The Benefits of an Electric Fan
An electric fan is a basic electrical appliance that uses electricity to create a cooling breeze. It is a very important invention that has helped us in developing computers, large LED lights, petrol and electric automobiles and more.
It is also an effective tool in reducing the amount of smoke in a room if pointed in the right direction. However, it should be noted that its effectiveness is dependent on the ambient temperature.
Improved Breathability
An electric fan can provide effective cooling for people in hot climates. Unlike air conditioning, it bypasses the issues associated with refrigerant gases and decreases electricity requirements by up to 30 times. It can also be more cost-effective and accessible in low-income countries, where access to affordable and sustainable cooling is limited. However, public health organisations regularly discourage fan use in temperatures higher than 35 degC due to the potential for increased sweat loss and dehydration. This led to our investigation into humidity-dependent temperature thresholds at which the effectiveness of fans would be detrimental in different age groups.
Researchers from the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory at the University of Sydney tested six healthy men in a heated chamber under simulated peak heat wave conditions with and without an electric fan. They measured heart rate and rhythm, core temperature, whole body sweat rates, and blood pressure to assess physiological strain. They then analysed hydration status using urine specific gravity measurements.
Unlike other cooling devices of the time, including iced cloths used by US President James Garfield after his assassination, Wheeler’s invention was the first to harness electric fan the fledgling science of electricity. His simple electric fan was a box with two blades bolted to its outer edge, powered by an electric motor. It could spin in a wide range of speeds to propel air at different angles.
Reduced Stress
A fan circulates air, lowering humidity levels and improving breathability. This allows your body to cool down and reduces stress by allowing you to sleep soundly. This is important because a heat wave can cause dehydration and other health problems if it persists for days on end.
Using an electric fan can prevent heat-related elevations of heart rate and core body temperature. This is important because it reduces the risk of serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disease and death. However, public health guidance typically warns against the use of fans in severe hot weather conditions. This is because the current body of research does not clearly support or refute the use of fans, with some research suggesting that fan use could accelerate body heating.
An electric fan can help to reduce the impact of a heatwave by increasing the efficiency of all normal methods of heat loss, particularly sweating and convection. These are important benefits because a heatwave is a period of high temperatures that exceed regional or national thresholds and last for several days. Heatwaves are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with over 30,000 excess deaths occurring in Europe during the 2003 heatwave.
A recent study published in JAMA found that electric fans provide effective cooling at both lower and higher temperatures and humidity levels than electric fan wholesale air conditioning. The researchers compared the bodily responses of 12 young adults, who were lightly clothed and seated in front of a standard electric fan or a control under similar temperature and humidity conditions. The results showed that fans prevented heat-related increases in heart rate and core body temperature, whereas the control did not.
Enhance Sleep
Fan noise creates white noise, which masks disruptive sounds like car alarms, yelling neighbors, and slamming doors. This can help people fall asleep more quickly by drowning out these jarring sounds and allowing them to drift off to sleep with a calm and soothing sound.
Fans also have the added benefit of circulating air in the bedroom, which can reduce the concentration of allergens. This can help prevent the onset of coughing, itching, and wheezing due to respiratory irritation. However, it is important to regularly clean the fan blades and consider using an air filter if possible to increase the effectiveness of this sleeping aid.
Studies have shown that fan noise can actually shorten the time it takes to fall asleep. The soothing, consistent sound of the hum can lull the mind into a relaxed state and reduce the number of wakeful moments during the night.
Many people find that sleeping with a fan on can improve the quality of their rest, especially when combined with other strategies for improving sleep. Keeping the fan on a lower setting, turning it off an hour before bedtime, and implementing mindfulness exercises can all contribute to better, more restful sleep.
Adds Aesthetic Value
A good electric fan is a design-savvy accessory that elevates a space. Whether it is an air-conditioning unit that sits in your window frame or a ceiling-mounted model, the fan should blend with your home’s interior design. A modern, minimalist model like Asahi’s Omni will fit the bill. Its all-white finish and adjustable construction (it can fold flat to sit as a table fan or extend up to 100cm high as a stand fan) is sleek and stylish. Plus, it’s low-maintenance, too.
According to Technavio, vendors are focusing on innovations in electric fans for improved performance efficiency and design appearance. This will drive the market over the forecast period. Other drivers include increasing government initiatives for the housing sector and rising demand for luxury fans.
If you have an electric fan, it’s important to keep it clean to avoid bacteria and mold buildup. You should also change the filter regularly. A dirty filter can reduce the life of your appliance. It’s also a good idea to clean the blades once in a while. Doing so will improve your electric fan’s lifespan and maintain its pristine look. The word “appliance” is defined by both Google and Merriam Webster as an item that performs a domestic function or task.
