As the summer season approaches, most people are starting to look at different cooling solutions they can apply to keep their homes comfortable without breaking the bank. While it’s true that consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to cooling fans, it’s extremely important to be selective.
Why? Because you want a fan that will keep your house or office cool not only this summer but for many other seasons to come. After a lot of research, we’ve determined that wall mounted fans are the best cooling solution available because they have the capacity to move a lot of air while consuming a fraction of the energy needed by an AC unit.
But we know how overwhelming it can be to shop for anything nowadays, especially wall mounted fans. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you find the best wall mounted fans that money can buy! Read on for more.
What to Keep in Mind When Looking for a Quality Wall Mounted Fan
As with any purchase, there are a few important things that you need to keep in mind when looking for a wall mount fan, such as:
Size and Location
Decide on which part of the house you want to mount your fan so that you can purchase a fan that’s big enough to cover that space. For the best results, measure the size of the room for which you’re buying the fan so that you have accurate dimensions to use when looking at different options.
You want a fan that fits the space you’re going to mount it on while making sure that there’s enough space left over to allow for efficient airflow. Most experts recommend buying a large model that runs at an average speed which will circulate air in the whole area, instead of buying a smaller model that moves air at a high speed.
Structure Quality
You’ll be glad to know that the majority of wall mounted fans have a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry and mount them. These fans are also perfect for household use because they’re optimized to offer the right amount of air circulation in that environment.
But they don’t work well in commercial or industrial settings because they’re not big enough to move air in such a large setting.
Also, make sure the fan is constructed with durable, high-quality blades and switch buttons because both of these components are essential determinants of how the fan will operate. Don’t forget to check the frame and housing that covers the inner components too, because that will contribute to the fan’s durability and longevity.
Of course, you want a fan that’s backed by a warranty because that shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the product, but this should come after you’ve checked construction quality.
Speed and Noise
Your fan doesn’t have to be fast to be effective, because even on a slow speed, a good quality fan will move air more effectively than a faster but lower quality model. Slow speed means that the fan does the job without being loud or blowing your papers all over the place.
It’s definitely preferable to a fast moving fan in the work environment where you need silence to keep everyone concentrated. Wall mounted fans with fast speeds are definitely not good for productivity and can be more trouble than they’re worth.
For the best results, we recommend choosing a fan that has low or medium speeds. But make sure that the model you choose offers multiple speed settings as well so that you’re able to customize the amount of air it puts out. This will come in handy when you need varying levels of coolness according to your changing internal temperature.
Angle Adjustability
Nowadays, no-one wants to purchase a wall-mounted fan that doesn’t come with angle adjustability. That’s because a fan that can move air at different angles enables you to optimize the direction it’s pointed at and customize the way the air hits you.
The good news is that a majority of the wall mounted fans being produced offer angle adjustability. When it comes to mounting the fan, your best bet is to place it inches above your head height so that you don’t accidentally knock your head when you pass by it. From there, you can just adjust the angle by reaching for the fan, as it should still be within your grasp.
Oscillation
A fan without oscillation is incomplete. This important feature works to ensure that the fan is able to move air to a large area across the room. But the fan should also give you the option to switch the oscillation feature on and off as you please. For example, you’d want the oscillation feature off when the fan is angled to face you directly, otherwise, the amount of air coming out of it would be too much for you to handle. So, oscillation is important but so is the ability to switch it on and off.
Power Consumption
When you purchase a wall mounted fan, you want to see a difference in your energy bill. For that to happen, you need to be a smart shopper and buy a fan that has the right wattage. Most experts advise buying a fan that has a median wattage because sometimes low wattage fans can eat up a lot of power.
Installation
The great thing about a wall mounted fan is that it’s easy to set up and install. There’s no need to hire a technical specialist or “expert” to help you out and you’ll be able to use your fan as soon as it gets delivered to you.
