Discovered a solution for my office overheating issue with the help of this affordable, compact Amazon fan, appreciated by over half a million users.
In my sweltering, cramped home office, the relentless heat often left me drenched and annoyed, making work even more unbearable. Enter the tiny, yet mighty Honeywell desk fan I bought from Amazon, a popular choice with over 30,000 purchases in the past month and more than 100,000 five-star reviews. It was about time I gave it a shot myself. I figured if it worked for thousands, it'd work for me too. Plus, I asked a few air conditioning pros why opting for a small desk fan could be a smart move.
To my delight, this little powerhouse proved that bigger isn't always better when it comes to fans.
What's so great about this Honeywell fan?
With three speeds and a 90-degree pivoting head, this petite fan is as practical as it is adorable. Just plug it in and let it whirl away. At just under nine inches wide, it comfortably fits on desks, coffee tables, and nightstands.
On sweltering summer days, my office transforms into an oven by noon, leaving me drenched as I tap away at the keyboard. Luckily, the Honeywell fan has turned my sweat-fest into a chilled-out workspace. I've been using it for about three hours at a time, five days a week, for three months now, and my workday has never been so relaxing. It's now my go-to for beating the heat.
Despite its small size, it's surprisingly sturdy and stays put as it circulates air. Even on the lowest setting, it immediately sends a refreshing breeze throughout the room. I usually use it during the morning and late afternoon, cranking it up during the blistering midday heat. It has only three settings, which makes switching between them a breeze.
When it's on full blast, it's a bit loud, emitting a white noise-like hum. But that's rarely a problem for me, as I listen to podcasts and music while working, so I simply tune into those.
Its tilting head means I don't have to have it pointing directly at me to enjoy the cool breeze. This is a major plus since I detest having my skin feeling dehydrated – even though I work from home, I don't have time to reapply moisturizer constantly.
I have a small workspace, so I typically hide it away during colder months. It fits neatly in my desk drawer – I haven't even needed to make space for it in my office storage area.
The pros of using the Honeywell desk fan
According to Lisa Purvins, HVAC expert and vice president at Pro-Tech Heating & Cooling, this little gem offers many benefits:
- Power: For its size, the Honeywell HT-900 is incredibly powerful, circulating air efficiently across the room, not just in front of it.
- Compactness: Standing at 10.9 inches high, it is both compact and portable.
- Versatility: Thanks to its design, it can be placed on a desk, mounted on a wall, or even used on the floor, providing a versatile cooling solution.
- Cost-effectiveness: Fans like this can help reduce reliance on central air conditioning systems in smaller areas, potentially helping to lower energy bills.
The cons of using the Honeywell desk fan
As much as I adore this fan, there are some disadvantages to consider when using small fans like it, as Lisa explains:
- Limited Range: Fans only circulate air, so if you're in a poorly ventilated or overheated room, they'll just cycle warm air unless paired with air conditioning or a cross-draft.
- Humidity: They don't help with humidity, which can significantly impact comfort, especially in more humid climates like the Midwest or Southeast. If humidity is a problem for you, consider buying a dehumidifier.
- Cooling Capacity: While they're great for personal cooling, they're not a replacement for whole-room or whole-home cooling.
Tips for maximizing your Honeywell desk fan
I'm all about making the most of everything I have. Here are my best tips for making the most out of your Honeywell fan:
- Clear workspace: Nothing's more distracting than papers fluttering around while trying to focus. Keep the area around the fan clean.
- Chill your personal space: On extremely hot days, place a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan for an instant cooling effect.
- Use near windows: Utilize cooler mornings or evenings to draw in fresh air. On nice days, you can even point the fan out of the window to blow hot air out.
- Floor cooling: If you're tight on desk space, placing the fan on the floor can also provide a great breeze.
- Cleaning: Keep it clean to prevent dust from circulating. I wipe it down with microfiber cloths and cleaner from Walmart to ensure it runs efficiently and to prolong its lifespan.
Who benefits from the Honeywell desk fan?
For those in smaller spaces like me, fans like the Honeywell Turboforce are a smart, space-saving cooling option. According to Scott Levene, HVAC specialist and vice president at Levco, "Desk fans are ideal for anyone spending long hours in a single spot, such as remote workers or students." They're also fantastic for people trying to reduce energy bills or rely less on central air during the spring and fall. And for renters who might not be able to upgrade their air conditioning, small fans provide a practical and effective solution for staying cool.
I've been using the Honeywell TurboForce fan for three months now, and I can't imagine my home office without it. It's compact, lightweight, yet packs a surprisingly powerful airflow that cools down my workspace quickly. The adjustable head allows me to direct the airflow exactly where I need it, be it toward my desk while working or angled upward to circulate air throughout the room.
Although it's a bit loud on the highest setting, I tune it out with my podcasts while I'm working. Plus, it's easy to maintain, which is a major plus for anyone who wants a low-maintenance cooling solution.
Overall, I give the Honeywell TurboForce Fan a solid 8/10. It's reliable, powerful, user-friendly, and offers great value for its size and price. I recommend it to anyone in need of a practical, personal cooling solution. The only thing that keeps it from being perfect is that its cable is a bit shorter than I'd like.
What to buy next
Variable speeds: If you need a bigger fan, consider the SharkFlexBreeze — our top pick from Homes & Gardens. It's suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, can be used corded or cordless, and works as a pedestal or tabletop fan. The battery can even last up to 24 hours.
Quiet operation: For those with a small desk, this sleek fan takes up minimal space. Like the Honeywell, it has three speed settings and button controls. It will also fit neatly into gaps and drawers. Just make sure your laptop or outlet is USB-powered before purchasing.
Portability: If you're more concerned with staying cool outdoors, consider a bug-repellent fan like this one – not only will it keep you cool during picnics, it also repels weak-flying pests. And the best part? It's portable!
Meet the experts
Lisa is the vice president of Pro-Tech Heating & Cooling, a family-owned and operated heating and cooling company serving the Grand Rapids, MI, area. With over 20 years of experience, she utilizes her expertise to find innovative ways to cool homes.
Scott is the vice president at Levco, an oil and HVAC service company in Trumbull, CT. Scott has worked for the company for over 18 years, dedicated to helping clients find smart cooling solutions.
If you want to make the most of cooling your home this summer, understanding the differences between fans vs air conditioners and the various air conditioning types can help.
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