Fans

Fans are devices used to move air for cooling, ventilation, or process cooling. They operate by rotating blades driven by an electric motor, creating airflow that increases heat transfer and evaporative cooling on the skin. The term fans also refers to people who actively support or follow a person, team, or cultural work, or whose enthusiasm is a defining trait of a subculture.

Most household fans are axial, moving air parallel to the axis of the rotor. Centrifugal (squirrel-cage) fans push air outward at right angles. Common forms include ceiling fans, desk or table fans, pedestal fans, tower fans, and bladeless designs. Core components are the housing, blades, motor, and grille. Controls may be manual, mechanical, or electronic, with features such as speed settings, oscillation, timers, and remote or smart connectivity. Efficiency and noise are important considerations.

Handheld fans originated in ancient China and spread worldwide, later supplemented by mechanical and steam-powered devices. Electric fans became widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with subsequent innovations in blade design, motors, and safety guards, leading to diverse consumer models and performance ranges.

Proper placement and guards reduce injury risk. Regular cleaning to remove dust and lubrication of bearings extend life. Unplug before servicing and replace damaged components promptly.

Fandom refers to communities built around shared enthusiasm for a person, team, or creative work. Fans organize clubs and attend events, produce fan art and fan fiction, and participate in online forums. Fandom studies examine how participatory cultures form, negotiate identity, and influence media production and reception.