Keep in mind that most wall mounted fans come with a clear instruction manual on how to assemble it, as well as the right mounting tools to help you mount it.
Color Options
Another notable feature of modern-day cooling fans is that they come in a variety of different colors. That means you won’t have to settle for a color that doesn’t match the aesthetic or decor of your house or office. It also means that you can pick a fan that seamlessly blends into the area. After all, who wants a fan that stands out for all the wrong reasons?
Fanimation Old Havana
Old Classic Look & Can Be Used in Dry or Damp Locations
Misting Direct Wet Location Fan
Commercial Grade Features & Suitable for Indoors/Outdoors
OEM Tools 24" Wall Mount Fan
Oscillating Function & Large Enough to Cover a Wider Area
Wall Mounted Fans vs. Ceiling Fans
Most of us do our shopping online. It’s quick, convenient and cheaper than driving around trying to compare prices and find the right product. Plus, you have access to helpful guides like this one that are dedicated to simplifying your shopping experience and help you find the best wall fans for your money.
However, as you shop online you’re bound to come across comments that are in favor of ceiling fans or ones that compare wall mounted fans to the former. That’s because these are two of the most popular types of fans on the market. We did some digging around to find out more about each fan and have done a comparison below to help you decide what the best option for you is.
Wall Fans
The main difference between a wall fan and a ceiling fan is that the latter has exposed blades while the former has hidden blades that are enclosed inside a casing. This is to protect people from coming into contact with the blades and possibly getting injured by them.
Wall fans are usually fixed onto the wall at eye level. They’re able to move from side to side in order to circulate air equally across the room. Because they have enclosed blades, some people prefer to place their wall mount fans on the ground so that they’re easier to control. Otherwise, you can just reach up to the side or on top of the fan to access the controls for motion range and speed.
It’s worth noting here that wall-mounted fans don’t typically produce the same amount of air as ceiling fans, even though they use roughly the same amount of power. That’s because the motor inside a wall mount fan is not as powerful or effective as that of a ceiling fan.
Ceiling Fans
As the name implies, ceiling fans are hung on the ceiling, so they’re able to cover a wider range of space and in most cases the whole room. They’re a cheaper alternative to running AC units, and they have a similar mechanism of action when compared to wall mount fans. They facilitate sweat evaporation by moving vast amounts of air that reach the skin to cool you down almost immediately.
How to Install a Wall Fan
A wall mounted fan is the ideal solution to anyone that has to deal with a poorly ventilated space during the summer. It’ll deliver the cooling and refreshing air that you can’t get through windows and doors, and all without burning a hole in your pocket.
But even the best wall mount fans won’t perform well if not installed right. The good news is that these devices are super easy to install. All you have to do is screw them onto the wall, plug and play. You’ll get the same effect of an AC unit but without adding extra zeros to your energy bill.
Here’s a simple step-by-step process on how to install your wall mounted fan:
Choose the Height
It’s purely up to you how high you want your fan to be mounted. Bear in mind factors like safety, visual effect and the level of air circulation it can provide at your preferred height. Once you’ve chosen your vantage point, take a pencil and draw a line to indicate the height.
Use an Electronic Stud Finder
An electronic stud finder makes it easy for you to find the sturdiest stanchion in your wall. This is a step you don’t want to skip over and make sure to use this particular tool because it’s the safest way to hang anything up.
Hang the Fan by the Mounting Bracket
Once you’ve located the studs at your preferred vantage point, proceed to attach the mounting bracket. Once the mounting bracket is in, you can simply attach the wall fan onto it by using a power drill and a few strong screws from your local hardware shop. To make sure the fan is securely put in place, push it around and pull it a little to test its safety.
Plug the Fan In
As soon as you’re done attaching the fan to the wall through the mounting bracket, plug it into the socket and switch it on. Of course, this means you have to mount it in a position that’s close to an electric socket so that the cord is able to easily reach it. To prevent the cable from swinging about, staple it onto the wall using wire staples. That way, there’ll be no risk of anyone tripping on it by accident.
