Living in Nevada is no joke, and getting sound sleep in the area without racking up a monstrous power bill is no laughing matter either. Studies done by health experts indicate that having proper airflow in your place of rest is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
However, opening the windows is definitely not an option especially if you’re residing in a noisy urban area where you can’t possibly get some shut-eye with the persistent traffic noise. And I can’t possibly have the air-conditioning on at all times of day lest I want to incur a gigantic electricity bill.
So what’s the next best thing? A quiet fan sure would help, provided it is not one that is buzzing, squeaking or making all kinds of weird sounds. After all, your fan should help you get to sleep, not prevent you from sleeping or keep you up all night.
But if you are stuck with a noisy fan, worry not. I have compiled a list of the 10 best quiet fans that you can purchase in the market today. I have carefully studied each one, and rest assured, these all work great and most importantly, are nearly noiseless so you can use these in your living room, the bedroom or even at your place of work to cool you off when the temperature rises.
But before I get to that, let’s first review how having a quiet fan can help you get your beauty rest.
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Table of Contents
- How Can Quiet Fans Help Get You a Great Night’s Sleep
- What to Look For in a Quiet Fan?
- What are the Types of Quiet Fans?
- The 10 Best Quiet Fans
How Can Quiet Fans Help Get You a Great Night’s Sleep
Research done by sleep experts have determined that you can enjoy sound and peaceful sleep when your room is cool and have proper air circulation. As a matter of fact, resting in a cold room or even by an open window can have a multitude of benefits. These include:
You’ll fall asleep easily
Once your body begins losing core warmth, hence, your body will feel tired a lot easily. And this is the reason why you shouldn’t overheat your home during the cold months, especially when it is nearing bedtime.
Help keep your body’s natural sleep pattern
Once dusk comes around, the dim light and cooling air will make your body generate melatonin, which plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle.
Increases your metabolism and reduces the risk of illness
Cooler temperatures helps your bodies deal with sugar, which then diminishes the possibility of you of getting diabetes, different heart ailments, and even cholesterol.
Keep the temperature of your place of rest at a cool 60-67 Fahrenheit, which is around 15-20 degrees Celsius, and you should experience all of these health advantages. Be wary of going colder than that as it can have detrimental health effects especially to children.
There are other ways to make sure that your room is comfortably chilly before you head to off to dreamland. You should also make sure that you are well hydrated before you go to sleep since the heat can rise while you are resting. Two more ideas worth exploring are sleeping in the nude or picking up a cooling mattress topper.
During the really warm days, you should definitely consider keeping the blinds closed and air out the room in the evenings. However, the simplest solution is to set some money aside for a mechanic fan. A fan would deliver proper ventilation inside the room all night long or for as long as you need it. But you should not just head out and buy the first electric fan you see because when it comes to quiet fans, you should take a close look at the elements I will discuss in the section below.
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What to Look For in a Quiet Fan?
I have had my fair share of electric fans and I have found that the best ones often are the most basic. But times have changed and so have electric fans, which now boast of extra features but remain reasonably priced. So if you are in the market for the best quiet fan, here’s a nifty guide on what elements to look for before you make a purchase.
1) Noise Range
Clearly, this is possibly one of the most crucial factors to consider when looking for the best quiet fan. This is simply a decibel range for the fan when it is placed at its highest and lowest speed settings to give you a fair idea of the volume of sound it makes. Some brands actually make that information available, providing a range of decibels, while others just provide the dB on the Max setting. While it is significant, picking a well-designed and built fan is just as crucial.
However, if you don’t want to take the manufacturer’s word for it, you could also find out for yourself just how loud a fan is by taking a look at user reviews. Aside from those, you can also look for fans that have more speed settings. The speed of the blades is often the reason why a fan makes so much noise. Therefore, having the ability to modify the speed of the blades lets you adjust the noise level of a fan.
2) Max Air Flow (CFM)
Airflow specs are often referred to by manufacturers as cubic feet per minute or CFM for short. Basically, this refers to the volume of air that the fan will move in a minute. While a high CFM is great for moving air, it also generates more noise. For a silent fan, a good balance of low dB and CFM is central to keeping noise levels down.
3) The Size of the Base
You need to keep in mind the space that you want to place your electric fan in before you actually buy one. You need to know if the fan’s base will fit properly so take out your tape measure to make sure you end up getting a fan that fits the space just right. After all, the size of a fan influences not only whether or not you’ll be able to transfer it from room to room, but also the volume of space a machine can cover adequately.
