Set a pedestal fan at a height where the airflow reaches your body: at chest or shoulder height when sitting, and slightly above the bed or sofa when lying down. Aim it at yourself, not the room. The fan does not cool the air, but the airflow cools your body down faster.
Why does the height of a fan matter?
A fan does not cool you down by making the room cooler. According to Milieu Centraal, the airflow dissipates body heat faster and helps sweat evaporate more effectively, making it feel cooler without the air becoming colder. You can read more about this in the explanation of air conditioning and fans at Milieu Centraal. This leads directly to the practical rule: the airflow must reach where you are sitting or lying. If the fan is too low or too high, it will blow past you and you will notice little effect.
That is why the same fan works much better in one room than in another. It is not just about the power, but also about the location and the height relative to you.
Which height is suitable for which situation?
There is no fixed, universal height; it depends on whether you are sitting, working, or sleeping. As a rule of thumb, look at the part of your body you want to cool and aim the fan head at it. The table below provides a practical guide.
| Situation | Where to aim the airflow? | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting on the sofa | Chest and shoulders | Slide the tubes slightly into each other for a lower setting |
| Working at a desk | Upper body and arms | Choose a higher setting and keep some distance |
| Sleeping | Slightly above or beside the bed | Use the lowest speed and do not aim it directly at your face |
| Cooling the entire room | Use the oscillation function | Place the fan in the center of the room |
The oscillation spreads the air over a wider angle, which is useful if several people are in the room. You can read how this function works in what oscillation in a fan is.
How to adjust the height without hassle
With a fan with adjustable tubes, you adjust the height by sliding the tubes into or out of each other. Then check that the fan stands firmly and straight and that the power cord is not in the way. If the fan is on a soft surface such as a thick carpet, it may wobble; choose a flat surface. Also check that the fan is not too close to curtains or a table, so that the airflow remains unobstructed.
Keep in mind that you probably do not want to blow directly on your face at night. A lower speed and a slightly wider angle are more comfortable. You can read more about noise and settings in what to look for in a quiet fan for the bedroom.
How much does it cost to run?
The height does not change the power consumption, but it helps to run the fan for a shorter period. Milieu Centraal calculates that a fan running for 110 hours uses approximately 5.5 kWh, which costs about 1 euro at 21 cents per kWh. That example is in the same explanation about air conditioning and fans, and in the tips for a cool house it states that an air conditioner can use up to 20 times as much electricity. If you want to know the consumption of a specific fan, read how many watts a fan uses per hour.
The AirFlow AV25G: height adjustable
The AirFlow AV25G is a pedestal fan that you adjust in height with the included tubes, and that you fold up for storage.
Height: manually adjustable from 80 cm to 125 cm
Airflow: air speed of 5.3 m/s with oscillation function, three speed settings via a control knob
Power: 55 watts (AC motor)
Size: 42 x 42 x 125 cm, 3.49 kg, foldable to 42 x 42 x 20 cm
View the AirFlow AV25G fan in white, the grey version or all fans and air coolers from Dynter.
Direct answer: choose the height at which the airflow reaches your body. When sitting, that is approximately at chest or shoulder height. Aim it at yourself, because a fan cools you and not the air.
Frequently asked questions
Should a fan be high or low?
That depends on where you are sitting or lying. The airflow must reach your body, so set it at the height of the part you want to cool.
Can a fan blow directly on my face?
It can, but many people find it unpleasant, especially at night. Choose a lower speed and aim it slightly to the side.
What does the oscillation function do?
The fan turns back and forth, so that the air spreads over a wider angle. Useful if several people are in the room.
Does a fan cool the room?
No, the air does not become colder. You feel cooler because the airflow dissipates body heat faster.