Wall Mount Fan Sizing
There’s no golden rule to sizing a wall mount fan and it’s by no means a complicated process. All you have to do is measure the space where you want to mount the fan and calculate the device’s cubic feet per minute (CFM). This is the fastest way to figure out what size fan is appropriate for your space.
To determine CFM, simply measure the square footage of the space you want to keep cool, multiply that by the height of your ceiling (in feet), and divide the resulting number by 2.
For example, let’s say your room measures 600 square feet with super tall 12-foot ceilings. According to the formula above, your CFMs should be: 600 X 12/ 2 = 3, 600 CFM
You can double check the accuracy of this number by re-doing the measurements and calculations. Another method that you can use to determine fan sizing is to consider the airflow needed by your space as well as its occupancy rate, temperature, and size.
Top Wall Mounted Fans in 2019
So far in this article, we’ve learned that wall mounted fans come with several features which make them one of the best cooling methods available today. We’ve also shared with you the method which you should follow to install your wall fan and how to determine sizing.
Next, we have a list of 10 of the best wall mounted fans on the market. Make sure to keep in mind the information we shared with you above as that will play a huge role in helping you make your decision.
1 – Matthews ME-TB – Simply The Best Outdoor Wall Mounted Fan
We’re starting the list strong with this 20-inch fan from Matthews which is a delight to look at and even more delightful to operate. It’s the type of fan that you can place pretty much anywhere because it seamlessly blends into any environment. It looks more like an antique piece of decor than a fan, to be honest.
Although small, this fan offers powerful performance with features that include three varying speeds and 3 metal blades with a 31-degree pitch. This means the fan has the capacity to deliver a satisfying amount of airflow using very little energy.
The Matthews ME-TB is made from heavy-duty metal, and did we mention its independent oscillation control feature? Yep, this fan has it all.
PROS:
Offers oscillation control
Comes with 3 different speeds
Well-made and long-lasting
3 well-designed metal blades offer powerful air circulation
You can mount this fan for height positioning facing 30 degrees downward
Improved design makes this fan suitable for damp locations
CONS:
It’s quite expensive
You’ll need a 3 wire system installation to take advantage of the independent oscillation control
Changing the fan’s projection and motor angle requires that you adjust the gooseneck, which can be a bit tricky
2 – Hurricane 736565 – Top Modern Design Wall Fan & Suitable for Home/Office
If you’re looking for a powerful wall fan with all the perks of technological innovation, this is the one. The Hurricane 736565 unit features a figure 8 pattern technology which enables it to work quietly while delivering an incredible amount of air circulation.
We consider it the best outdoor wall mount fan on this list because it’s small but effective at keeping patios, balconies, green rooms, pergolas and other open spaces cool. It also comes with remote control accessibility which can come in handy when you want to change settings from the other side of the room.
Other notable features include the 6-hour increment timer which makes it ideal for use at night before you go to sleep. It also offers 3 oscillating options and 3 different speeds for you to choose from. Thanks to the power backup feature, this unit can automatically revert to its previous settings after an incident like a power cut.
PROS:
Super easy to install
Comes with 3 oscillating options
3 different speed options
6-hour increment timer
Efficiently distributes air according to figure 8 pattern technology
Runs quietly
Made from heavy-duty metal
CONS:
There have been some complaints about irregular oscillation, especially when the fan is angled to the right-hand side
There’s no real “slow” speed on this fan because all the options move air at a high speed
3 – Fanimation Old Havana – Old Classic Look & Can Be Used in Either Dry or Damp Locations
This stylish fan from Old Havana is the perfect addition to your home’s summer decor. The only difference is that it can do more than just look pretty. It’s specially designed for humid and damp areas that experience massive heat waves.
This means you can comfortably place it on your porch, balcony, deck or outdoor party lounge to stave off the heat and humidity that comes with summer rain. Also, this is a very large sized fan that can move lots of air.