4) Speed Selections
The more speed selections a fan has, the easier it will be to determine the ideal noise level and air flow that sufficiently works for you. Every fan will have different speed selections but having many speed settings will definitely help you sleep well and deal with the heat of the day.
5) Design
This is really more of a preference. And let’s all admit to it, having a nice-looking fan definitely gives a room more character.
So when shopping for a fan, you should always take a look into the material that was used to make it. Often, the lot of them is made of plastic, but you may want to buy one that is made of much sturdier material if you want your fan to last for longer than usual. However, you should be prepared to pay a steep price for a more durable product.
The design of a fan also defines how difficult it is to maintain its upkeep. For some people, they just use their electric fans during the summertime and keep them stored away during the cold months. And so, when they take them out, dust will have accumulated everywhere especially on the fan’s blades. Having the ability to clean the blades, or whichever other mechanism the fan uses, easily is always a plus.
Now, if you have children like I do, you must check out the safety aspect of the fan that you are keen on buying. Fortunately, brands are already ahead of the curve. Many fans are now bladeless or come with some kind of safety feature. Some even have concealed mechanisms that make sure your child will never stick their fingers where they don’t belong.
6) Type of Fan
There are numerous different types of fans:
- Regular standing fans are the most basic type of fan that you and the rest of the world are familiar with. They’re often the largest type of fan, with a tall stand and a rotating head.
- Tower fans are generally somewhat shorter than a regular standing one, and they take up less space. They often rely on oscillating mechanisms to generate airflow.
- Box fans come in different shapes and sizes, but they basically are made of a box with fan blades and a small stand. They can be circular or square, tiny enough to be placed on a desk, or large enough to placed on the floor or hang off a wall.
All of these kinds of fans have their own benefits when it comes to circulating the air. In addition, all of these types of fans can also have unique design cues that may or may not speak to your aesthetic preferences.
7) Extra Features
A lot of new fan designs, especially the tower style, come with remote controls. Being able to alter the fan without getting up is a cool feature (arguably, my most favorite feature) for the bedroom. Some fans even have built-in ionizers that really freshen up the air by eliminating very small particles as the air flows through. If this feature speaks to your needs at home, you might be better off looking for a quiet running air purifier.
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What are the Types of Quiet Fans?
1) Oscillating Fans – These kinds of fans are made to generate the maximum amount of air flow in a room by swiveling from side to side. They are extremely quiet, so much so that you might even forget that they are there. Oscillating fans are best utilized in closed spaces, such as bedrooms or living room areas.
2) Table Fans – Table fans are shrunken versions of common room fans. They have a smaller base that can fit on a desk or bookshelf, as well as smaller fan blades. They usually have less airflow output but are generally more quiet.
3) Room Fans – Room fans are handy electric fans that are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They direct the air into a concerted space. Room fans can be static, have an oscillation switch, or boast of an up and down pivoting head. They are convenient for a lot of different kinds of rooms, like dorms, bedrooms, and office spaces.
4) Ceiling Fans – These electrical fans are best used for large and small areas of your home and place of work. They save you precious energy by bringing cool air up during the summer and circulating warm air in the winter. They function at low speeds and are generally quiet.
Now that you are well-versed with the kinds of quiet fans and the things you need to be on the look-out for when shopping for one, let’s move on to the most important part of this guide. Here are my recommendations for the best quiet fans!
The 10 Best Quiet Fans
Unlike the fans that I grew up with, today’s devices boast of many unique features that can help make your life way easier and help get you better sleep or rest. A lot of products now come with remote controls, different speed options, the ability to oscillate or pivot, and some even have air ionizers! So without further a do, here are the 10 best quiet fans today!
1. Pelonis Oscillating Pedestal Fan
This fan by Pelonis may look like your common regular standing fan but trust me it isn’t anything like that. This 16-inch fan sits on top of a 55-inch adjustable stand. The blades are enclosed within a wire cover that is conveniently easy to open, to make cleaning it hassle-free.
The most significant factor however, is that the fan makes use of a DC motor that is not just silent but also very economical since the fan functions on just 25 watts. At that kind of energy usage, you could have the fan operating the entire night or use the timer feature. The timer lets you put the fan to sleep in up to 12 hours, altering it by 30-minute increments.
