When the weather gets warmer, many people start shopping for both indoor and outdoor fans. Spaces that are partially outdoors, like screen porches, gazebos, garages, sheds, and grill areas may all be potential candidates for portable fans, but before you select an outdoor fan, it’s important to realize what you may be getting yourself into. Not all outdoor fans are built to last. In fact, many fans are decidedly built not to last more than a few years. Others may have more complex hardware, so routine maintenance can be done to make them last for decades. Unfortunately, most of the outdoor fans you find are likely not meant for the long haul. At best, mid-range fans could last up to ten years. Most fans you see will likely not last for more than 3 years, and in many cases will not even truly be an outdoor fan.
How to Tell How Long Your Fan Will Last
In order to tell if an outdoor fan is one of those that will only last a few years or if it is something better is to read the fine print. Look to see what type of warranty the company offers. If there is an indication of a lifetime warranty, it means the lifetime of the fan, and it will outright say how long the fan should last. You might be able to get this information on the box, on the manufacturer’s website, or possibly by calling the company. Still, the warranty might still be unclear to you, and you might find yourself receiving less than stellar customer service. This means you’ll have to dig a bit deeper for clues.
Factors That Will Influence the Life of an Outdoor Fan
One of the first clues to whether or not an outdoor fan is supposed to last is how it is built and fastened together. If a fan is meant to last, it should be easy to perform simple maintenance on it. It will be held together with screws, and it will be possible to take it apart to clean or change any filter system before putting it back together. A more disposable fan will be glued or come together with rivets or snaps. It is often made from less expensive plastic that could break if the fan falls from a balcony or other elevated surface. The blades will gather dust, and it will be difficult to keep clean. It is expected that the user be as careful as they can until it breaks and needs to be disposed of.
One sign that your outdoor fan may be at least a mid-range keeper is if the papers in the box or information on the company website tells you how and where to get replacement parts for the fan.
Whether your outdoor fan is a short-term solution or one that you hope will last a bit longer, some precautions need to be taken. When an electric appliance is outdoors, you need to take steps to see that it remains safe to use. Plastic components can degrade when the fan is in the sun for a long time. There is also more risk of getting clogged by debris than there is for a fan that is strictly used indoors. Cheaper fans should only be brought outside when they are really needed, and they should be protected from excessive rain or sun in order to get the most out of them.
Making Adjustments With Your Fan
A lot of times indoor fans get a designated spot and stay there for the season. This is less likely to happen with an outdoor fan because it needs protection from extreme weather. Also, it is more likely that you will need to run it in various places on your yard or property. But moving an outdoor fan can be problematic as well. The stand can get wobbly as it is moved from place to place, and the more something is moved, the more there is a risk that it will be dropped or broken. It is also likely to need to go through various height adjustments, which will make it harder to keep the fan in good condition.
Long Term Cooling Solution
If you know you are going to be in your home for some time, and are looking for a long-term solution to your outdoor cooling needs, a fan might not be enough for your needs. Instead, you should look into something that will last longer and that will provide you with the flexibility of being portable. One excellent option to consider is a portable evaporator cooler. Evaporator coolers can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces. These are also sometimes called swamp coolers. They differ from air conditioners because they are not supposed to cool the whole house, just a small space like a single room. It transports easily from room to room. It can live in the office during the workday, in the family room in the evening, and a bedroom at night. And when it’s time for weekend yard work, it can go outside.
Evaporated cooling units work by filtering dry hot air through moist pads in order to cool the air. These units are less expensive and more energy-efficient than window air conditioners and have the flexibility of moving from room to room. It is important to get a unit that is best suited for your needs. By speaking to a professional at an experienced and reputable company about your cooling needs you’ll be able to choose the option that is best suited for you and your family.