It also comes with 3 different speed settings for you to choose from and it’s one of the safest wall mount fans on the market, as shown by its UL listing.
PROS:
Comes with 3 different speeds to help you maximize airflow
Suitable for humid and damp locations
UL listed for safety and security
Runs somewhat quietly
Features a unique tropical design that will compliment any space
CONS:
It’s on the pricey side
Exposure to constant rain and dampness can affect its performance
Lacks oscillation
The frame can get rusty over time
4 – Misting Direct Wet Location Fan – Commercial Grade Features & Suitable for Indoors/Outdoors
This Wet Location wall mount fan is made from durable and water resistant materials that allow it to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. It’s resistant to humidity as well, so it’s perfect for tropical regions with consistent rainfall during the summer.
You can count on the corrosion resistant epoxy finish and thermally protected motor to keep it safe while it circulates cooling air during the rainy season.
Obviously, this is a long-lasting fan that’s suitable for outdoor use and it’s exceptional at moving air. The tilting head allows you to position it according to your needs and preferences so that it can deliver optimal airflow.
PROS:
Features commercial grade design
Offers 3 different speeds
Completely resistant to water
Suitable for humid, damp and wet locations
You can turn the oscillation mode on or off according to your preferences
CONS:
You cannot alter the mounting
This is a huge fan and it doesn’t work well for small spaces
Doesn’t come with any high-tech features
Not the prettiest fan around
5 – OEM Tools 24″ – Oscillating Function & Large Enough to Cover a Wider Area
This is a small but effective wall mount fan with the ability to deliver strong airflow across large open spaces. It comes with a mounting bracket and features like adjustable oscillation, 3 powerful speeds, an energy-efficient motor and durable metal casing.
Although it works great for areas like workshops and patios, it’s not recommended for enclosed spaces because it makes a loud noise when switched on.
PROS:
Made from durable metal
Comes with a powerful motor
Energy-efficient operation
3 air speeds
Adjustable oscillation
Easy to assemble and mount
Perfect for semi-outdoor areas and large open indoor spaces
CONS:
The speed changing pull switch could use some improvement in the quality department
It’s a bit noisy
Limited up/down adjustability
6 – Lasko 3012 Wall Fan – Made in the USA & Capable of Full-Room Air Circulation
The Lasko 3012 unit is the perfect solution to a space-challenged person who needs an efficient wall fan. It’s rather compact by any standards but it has the capacity to deliver a lot of airflow.
In fact, this model is quite powerful and comes with features like 3 airflow speeds, adjustable oscillation, and a tilting head to help you direct the air circulation.
However, it has a plastic casing that can be vulnerable to damage when exposed to extreme heat, but the zinc plated grills are guaranteed to last for a long time without rusting. The controls are easy to use and it’s super simple to assemble as well, thanks to the included assembly grills.
PROS:
3 different airflow speeds
Works quietly
Small and compact
Easy to mount and operate
Comes with adjustable oscillation
The tilting head allows for customized air direction
Durable construction
CONS:
There have been some complaints about motor failure
It doesn’t work well in large spaces
Comes with melting risk if the plastic frame is exposed to extreme heat
7 – Hurricane Wall Mount Fan – Best Heavy Duty Metal Wall Mounted Fan That’s ETL Listed
This versatile and straightforward wall fan from Hurricane is one of only a few models that allow for outdoor mounting. The versatility comes into play when you look at the different mounting options offered. In addition to mounting this on the wall, it’s suitable for mounting on the ceiling or any other structure that would maximize airflow.
When it comes to the design, this is a very simple and basic fan. It doesn’t come with the advanced tech features offered by other models but it does the job without costing an arm and a leg.
Safety is guaranteed with the thermally protected motor, which automatically switches off whenever it senses the possibility of overheating.
It’s a well-made, no-frills wall fan whose construction features materials such as aluminum blades, a heavy-duty metal frame, and steel guard. All in all, this is one of the best wall mounting fans on the market right now.
