Fans

Beat the heat and stay cool with a reliable fan from our collection. Whether you need a powerful breeze to cool down a large living area or a quiet option for your bedroom, having the right airflow makes a huge difference in your comfort. A good fan circulates air efficiently, helping you feel refreshed even on the hottest days. Browse our inventory to find the perfect model for your needs and shop fans at The Brick today.

Fan Types: Formats and Best Uses

Electric fans are available in several formats, each suited to a different room size, layout, and use case. Pedestal fans — also called standing fans — use large rotating blades on an adjustable-height pole and deliver the highest airflow output of any portable fan type, typically in the range of 2,000 to 3,500 CFM. Adjustable height and oscillation allow the airflow direction to be aimed across a wide area, making them the most effective option for large rooms or open-plan spaces. Tower fans use a vertical column of smaller internal blades and produce a narrower airflow output, typically 800 to 1,500 CFM, in a slim floor footprint. Their quieter motor design and lower profile make them a common choice for bedrooms, offices, and spaces where floor area is limited.

Table fans and desk fans are compact units intended for personal use at close range rather than whole-room circulation. For cooling needs that go beyond what a fan can provide, our air conditioners collection covers portable and window-mount units that actively reduce room temperature. Our small appliances page covers additional comfort and household items.

How Fans Work and What They Do Not Do

Fans do not lower room temperature. They move air across the skin, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture and produces a cooling sensation through wind chill. A fan running in a closed room with no occupants will not reduce the air temperature — it only affects perceived comfort when a person is present in the airflow. For applications where actual air temperature reduction is needed, an air conditioner is the appropriate appliance.

Fans are significantly more energy-efficient than air conditioners. A standard pedestal fan uses approximately 45–70 watts at medium speed, while a tower fan typically draws 45–90 watts depending on the model and speed setting. At an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh — broadly representative of many Canadian provinces — running a 60W fan for eight hours costs approximately $0.07. Running the same fan continuously for a full month at that rate costs roughly $6 to $9, depending on wattage.

Bladeless Fans

Bladeless fans conceal their blades inside a base unit. The base draws in air and forces it up through a hollow ring or oval frame, where it exits through a narrow aperture around the inside edge of the loop. This airstream adheres to the curved surface of the loop — the Coanda Effect — and draws in surrounding air from behind and around the fan through a process called entrainment. The combined effect amplifies the initial airflow by approximately 15 to 18 times depending on the model, producing a smooth, uninterrupted airstream without the pulsing effect of exposed rotating blades.

Because there are no exposed blades, the exterior surface of a bladeless fan is easy to wipe clean. These fans are available in tower and table formats and typically include precise airflow control, sleep timer settings, and remote operation.

What to Check Before Buying a Fan

The most useful details to confirm when comparing fan models are the CFM rating for the room size you need to cover, the noise level at the speeds you will use most (measured in decibels on the product spec sheet), the height and oscillation range for pedestal models, whether a remote control and timer are included, and the dimensions relative to your available floor or desk space. For tower fans intended for bedroom use, the noise level at the lowest speed setting is the most practically important specification.

FAQ About Electric Fans

What is the difference between a tower fan and a pedestal fan?

Pedestal fans use large rotating blades on an adjustable pole and deliver high airflow output — typically 2,000 to 3,500 CFM — making them the more powerful option for large rooms. Tower fans use a vertical internal blade column and produce a narrower airflow in the range of 800 to 1,500 CFM in a slim floor footprint. Tower fans tend to operate more quietly and are better suited to smaller rooms or environments where noise matters, such as bedrooms.

Do fans actually cool the air?

No. Fans do not reduce air temperature. They move air across the skin, which accelerates moisture evaporation and creates a wind-chill cooling sensation. For actual room temperature reduction, an air conditioner is required. A fan running in an empty room has no effect on air temperature.

How much electricity does an electric fan use?

A standard pedestal fan draws approximately 45–70 watts at medium speed. A tower fan typically uses 45–90 watts depending on the model. At an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh, running a 60W fan for eight hours costs approximately $0.07. Monthly operating costs at continuous use are roughly $6 to $9 for a typical model. The product specification sheet lists the wattage for each speed setting, which gives the most accurate basis for calculating running costs.

How does a bladeless fan work?

Bladeless fans draw air through an internal motor in the base and force it through a narrow aperture around the inside edge of a hollow ring or oval frame. The airstream adheres to the curved frame surface — the Coanda Effect — and draws in surrounding air through entrainment, amplifying the initial airflow by 15 to 18 times. The result is a smooth, continuous airstream without the pulsing associated with exposed rotating blades.

Is it safe to leave a fan running overnight?

Yes. Fans are designed for continuous operation and are safe to run overnight provided the unit is in good working condition and positioned on a stable, level surface away from curtains, bedding, and other soft materials. Most current models include an auto-shutoff timer that allows the fan to be set to turn off after a specified number of hours, which is a useful feature for overnight use.