A fan in winter can help distribute warm air more evenly throughout a room, but it does not heat the air itself. Warm air rises and often stays near the ceiling, while it feels colder at eye level. A fan on a low setting moves the air, reducing temperature differences. You should make sure that you do not experience the airflow as a draft.
Direct answer: yes, a fan on a low setting can distribute the heat from a heater or radiator more evenly, but it does not heat anything itself and can feel cold if it is pointed directly at you.
How does it work?
In summer, a fan cools you, not the air. The airflow helps your skin lose heat, as you can read in why air from a fan feels cooling. In winter, you want to avoid this effect. Therefore, do not point the fan at yourself, but at the room, for example along a wall or towards the ceiling, so that the air circulates gently.
When is it useful?
It is especially useful in high spaces or rooms where the heat from the heating system does not spread easily. If you use an electric heater, a gentle airflow can also help distribute the heat further into the room. The heating outcome depends on the situation and the layout of the room. Do not expect miracles in a poorly insulated, drafty room.
Where should you place the fan?
Place it at some distance from the heater and do not point it at your seating area. A low setting is sufficient. An oscillating setting can help distribute the air evenly, as you can read in what oscillation in a fan is. You can find more about placement in where to place a fan for the best cooling; the principles for airflow also apply in winter.
Dynter TV26G tower fan
The AirFlow TV26G tower fan has quiet settings and an oscillation function.
Power: 100W
Settings: three speeds and three fan settings: Normal, ECO and Sleep
Oscillation: distributes the air over a wide angle
Timer: up to 7.5 hours
Height: 115 cm, 3.7 kg
If you use the fan together with a heater, also read how to safely place an electric heater. Always maintain a sufficient distance between the heater and the fan.
How much does it cost?
The TV26G has a power of 100W. One hour at full power is 0.1 kWh, which at an assumed 30 cents per kWh is approximately 3 cents. That is considerably less than a heater; see how much electricity a fan consumes per hour.
Overview: fan in winter
| Situation | Does a fan help? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| High room with heat near the ceiling | Often yes | Low setting, point along the wall |
| Room with a heater in a corner | Sometimes, to distribute heat | Keep a large distance from the heater |
| Drafty or poorly insulated room | Hardly | Address the draft first |
| Pointed directly at yourself | No, feels cold | Point the fan away from you |
Choose the right combination
View the TV26G tower fan or the fans from Dynter. Are you looking for a heat source? Then discover the heaters.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fan make a room warmer?
No. It only moves air. The motor gives off a small amount of heat, but that is negligible.
Can a fan stand next to a heater?
Place it at a distance and do not block the air intake of the heater. Follow the manuals of both devices.
Which setting is best in winter?
The lowest setting, so that you do not feel a draft. The Sleep setting of the TV26G can be useful for this.
Does a fan save energy in winter?
Possibly a little, because the heat is distributed more evenly. The savings depend on the situation and are not guaranteed.
Can I leave the fan running at night?
You can, but do not point it at your body. With the timer of the TV26G, it switches off after a maximum of 7.5 hours.