Fans

About Fans

Keeping work environments comfortable and productive is essential for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike, and our comprehensive range of fans provides effective cooling and air circulation solutions for workshops, construction sites, offices, and home spaces. Whether you're working in a confined area that gets uncomfortably warm, need to improve air quality in a dusty workshop, or simply want to maintain a comfortable temperature during the summer months, the right fan can make a significant difference to working conditions and overall productivity.

Our fans category encompasses a diverse selection of cooling equipment designed to meet various needs and environments. From compact desk fans perfect for small workshops and offices, to powerful drum fans that can move large volumes of air across construction sites and industrial spaces, we stock solutions for every application. Tower fans offer space-saving vertical designs ideal for corner placement, whilst pedestal fans provide adjustable height options for targeted airflow. Wall-mounted fans are excellent for permanent installations where floor space is at a premium, and portable fans give you the flexibility to move cooling power wherever it's needed most.

Beyond simple cooling, our range extends to include air conditioners for more demanding temperature control requirements, and dehumidifiers to tackle moisture issues that can affect both comfort and the condition of tools and materials. Many of our fans are built to withstand the rigours of professional use, featuring robust construction, IP-rated protection against dust and moisture, and powerful motors capable of running continuously throughout long working days. Whether you're a builder working on site, a mechanic in a garage, or a woodworker in a dusty workshop, proper air circulation isn't just about comfort—it's about maintaining safe, healthy working conditions.

Jargon Buster

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): A measurement of airflow volume that indicates how much air a fan can move in one minute. Higher CFM ratings mean more powerful air circulation, which is particularly important for larger spaces or industrial applications.
• Oscillation: The side-to-side sweeping motion that many fans use to distribute air across a wider area rather than in a fixed direction. This feature is particularly useful for cooling multiple people or covering larger spaces efficiently.
• IP Rating: Ingress Protection rating that indicates a fan's resistance to dust and water. For example, an IP44 rating means the fan is protected against solid objects over 1mm and water splashes from any direction—essential for site work or workshop environments.
• Decibel Level (dB): The measurement of sound intensity produced by the fan. Lower decibel ratings indicate quieter operation, which is important in office environments or when working in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Variable Speed Settings: Multiple speed options that allow you to adjust airflow intensity based on temperature and requirements. Professional fans typically offer three or more speed settings for optimal control.
• Air Changes Per Hour (ACH): The number of times the total air volume in a space is replaced per hour. This metric helps determine the appropriate fan size and power needed for effective ventilation in workshops and work areas.

Who Uses Fans?

Fans are essential equipment across numerous trades and professional settings:

• Construction Workers and Site Managers: For cooling site offices, drying areas, and maintaining comfortable conditions in buildings under construction
• Mechanics and Auto Technicians: To ventilate garages, dissipate fumes, and maintain comfortable working temperatures in repair bays
• Woodworkers and Joiners: For dust circulation towards extraction systems and cooling workshops that generate heat from machinery
• Electricians: When working in loft spaces, plant rooms, and other confined areas that can become uncomfortably hot
• Painters and Decorators: To accelerate drying times and improve ventilation when working with paints, varnishes, and solvents
• Warehouse and Factory Workers: For maintaining comfortable temperatures in large industrial spaces and storage facilities
• Office and Facilities Managers: To supplement air conditioning or provide cost-effective cooling in smaller offices and meeting rooms
• Event Professionals: For temporary cooling at outdoor events, marquees, and temporary structures
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers: To cool machinery storage areas, greenhouses, and workspace facilities
• DIY Enthusiasts: For maintaining comfortable conditions in home workshops, garages, and during renovation projects

How to Choose the Right Fans

Selecting the appropriate fan depends on several key factors that affect performance and suitability for your specific requirements:

Room Size and Application: Calculate the square metreage of the space you need to cool. Desk fans work well for personal cooling up to around 10 square metres, whilst drum fans and industrial pedestal fans are necessary for workshops and site work exceeding 50 square metres. Check the manufacturer's coverage specifications to ensure adequate airflow for your space.

Power Source and Voltage: Most domestic and light commercial fans run on standard 230V mains power, but consider whether you need a cordless option for sites without reliable power supply. Some professional-grade fans from brands like Makita and Milwaukee run on battery platforms, offering portability without compromising on performance.

Portability Requirements: Fixed installations like wall fans are ideal for permanent workshops, whilst portable and drum fans with carrying handles or wheels suit tradespeople moving between jobs. Consider the weight—industrial fans can exceed 15kg, which affects ease of transport.

Environmental Conditions: For dusty workshops, construction sites, or outdoor use, look for fans with appropriate IP ratings (IP44 minimum for splash resistance). Metal grilles offer better durability than plastic in demanding environments, though they add weight.

Noise Levels: If working in occupied buildings or noise-sensitive environments, prioritise fans with lower decibel ratings (below 60dB). Tower fans and modern desk fans typically run quieter than industrial drum fans, which can exceed 70dB at full speed.

