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Tower fans are known for being quiet and efficient, but do they last long enough to be worth it? You can get several years out of a tower fan or only a few months. Listen to your tower fan and make sure it doesn’t get too warm if you don’t want to replace it too soon.
Tower fans last between three to five years. The motor shaft and bearing can grind and overheat the tower fan, causing it to fail. Some tower fans come with warranties that will replace parts of the assembly. You can make it last longer by cleaning the blades regularly.
In this article, I’ll show you how long your tower fan will last, how to get a few more years out of it, and how to know when it’s time to replace the fan.
How Long Should a Tower Fan Last?
Tower fans can last well over three years if they’re properly maintained. For example, you can clean it with a brush, sponge, paper towel, or compressed air to remove the debris. Dust and grime clog the filter, blades, and motor, so they should be removed as quickly as possible.
According to H2OCooling, you should expect to get up to five years out of your tower fan. However, I recommend checking the tower fan’s reviews to know how long they actually last. It’s no secret that some manufacturer’s inflate their numbers.
The Dreo 42-Inch Tower Fan is my personal favorite. The enclosed blades are out of the way (though the company lists it as ‘bladeless’). It comes with a handy remote that lets you control the following features:
- Oscillation
- Four modes
- Four speed settings
- On/Off buttons
- Built-in timers
Check the brand and model before choosing a tower fan. It’s essential to know how many years you’ll get out of it. I’ve found choosing the sweet spot between quality and cost is the best way to get a worthwhile tower fan. There’s no need to get a tower fan that’s more than a car payment.
The good news is that you can make sure you don’t have to replace your tower fan too soon. First and foremost, I recommend choosing one that has all of the features you want, including a high velocity. For example, the aforementioned Dreo Tower Fan boasts up to 24 feet per second.
How to Make Your Tower Fan Last Longer
To make your tower fan last longer, try these tips:
- Clean your tower fan once per month. Turn off the fan, wipe the blades with a paper towel, then use Dust-Off Compressed Air to remove the debris from the blades and motor. These cans have a small straw that instantly removes particles from the fan to prevent overheating.
- Keep the fan at least 18 inches away from the wall. Tower fans have motors, which means they need proper ventilation. Don’t place a blanket or towel over the fan, especially not near the vents. Furniture and other objects should be kept away from the tower fan, too.
- Don’t plug your tower fan into an extension cord if possible. Extension cords can cause shorts if they’re low-quality. It’s always better to plug the tower fan directly into a nearby wall outlet. You can wrap and ziptie the rest of the cord to keep it neat and tidy.
- Turn off the tower fan when you’re not using it. Tower fans shouldn’t be used longer than eight to ten hours in a row. Prolonged use can overheat the fan and clog the filter. Turn off the fan and let it rest for a few hours before using it again, especially on hot days.
- Contact the manufacturer for warranty repairs whenever something goes wrong. You’d be surprised how often you can get parts replaced without breaking a sweat. You’ll make your fan last much longer. Once one thing goes wrong, it can ruin the rest of the tower fan.
Tower fans are built to last several years, but they won’t last too long if they’re not maintained. Failure to clean and move the tower fan will cause it to grind, overheat, and more. Bladeless tower fans are much easier to clean since you don’t have to use compressed air.
How to Know if You Need to Replace Your Tower Fan
To know if you need to replace your tower fan, review these questions:
- Does the fan make strange noises when you turn it on? Tower fans often make screeching, whining, or grinding sounds as they wear down. These sounds typically get louder, which means the bearings, shaft, and other components are breaking.
- Is the tower fan filter ripped or clogged? Some tower fans have filters that need to be cleaned and replaced. If your tower fan doesn’t have a built-in filter, you can get an external filter that goes over the blade grate to remove debris from the air.
- Is the motor overheating every time you use the fan? Overheating is a sign of friction. This can be caused by warped parts, too much dust on the blades, or an old motor. Friction and overheating can ruin your tower fan, and the motor is often as expensive as a brand-new tower fan.
- Does the tower fan have an enclosed motor? You can’t clean a tower fan if the motor is enclosed with a ‘don’t open’ sign. You’ll typically void the warranty, which means everything falls on your lap. You’ll have to replace each of the broken parts without assistance.
- How old is the tower fan? Since tower fans only last about three to five years, you shouldn’t expect to have one last too much longer. Check the tower fan’s box or manual to know how old it can get before you have to get a new one. Some fans are designed to last longer than others.
If your tower fan looks, sounds, and feels alright, you probably don’t need to replace it. Keep in mind that the five-year estimate is an average; it’s not the end of all tower fans. I’ve used a tower fan for five years without a problem (but I replaced it because I love my new Dreo model).