PROS:
Well-made from heavy-duty materials
Offers powerful airflow that’s perfect for large spaces such as greenhouses, porches, patios, and warehouses
Comes with mounting brackets and hardware for easy assembly
Offers 3 different speeds
Tilting head
Oscillating controls
Safe
CONS:
It’s heavy to carry
Oscillation is prone to damage due to rough construction
The assembly tools are made from flimsy plastic
8 – VIVOSUN 16 inch – Incredibly Cheap With Speed Settings & An Adjustable Tilt
In most areas, it’s not uncommon for locals to start feeling the sun’s heat from as early as 5 AM. For these areas, this means a long day of scorching and unbearable heat. If that sounds similar to your situation, then you’ll do well to invest in the VIVOSUN 16-inch wall mount fan.
This oscillating unit offers three distinct speed settings and it moves air like a hurricane. To top it off, it’s easy on the eye and its circular design makes for an effective 80-degree oscillation. It’s the perfect fan to get if you want guaranteed ventilation in large areas because it has the capacity to provide airflow in all kinds of different spaces.
PROS:
Simple and traditional design
Moves air really well
Perfect for small patios, tents, porches etc.
Easy to install
Oscillates
CONS:
It can be a bit loud
The oscillator tends to malfunction soon after mounting
9 – iLIVING ILG8E18-15 – Top Rated Wall Mount Outdoor Waterproof Fan
Ditch the heat with this affordable wall mounted fan from iLiving. It’ll be the perfect addition to your pergola, balcony, patio, greenhouse or deck, and it’ll keep your guests cool and comfortable while you’re entertaining.
It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use thanks to its whisper quiet motor, and its curved blades will make it that much easier for you to mount it.
Furthermore, this wall fan is made from high-quality materials, as shown by its galvanized steel frame and the sealed lubricated industrial motor.
PROS:
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Moves a lot of air for its size
Easy to assemble and install
You can mount it anywhere
Doubles as a misting fan
Works quietly
Three-speed operation
Well-made from durable materials
CONS:
No oscillation
Misting kit sold separately
The plastic cord is prone to damage
10 – SPT Wall Mounted Fan – Most Budget Friendly 16-Inch Fan with Remote Control
Fans are a must-have during the summer and if you want a compact unit that’s easy to mount and use, consider the SPT 16-inch model. Yes, SPT is not a well-known manufacturer or brand, but we can vouch for the efficacy of this wall mounted fan.
The great thing is that it’s available with three unique speed settings that are referred to as “natural”, “normal” and “sleep.” It’s the perfect addition to a small office or one of the smaller rooms in your home.
PROS:
3 different speeds and 3 different modes
Comes with adjustable oscillation
Remote control access
4-hour increment timer
Super easy to install
Perfect for use while sleeping
CONS:
No complaints here!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICE ON AMAZONConclusion
Lasko 3012 Wall Fan
Made in the USA & Capable of Full-Room Air Circulation
Hurricane Wall Mount Fan
Best Heavy Duty Metal Wall Mounted Fan That's ETL Listed
VIVOSUN Wall Mount Fan
Incredibly Cheap With Speed Settings & An Adjustable Tilt
While you can’t avoid summer, you don’t have to sit there and take the heat. As you can see, purchasing a wall-mounted fan can be a fairly straightforward process, granted that you know what to look for.
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need to help you find the best wall-mounted fan for your needs. With that said, we realize that you might still have a hard time choosing a wall-mount fan from the list of options above. That’s why we’d like to recommend the SPT 16-inch wall mount fan with remote control functionality.
We know this is an unexpected pick because SPT is an underdog but honestly this fan has very positive reviews online and it’s quite possibly the best wall mount fan in its category. Despite its simple design and affordable price tag, this fan has a lot to offer such as powerful air circulation, remote control, as well as multiple speed and mode settings.
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