Adjustability and Control: Variable speed settings, oscillation functions, and adjustable angles give greater flexibility. Pedestal fans often offer the most adjustment options, whilst drum fans prioritise power over versatility. Timer functions and remote controls add convenience for fixed installations.

Safety Features: Look for thermal cut-out protection to prevent overheating during continuous operation, stable bases to prevent tipping, and proper guard spacing compliant with UK safety standards to prevent finger access to blades.

Popular Accessories

• Extension Leads and Cable Reels: Essential for positioning fans at optimal locations, particularly on construction sites and in large workshops
• Fan Guards and Replacement Grilles: Protective covers that prevent damage to fan blades and meet health and safety requirements in professional environments
• Wall Mounting Brackets: For permanent installation of fans in fixed positions, maximising floor space in workshops and garages
• Thermometers and Hygrometers: To monitor temperature and humidity levels, helping determine optimal fan settings
• Air Quality Monitors: For tracking ventilation effectiveness in workshops where dust or fumes are present
• Portable Power Stations: Battery solutions for running fans on construction sites without mains power access
• Dust Extraction Systems: Complementary equipment that works alongside fans to remove airborne particles in woodworking and metalworking environments
• Cleaning Products: Specialist cleaners and brushes for maintaining fan performance by removing dust build-up from blades and grilles

Safety Information

When using fans in professional and DIY settings, observe these important safety considerations:

Electrical Safety: Always ensure fans are connected to properly earthed 230V sockets with appropriate circuit protection. Check cables regularly for damage, particularly on site where they may be subject to wear. Never use fans with damaged cables or plugs, and avoid overloading extension leads—check the fan's wattage rating and ensure your power supply can handle it.

Positioning and Stability: Place fans on level, stable surfaces away from edges where they could be knocked over. Keep fans at least 500mm away from curtains, papers, and other materials that could be drawn into the blades. Wall-mounted fans must be securely fixed to appropriate load-bearing surfaces using suitable fixings.

Blade Guards: Never operate a fan with damaged or missing blade guards. UK regulations require guard spacing that prevents fingers accessing moving parts. Don't attempt to clean blades whilst the fan is connected to power—always unplug first.

Ventilation and Fumes: Whilst fans improve air circulation, they don't remove fumes or hazardous airborne substances. When working with paints, solvents, or materials producing harmful vapours, ensure adequate extraction ventilation compliant with COSHH regulations, not just air circulation.

Moisture and IP Ratings: Only use fans rated for wet or damp environments (minimum IP44) in such conditions. Standard household fans are not suitable for bathrooms, outdoor use, or construction sites where exposure to moisture is likely. Check the manufacturer's specifications before use.

Continuous Operation: Professional-grade fans are designed for continuous running, but domestic models may require rest periods. Check the duty cycle in the manual and ensure adequate clearance around the motor housing for heat dissipation during extended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size fan do I need for my workshop?

As a general guide, you need approximately 75-100 CFM per square metre for effective cooling in a workshop environment. For a typical single garage workshop (around 15 square metres), a fan delivering 1,500-2,000 CFM would be appropriate. Larger workshops or spaces with high ceilings may require multiple fans or more powerful drum fans. Consider factors like heat-generating equipment, number of people working, and ceiling height when calculating requirements.

Can I use a standard household fan on a construction site?

Standard household fans are not designed for the demanding conditions of construction sites. Site work requires fans with robust construction, IP-rated protection against dust and moisture (minimum IP44), and durable metal components. Professional drum fans and industrial pedestal fans are built to withstand being moved frequently, exposure to building dust, and potential minor impacts. Investing in proper site-rated equipment prevents premature failure and safety issues.

How much does it cost to run a fan continuously during summer?

Running costs depend on the fan's wattage and your electricity rate. A typical 50W desk fan running 8 hours daily costs approximately £4-5 per month at average UK electricity rates (around 30p per kWh). A more powerful 100W industrial fan would cost roughly £8-10 monthly under the same usage. Compared to air conditioning units that can consume 1,000W or more, fans are extremely cost-effective for cooling, though they provide different types of comfort.

Are battery-powered fans suitable for professional use?

Modern cordless fans from professional tool manufacturers like Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt offer genuine alternatives for site work where mains power is unavailable or impractical. They utilise the same battery platforms as cordless power tools, providing 4-8 hours runtime depending on battery capacity and speed settings. Whilst they typically offer lower airflow than equivalent mains-powered models, they excel in portability and convenience for tradespeople already invested in a particular battery system.

Do fans actually cool the air or just move it around?

Fans don't reduce air temperature—they create air movement that increases evaporation from skin, making you feel cooler through the wind-chill effect. This is why fans are ineffective in empty rooms but very effective when people are present. For actual temperature reduction, you need air conditioning or evaporative cooling. However, fans significantly improve comfort at much lower running costs and can be combined with open windows or doors to draw in cooler outside air during mornings and evenings.