Are outdoor patio fans worth it?

Having an outdoor patio is a great way to extend your living space during the warmer months. However, on hot summer days, patios can quickly become unbearably hot. This is where patio fans come in – they help circulate air and keep your patio feeling cooler and more comfortable for longer. But are patio fans really worth investing in? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

How do patio fans work?

Outdoor patio fans work much like regular indoor ceiling fans. They have rotating blades that push air around to create a cooling breeze. This airflow makes it feel several degrees cooler than the actual temperature. Fans don’t actually lower air temperature – they rely on the wind chill effect to make you feel cooler as accelerated air blows over your skin. This makes patio fans an ideal solution for keeping your outdoor hangout comfortable without running up huge AC bills.

Benefits of patio fans

Here are some of the key benefits that make patio fans worth considering for your outdoor space:

• Keep your patio feeling cool – By circulating air, patio fans can lower the perceived temperature by up to 10°F.
• Extend outdoor time – On hot days, a patio fan lets you comfortably enjoy your patio for hours longer.
• Create an instant breeze – Rotate the fan head to generate a targeted breeze wherever you desire.
• Ambient cooling – Unlike noisy air conditioning units, fans provide unobtrusive ambient cooling.
• Easy to install – Most patio fans mount easily onto walls or ceilings like a light fixture.
• Cost effective cooling – Running a fan costs just pennies per day, much less than AC.
• Better air circulation – Fans prevent air from becoming stagnant in outdoor areas.
• Repels insects – The breeze from a fan helps keep bugs and mosquitoes at bay.
• Enhance outdoor ambiance – The gentle white noise of a fan creates pleasant background sound.

Types of patio fans

If you’re considering getting a patio fan, it’s helpful to understand the different types available:

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are designed to mount directly to your patio cover or pergola. They come in a range of sizes, blade configurations, and styles. Hugger-style ceiling fans mount close to the ceiling while downrod fans hang further down to move more air. Many patio ceiling fans have light kits for both illumination and insect control.

Wall-mounted fans

Wall-mounted patio fans attach directly to your exterior wall. They come in a range of designs from industrial caged fans to sleek, modern styles. Wall mounts are ideal for directing airflow right where you need it and are easy to install. However, they take up some floor space.

Stand fans

These portable floor fans have bases allowing you to move them wherever needed on your patio. Stand fans come in many heights and head configurations. They’re easy to reposition to direct the breeze wherever desired. However, most stand fans are less powerful than permanent mount options.

Misting fans

Misting fans include water misters that make the air even cooler as it blows over you. The water evaporation effect can sometimes lower the felt temperature by up to 25°F. Misting fans are great for really hot, dry climates but do use more water.

Factors to consider when buying a patio fan

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing an outdoor patio fan:

• Size – Select a fan sized appropriately for your patio’s square footage. Oversized fans waste energy while undersized ones won’t circulate enough air.
• Mounting – Consider ceiling, wall or stand fans based on your patio setup and needs.
• Blade span – Larger blade spans move more air. But huge industrial fans may be overkill for home use.
• Motor power – More powerful fan motors have higher airflow efficiency and longevity.
• Control options – Look for fans with multiple speeds, timers, and reverse settings.
• Noise level – Make sure the fan won’t be too noisy at the speeds you’ll use.
• Extra features – Consider add-ons like lights, misters, and remote controls.
• Durability – Choose weather-resistant materials that can withstand outdoor elements.
• Style – Select a fan design and finish that matches your patio aesthetic.
• Budget – Patio fans range widely in price from less than $100 to over $1,000.

How to choose the right size patio fan

One of the most important considerations when purchasing a patio fan is choosing the proper size. You want a fan that’s scaled appropriately for your outdoor space – not comically huge or ineffectively small. Here are some tips on selecting the right patio fan size:

• Measure the square footage of your patio space. This is the most important factor for proper fan sizing.
• Check the manufacturer’s size guidelines. Most provide specific patio square footage guidelines for each fan.
• Consider ceiling height. Fans in spaces with taller ceilings should be larger.
• Factor in fan power. More powerful motors move more air over larger areas.
• Think about placement. Ceiling fans can cover more area than tightly spaced wall mounts.
• Allow extra size for very hot climates. More airflow is needed to stay cool.
• Buy bigger for outdoor spaces. More airflow is needed to combat outdoor heat sources.