The fan also features three airflow modes, including the normal, slumberous, and silent. Also, you can adjust the speed of the machine to one of 12 speeds with the use the dial near the top of the stand under the head of the fan. You’ll also be able to check your settings on the LED screen right located above the speed dial. There are two buttons under the speed dial, one of which allows oscillation while the other turns on the fan.
However, if you prefer not having to get yourself up to adjust the fan during the night, you’re sure to love this last feature I will be mentioning. This quiet fan also has a remote control device that can turn it on or off, as well as alter the speed, timer, and even oscillation.
2. Rowenta Turbo Silence Quiet Stand Fan
Rowenta is quite popular for the remarkable design of their products, and this standing fan is a true testament to that. The sleek silver and black design is amplified by blue blades, which leave a cool-looking blur when they spin. Even better, the wire cage around the blades can be removed, making for ease of access when the time comes to clean it.
However, this fan isn’t all flash — it’s also practical, with a fully adjustable height of 42-54 inches. Like the product above, this fan features a silent motor that generates only 35 dB of noise, according to specs made available by the brand. The fan does have 5 speed settings, one of which is the Silent Night Mode.
If you’re going to be using it during nighttime, you’re probably interested in whether this fan has a timer. The answer to that question is a resounding yes. You can set the timer to up to 8 hours, and there’s even an energy-saving mode feature. And for those that don’t want to separate themselves from the bed when they’re already on it, yes this device has a remote control.
3. Dyson Air Multiplier Am07 Tower Fan
The Dyson Air Multiplier fans can look odd, especially if you’ve never set your eyes on a similar device. This tower fan is about 53 inches tall and rather narrow, as tower fans usually are. However, the thing that makes it so distinguishable is that it directs airflow through the open bladeless fan that comprises the top 3/4 of the machine’s height. This design makes it appear like a decor element, and it’s even available in two colors: black and white.
And because the fan does not have rotating blades or any closed-off parts, it’s super easy to clean. You can just wipe it down like you would an ordinary piece of furniture. It’s also very safe for kids and pets since there’s absolutely no possibility of injury.
The mechanism within the fan is not only quiet but also energy-efficient. In addition, this fan also has an oscillation feature, which means that it can twist around at the base. Aside from that, there are 10 airflow settings and a 9-hour timer, which is modifiable in 15-minute increments.
While the tower has an LED display, all of the controls can be found on the remote control. And the best part? The remote control can magnetically attach to the top of the fan — which is great for someone like me, who regularly loses things like car keys or even the remote to the TV.
4. Ozeri Ozf1 Ultra 42-Inch Wind Fan
Next on the list is this 42-inch tower fan made by Ozeri. The sturdy stand includes a detachable section that can compress this tower fan to just 32 inches. Like most tower fans, this one is built narrow, making it ideal for use in rooms that are small in size, or too crowded.
Unlike the previous tower fan which was on the futuristic side, the Ozeri fan brings it back to the basics. It has blades inside the case, hidden by a grille at the front. Right above the grille is an LED screen that shows you which settings you’re using.
The controls can be found under the protective plastic on top of the tower, along with the remote control device. They contain the power button, the timer, which you can program in 1-hour increments up to 12 hours, and the speed settings. There are three speeds, all of which are touted to be quiet, as well as three airflow patterns and an oscillation feature.
5. Honeywell Hyf290b Quietset Whole-Room Tower Fan
This Honeywell tower fan is a fine example of how smaller fans can help your life in a big way. The fan is only 40 inches tall, but Honeywell still managed to pack in tons of features.
This fan has 8 speed settings in all, which are basically also the sound controls. The lowest speeds are Sleep, Whisper, Calm, and White Noise — you can see how much they tried to market this product as noise-free as possible. However, the fan also has a Power Cool option, the highest speed setting, to help you deal with those brutally-hot days.
Aside from the speed settings, you can also make use of the oscillation feature and set the shutdown timer to 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours. There is an LED screen on top of the tower. Unlike with all of the other fans, you can control the brightness level of the display and set it to one of 4 brightness levels or even turn it off. This is a great feature for someone who’s easily distracted by light during the night.
This one also comes with a remote control that even has housing on the fan itself.
6. Lasko 2510 Quiet Tower Fan
This Lasko 36-inch tower fan is another one of those straightforward products that just delivers what it is intended for. There’s a grille going down the front of the machine, that protect the blades inside. Like the previous tower fan, this one features an LED screen and control settings that are located right above the grille.
