As April nears, the overstated wave of heat has already taken center stage across much of India. This is the time when air conditioners begin to sing around the households, and coolers become a necessity. But to be frank, not everyone is equipped or has the financial ability to buy these cooling monsters. That’s exactly where mist fans come to the rescue, as they offer a cheap and efficient way to beat the summer heat.
What Is A Mist Fan?
Misty fans are often confused to be just normal pedestal fans, but they have much more to them. A water-thin tube carrying the water is wrapped around the fan blade and has micro nozzles that serve as spray nozzles. They spray an ultra-fine mist that resembles natural mountain mist. If you’ve visited Ooty or Kodaikanal, you’d know the cool breeze and wind. The mist is blown around the room by the fan; almost immediately, the temperature in the room is drastically lower.
Many of the high-end models conveniently come with water tanks that add to the wonders. Such tanks allow the user to run the fan longer with less refilling of water. Normal access to a water source and a power outlet is all that is needed.
Why Mist Fans Are Increasing In Popularity
The main reason? Cost. Starting at approximately ₹ 1,999 and maxing out at ₹ 5,000, the mist fan’s price range is accessible to the majority of households. This is a stark difference compared to air conditioners, which are priced anywhere between ₹20,000 and 50,000, excluding the additional installation costs and recurring expenses on electricity.
Air coolers, which are considered a cheaper substitute for air conditioners, are also relatively expensive, priced between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000. While they do provide some relief, air coolers require open windows to function best, along with ice. This is not ideal for modern apartments in crowded urban settings.
In comparison, mist fans do not require installation, are easy to maintain, work well in both open and closed spaces, and are economical in terms of electricity consumption. This makes them a favorable choice for students and families who wish to reduce their expenditure on electricity while still ensuring comfort.
How to Use Them at Home
Like most mist fans, the standalone mist fan is plug-and-play ready. Enjoy it after filling the water tank and plugging it in. If you are looking for some DIY options, mist tubes are sold separately and can be attached to both pedestal and wall-mounted fans. All you require is a water pipe to inflate the fan’s misting system.
These fans work best in larger rooms or semi-open spaces such as living rooms, home offices, or balconies and are readily available on Amazon and Flipkart. Other e-commerce sites also offer them, usually with positive user reviews and ratings for easier model selection.
The Bottom Line
Like with everything else, the scorching summer months bring in the barometric nadir while also causing an infernal hike in spending on electricity. For most people, that is adequate. Wow. For others, it offers a golden compromise: evaporative mist fans are a dent in the finances/practical burden. It’s quite the breath of relief, especially at the lack of complicated plumbing or hefty work. Moreover, they are not designed as substitutes for an air conditioner, so that answers the cooling relief question.