As a general rule of thumb, a fan should be sized to circulate air for a patio area 1.5 times larger than the fan’s blade span. Oversized fans waste energy while undersized models won’t move enough air to feel cool.

How much do patio fans cost?

Patio fans come in a wide range of prices depending on size, features, and controls. Here is an overview of typical patio fan costs:

Fan Type	Typical Price Range
Small stand fans	$50 – $150
Medium stand fans	$100 – $300
Large stand fans	$200 – $500
Small wall-mount fans	$100 – $250
Large wall-mount fans	$150 – $500
Small ceiling fans (36″)	$100 – $350
Medium ceiling fans (42″-52″)	$150 – $500
Large ceiling fans (56″+)	$200 – $1,000+
Misting fans	$200 – $1,000

In general, larger permanent mount fans cost more than compact portable models. But they also provide stronger airflow across bigger patio areas. Top-end designs with features like integrated lighting, remote controls, and misters can also push costs higher. But basic budget-friendly options start as low as $50.

Pros of patio fans

Here are some of the key benefits that patio fans offer:

• Provide cooling airflow on hot days
• Allow you to comfortably use your patio for hours longer
• Cost much less to run than air conditioning
• Easy to install as a DIY project
• Create pleasant ambient background sound
• Circulate stagnant air and repel insects
• Come in a wide variety of styles to match any patio
• Offer cost-effective models for any budget
• Provide directional breeze right where you need it
• Long-lasting investment that adds value

Cons of patio fans

Potential downsides to consider include:

• Don’t actually lower air temperature like A/C
• Limited cooling power on extremely hot days
• Permanent mount options require installation
• Stand fans take up floor space when operating
• Ceiling fans can be difficult to install overhead
• Noise may be disruptive for some (though most are very quiet)
• Misting fans use a significant amount of water
• Not effective in humid climates where air can’t evaporate sweat

Best practices for using your patio fan

To get the most out of your patio fan, follow these tips:

• Run the fan whenever the patio is occupied to maximize comfort.
• Adjust the fan speed to create just enough breeze without feeling chilly.
• Angle the fan’s head to direct air flow towards seating areas.
• Run ceiling fans on low overnight to circulate air and deter insects.
• Use the reverse setting in winter to push warm air down from ceiling fans.
• Keep fan blades clean using just water and a microfiber cloth.
• Consider adding an outdoor wall switch or remote for easier control.
• Pair floor and ceiling fans to enhance air circulation.
• Close patio doors/windows when running air conditioning inside.
• Turn off fans when patio is unoccupied to save energy.

Top patio fan brands

When shopping for a patio fan, consider these top-rated brands:

Brand	Known for
Hunter	Broad range of durable ceiling fans at affordable prices
Hampton Bay	Budget-friendly ceiling & wall fans sold at Home Depot
Minka Aire	High-end, designer outdoor ceiling fan styles
Monte Carlo	Elegant & tropical-inspired ceiling fans
Westinghouse	Reliable, energy-efficient ceiling fans
Fanimation	Cutting-edge, tech-integrated fans
Orient Electric	Sleek contemporary indoor/outdoor fans
LJY	Range of industrial wall and stand fans
Air King	Durable, cost-effective stand & wall fans
Vornado	Specialty stand fans with signature vortex circulation

Sticking with well-known brands helps ensure you’re getting a quality, long-lasting product with good warranties and customer service.

Safety tips for patio fans

While patio fans are generally quite safe, be sure to follow these precautions:

• Ensure ceiling fans are securely mounted into a beam, joist or concrete anchor.
• Keep fingers and objects clear of spinning blades.
• Turn off power when performing any maintenance or cleaning.
• Inspect fans periodically for loose parts, unusual wobbling or noise.
• Position stand fans on flat, stable surfaces away from foot traffic areas.
• Don’t position fans directly in front of exits or emergency equipment.
• Use GFCI outlet with stand fans and keep electrical cords tidy.
• Don’t spray fans with water – wipe clean with a damp cloth instead.
• Lower wall fans before raising patio umbrellas or structures nearby.

Conclusion

Adding an outdoor patio fan is an easy and affordable way to keep your patio more comfortable during hot weather. For less than $100 for basic models or $500+ for premium fans, you can extend your enjoyment of your outdoor space for hours longer each day. Just be sure to choose the right sized fan for your patio’s square footage and install it properly. Position it to optimize air flow across seating and dining areas. With smart use and occasional maintenance, a quality patio fan should provide many years of reliable operation and enhanced outdoor living.