air circulator fans can be manipulated to fine-tune the direction of the airflow.
Air circulator fan pros
An air circulator fan can be used year-round because it can regulate both the heat as well as the cold.
Instead of adjusting your thermostat, you can use an air circulator fan to help regulate the temperature of a room and reduce your monthly energy bills.
If you’re plagued by hot or cold spots in a room, an air circulator fan can solve this problem.
Air circulator fan cons
An air circulator fan only works when it’s on — as soon as you turn it off, the benefits diminish.
While an air circulator fan can provide a cooling “wind chill” effect, that isn’t its main purpose. If you want a breeze to blow across your skin, this is not the best fan for the task.
At $50-$150, an air circulator fan costs considerably more than a box fan.
Best circulator fans
Honeywell QuietSet Whole Room Tower Fan: available at Amazon and Kohl’s
This eight-speed tower fan can be used to help reduce your energy bills. It’s designed to circulate the air of an entire room, making it good for use all year round.
Lasko Wind Machine Air Circulator Fan: available at Amazon, Kohl’s and Wayfair
A ruggedly designed yet lightweight machine that has a built-in handle for ease of transport. It offers impressive power, even when on its lowest speed, and it comes with a 6-foot cord for versatile positioning.
Vornado 630 Whole Room Air Circulator Fan: available at Amazon
The vortex action of this fan coupled with the three speeds and adjustable head give the user complete control over the airflow. The deep-pitched blades can move air up to 70 feet, making it a potent air-circulating tool.
Box fans
A box fan functions similarly to an air circulator fan with one major difference: an air circulator fan is powerful enough to circulate all the air within a room, while a box fan simply encourages the air to pass through a room.
If it’s cooler outside than it is inside, a box fan can be used on the ground floor to draw cool air in through an open window. To facilitate airflow, it’s best to have a second box fan to help move hot air out of the house — this is usually accomplished by placing the second box fan on the top floor to push hot air out of the house through an open window.
Box fan pros
When positioned properly and used at the right time of day, box fans can reduce your dependency on air conditioning.
At just $20-$50 per unit, box fans cost considerably less than air circulator fans.
Box fans can save you money on your monthly cooling bills.
Box fan cons
Box fans are not a year-round option; they function best in warmer weather.
Box fans work best in pairs. You may have to purchase two to achieve the relief you desire.
Best box fans
PELONIS 3-Speed Box Fan: available at Amazon
This is a durable unit with a solid base from a trusted name in fans. It requires no assembly and features a built-in handle for portability.
Hurricane Box Fan: available at Amazon
The built-in cord management system on this fan facilitates easy storage. The feet can be swiveled to the side for when you want to place the fan in a window, and it can move up to 2,400 cubic feet per minute of air.
Genesis Box Fan: available at Amazon and Home Depot
This model has a sleek and stylish design that allows it to blend in with any décor. It features three speeds, a copper motor (for durability) and it has a slim profile.
Air circulator vs. box fan: What should you get?
If you want a fan that can regulate room temperature and help you save on energy bills year-round, buy an air circulator fan. On the other hand, if you need something that creates airflow through a room or your entire home and it’ll only be used during the warmer months, a more affordable box fan is the better option.
Allen Foster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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