Fans & Heaters

What does a fan do?

A fan moves air to create a cooling effect or improve ventilation. By spinning its blades, a fan generates airflow, which can cool people and spaces by replacing warm air with cooler air or simply making the surrounding air feel cooler. Here’s how fans are commonly used:

1. Cooling: Fans don’t lower the air temperature, but the airflow they create speeds up the evaporation of sweat, which helps cool down the skin and make people feel more comfortable, especially in warm environments.

2. Ventilation: Fans help circulate fresh air, removing stale air, smoke, or odours from a space. This is useful in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where air quality might be an issue.

3. Air Distribution: In rooms with heating or air conditioning, fans can help distribute warm or cool air more evenly, preventing hot or cold spots and improving overall comfort.

4. Drying and Dehumidifying: Fans help to dry out wet areas or reduce humidity by moving air over surfaces, which accelerates evaporation.

Fans come in various forms, from ceiling and desk fans to exhaust and industrial fans, each designed for different airflow needs.

What does a heater do?

A heater warms up a space by converting energy, typically from electricity or fuel, into heat. This heat then raises the temperature of a room, object, or even a fluid (like water). Here's how it works depending on the type:

1. Electric Heaters: Use electrical energy to generate heat, often through resistive heating elements. When electricity passes through these elements, they heat up and radiate warmth.

2. Gas Heaters: Burn fuels like natural gas, propane, or kerosene to produce heat. This heat is usually directed into a space through a system of vents or a fan.

3. Radiators (Hydronic Heaters): Heat up water or another fluid inside a system of pipes, often powered by electricity or gas, which then circulates through radiators to release warmth into the surrounding air.

4. Space Heaters: Usually portable electric heaters that warm up a small area, ideal for personal or limited space heating rather than the entire room.

Heaters are commonly used in homes, offices, and industrial settings, especially during cold weather, to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Are they worth it?

Heaters and fans are generally worth it, as each provides unique benefits that enhance comfort and air quality in different settings and seasons. Heaters are invaluable in cold weather, making spaces warm while preventing issues like frozen pipes. Fans, on the other hand, are great for creating a cooling effect without altering the actual air temperature, which can be energy-efficient during warm months. Fans also improve ventilation and air circulation, which enhances indoor air quality and can complement air conditioning or heating systems by distributing conditioned air more evenly. Ultimately, having both options offers a versatile way to maintain a comfortable environment year-round.