Fans

Air movement fans are widely used across Australian homes and commercial spaces to improve cooling, ventilation, and air circulation. While all fans move air, each type is designed for a specific purpose—whether that’s increasing comfort, removing heat and moisture, or supporting ventilation in enclosed areas.

Below is a guide to the most common types of fans and how they’re typically used.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are electrically powered fans mounted directly to the ceiling and are one of the most popular cooling solutions in Australian homes. Using rotating blades, they circulate air throughout the room to create a cooling effect by increasing airflow.

While ceiling fans do not reduce the actual air temperature or humidity like air conditioners, they help you feel cooler by improving heat dissipation and sweat evaporation. They are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, alfresco areas, and large open-plan spaces.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are designed to remove stale air, heat, steam, and moisture from specific areas of a building. They work by extracting air and venting it outside through ducting, allowing fresh air to enter through doors, windows, or vents.

Because bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries generate high levels of humidity and odours, exhaust fans are commonly installed in these spaces to help prevent condensation, mould growth, and lingering smells.

Pedestal Fans

Pedestal fans are free-standing, oscillating fans mounted on an adjustable vertical stand. They typically feature multiple speed settings and large blades to move a high volume of air.

Unlike desk or table fans, pedestal fans do not require furniture for support and can be easily repositioned around the home. They are a flexible and affordable cooling option for bedrooms, living areas, and temporary use during warmer months.

Wall Fans

Wall fans are mounted at approximately eye level and enclosed within a protective cage, making them a safe and space-saving alternative to ceiling fans. They pivot and oscillate to distribute airflow evenly across a room.

Commonly used in garages, workshops, gyms, and commercial spaces, wall fans are ideal where ceiling installation isn’t suitable. Speed and oscillation controls are usually located on the side or top of the unit.

Roof Ventilation Systems

Roof ventilation systems are designed to improve airflow within the roof space of a home. By continuously removing trapped heat and moisture, they help regulate roof temperatures and reduce heat transfer into living areas below.

Effective roof ventilation can improve overall comfort, reduce strain on air conditioning systems, and help protect your roof structure from moisture-related damage.

Ceiling fans are designed to circulate air within a room to improve comfort, while exhaust fans are designed to remove air from a space altogether. Exhaust fans extract stale air, steam, and odours and expel them outside, allowing fresh air to enter from other openings. 

Because of higher moisture levels, exhaust fans are most commonly installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries. 

Roof Ventilation systems are designed to create continuous airflow through the roof space of a building. By allowing hot air and excess moisture to escape, roof ventilation helps reduce heat buildup and moisture accumulation in the roof cavity. 

This can contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment and help protect building materials over time. 

Yes. Fans typically use much less electricity than air conditioning systems. While they don’t cool the air itself, they improve comfort by increasing airflow, which can reduce the need to rely on air conditioning during warmer months. 

Many Australian homes use fans alongside air conditioning as a cost-effective cooling solution. 

Fans can be used year-round, not just in summer. Many ceiling fans include a reverse (winter) mode that helps circulate warm air back down into the room during cooler months, improving heating efficiency.

Some fans, particularly ceiling-mounted and hardwired models, must be installed by a licensed electrician to ensure safe operation and compliance with Australian electrical standards. Portable fans generally do not require professional installation.