Also, similar to the previous tower fans that were mentioned on this list, this one should only take up a bit of floor space. This tower fan is very quiet and can function at 3 different speeds. It can also oscillate or remain stationary, and it even has a 7-hour timer. The fan also has a remote control, which you can use to alter the settings from your bed. But if you’re concerned about losing the remote control, you can also keep it hooked on the back of the fan, below the handle near the top.
7. Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
Finally, after tackling the large fans, we’re now moving on to the least space-consuming devices. And since no brand is more popular for their box fans than Vornado, it’s no surprise that the very first on this list is theirs.
This Vornado fan measures only 13.6 inches tall, with an 8.6 x 12-inch base. It weighs in at just less than six pounds, making it very easy to carry with you wherever you go. Not only that, the fan is very easy to clean since the grille can be taken apart. If you have to, you can manually tilt the head of the fan to the angle you like, since it doesn’t have automatic oscillation.
The fan makes use of the very same technology most Vornado fans use to shuffle the air around the room. The Vortex Circulation technology lets the box fan remain static while pushing the air around up to 70 feet. Each part of the fan, from the grille to the blades, was made to aid in this method and keep the machine as quiet as can be. It only makes about 52 dB of noise, which is the equivalent of a hushed conversation.
Aside from that, the lowest of the 3 speeds available should be even quieter than that. The speed dial is on the right foot of the stand, and it’s pretty much the only setting this fan has.
8. Opolar Bladeless Air Circulator Fan
If you only spare the minimum amount of space for your fan, here’s another minute box fan that might fulfill your needs. This OPOLAR bladeless fan is only 13.6 inches tall and 10 inches wide. It stands atop a circular pedestal and has a ball-shaped head, which is stress-free to take apart and clean up.
This one has six speed options, with the lower three being quieter than the higher ones. As a matter of fact, according to Opolar, the top three speeds produce a whirring noise. Additionally, the fan has automatic oscillation and twists both horizontally and vertically for maximum coverage. Furthermore, there’s also a timer that can be set from 1-8 hours.
Although all of these features have settings on the pedestal itself, you can also control them with the use of a small remote control. Moreover, aside from saving you space, this little guy is very cost-efficient, as it can function on only 3.8 watts of energy.
9. Opolar Mini Oscillating Desk Fan
If you’re looking for an even smaller fan that the one above, this Opolar desk fan should fit the bill. It has a 5.7-inch circular base and is about 7.5 inches tall. The fan can operate on rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, or it can charge via the micro USB cable that comes with the package.
Furthermore, the batteries can last up to 50 hours on minimum speed, and you can make use of them individually or together. Between the charging capabilities and the miniature size of the device, this fan is a great option to travel with.
Although the fan does not have automatic oscillation, you can tilt the head of the fan 30 degrees vertically and 360 degrees horizontally. Opolar claims that it operates quietly, and the stepless speed dial supports that claim. Rather than having a set number of speeds, the dial is smooth, making for a very adjustable experience.
10. Fancii Small Personal Desk USB Fan
The smallest quiet fan on this list is this cylindrical fan from manufacturer Fancii. The whole thing measures only around 4 inches wide and 6 inches long, with a little stand that juts out from the cylindrical fan. Since the cylinder fan is static, you’ll be making use of the handle to sort of prop the fan up in your direction.
It has two speeds that you can set by touching the very top of the product. The faster speed is around 9.3 mph of airflow. Aside from being very noiseless, this fan is also cost-efficient, as it functions on just 5V of power. There’s a three-foot cable attached to the bottom of the fan with a USB connection, so you can plug it into an outlet adapter or even a laptop.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, when it comes to quiet fans, any one on this list will suitably fulfill your needs. But as mentioned above, it is prudent that you first assess what features you must have before going out to shop. You never know, you might be better off buying a quiet air purifier for your bedroom rather than an electric fan.
But if sound sleep in cool conditions, without incurring massive power bilss is what you are really after, then any of the 10 best quiet fans listed above will do just fine.
For most homes and offices, I strongly recommend the Vornado 630 for its fine build quality and vortex air circulation technology. It is also affordable and truly great fan with quiet technology that really works.
The best looking fan is without a shadow of a doubt, the Dyson AM07. If you can spare the resources, you will benefit greatly from the steady streams of air and easy-to-do maintenance of the bladeless design.