Place a fan in an open area, a few meters away from you, at approximately chest height and pointed at where you are sitting or lying. If the air is cooler outside, place it by an open window or door so that it blows the fresh air inside. This is how a fan cools best, because it moves the air along your skin instead of blowing warm air around in a closed room.
Direct answer: place the fan free from obstacles, at chest height, a few meters away and pointed at yourself. If the outside temperature is cooler, use an open window for cross-ventilation.
What determines the best place for a fan?
A fan does not cool down the room: it lets the heat evaporate more quickly from your skin and dispels the warm layer of air around your body. That is why the distance and direction are especially important. If it is too close, the airflow will quickly feel like a draft. If it is too far away, you will hardly notice it. One to two meters is a comfortable distance for most people.
Use an open window for cross-ventilation
If it is cooler outside than inside, for example in the evening and at night, you can place the fan in an open window with the airflow blowing inwards. Then open a window on the other side of the house. The air will then flow through the house and carry away heat. During the day, when it is warmer outside, this will have the opposite effect: you will bring warm air inside. Read more about smart ventilation in the heat in how do you keep your house cool during a heatwave?.
What height works best?
If you are sitting on the couch, a fan works best when the airflow passes along you at chest or shoulder height. If you are lying in bed, it is better to place it slightly higher or further away, so that the air is blown over you. A height-adjustable fan is perfect for this. The Dynter AV25G is manually adjustable from 80 to 125 cm, so you can adjust the height for sitting, standing or lying down.
Use oscillation wisely
An oscillating fan moves slowly from side to side, spreading the air throughout the room. This is useful if several people are in the same room. If you are alone, a fixed direction is often more effective. For sleeping: a direct airflow on your face throughout the night can be uncomfortable for some people (dry eyes, stiff neck). Therefore, also take a look at can a fan stay on all night?.
| Situation | Best place | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting on the couch | 1 to 2 m away, chest height | Do not point it directly at your neck |
| Sleeping | Further away, slightly high, oscillation on | Preferably not directly at your face |
| Cool evening outside | In an open window, airflow inwards | Also open a second window |
| Warm afternoon | Inside, pointed at yourself | Close the window if it is warmer outside |
| Office or workplace | Next to or diagonally in front of you | Papers can blow away |
Mistakes you should avoid
Do not place a fan against a wall or behind a piece of furniture, because then you block the airflow. Keep space around the fan for good airflow and safety, especially with children and pets. A fan in an empty room does not cool anyone, so turn it off when you leave. If it still gets too hot despite everything, read does a fan also help when it is 35 degrees?. If your fan makes noise, this article about a quieter fan will help.
Dynter AV25G: tall, adjustable and oscillating
The AV25G is a tall fan that is easy to position where you need it. All information comes from the product page.
Product: Dynter AirFlow AV25G tall fan (white or grey)
Height: manually adjustable from 80 cm to 125 cm
Air distribution: oscillating function that spreads the air over a wide angle
Performance: air speed 5.3 m/s, CADR value 3533 m³/h
Operation: control knob with three speed settings
Storage: fully foldable to 42 x 42 x 20 cm
View the fans
View the AV25G in white, the AV25G in grey or all air conditioners and fans from Dynter.
Frequently asked questions
Should a fan blow air into or out of a window?
If it is cooler outside than inside, let it blow inwards. If it is warmer outside, keep the window closed and use the fan inside.
How far away should a fan be?
For most people, one to two meters is comfortable. Choose the distance where the airflow feels pleasant without being drafty.
Is oscillation useful or not?
With several people in a room, oscillation is useful. If you are alone, you will often feel a fixed direction more strongly.
Can a fan stand next to my bed?
Yes, provided it stands stably and is away from curtains and cables. Preferably do not point it directly at your face all night.
Does a fan cool down the room?
No. A fan moves air and makes you feel cooler, but does not lower the room temperature.