With the first hints of proper summer heat starting to make an appearance, the annual quest for the best way to keep cool begins. Pedestal fans are great but take up precious floor space, and ceiling fans aren't always an option.

But there's a fair dinkum brilliant, space-saving hero that's perfect for a huge range of situations: the wall fan. Often overlooked, this simple bit of kit can be the absolute perfect solution for beating the heat without cluttering up your room.

What's the Go with a Wall Fan?

A wall fan is exactly what it sounds like: an electric fan that is mounted directly onto a wall using a sturdy bracket. Instead of sitting on the floor or ceiling, it's positioned up high, out of the way.

Most models feature an oscillating head (meaning it sweeps back and forth) to circulate air across a wider area, and they usually come with multiple speed settings, often controlled by pull cords or a handy remote control.

Why Choose a Wall Fan? The Ripper Benefits

Don't underestimate this humble appliance! A wall fan offers some massive advantages.

• The Ultimate Space Saver: This is its number one superpower. It doesn't take up a single square centimetre of valuable floor space, making it absolutely perfect for smaller bedrooms, crowded kitchens, home offices, or anywhere floor space is at a premium.
• Keeps Kids and Pets Safe: Mounted high on the wall, the spinning blades are safely out of reach of curious little fingers or wagging tails. Great peace of mind for families.
• Targeted, Out-of-the-Way Airflow: You can aim the fan precisely where you need the breeze most. The elevated position helps circulate air effectively throughout the room without blowing papers off your desk or creating annoying draughts at floor level.
• Brilliant for Workshops and Garages: Need air circulation while you're working on a project? A wall fan keeps the air moving without being another thing to trip over on the floor. It's a tradie's favourite for a reason.
• Often More Affordable: Wall fans can often be a more budget-friendly option compared to installing a ceiling fan.

What to Look For When Buying

• Size and Blade Diameter: A bigger fan generally moves more air. Choose a size appropriate for your room.
• Oscillation Function: Make sure it oscillates to cover a decent area. Check the range of motion.
• Remote Control: This adds a massive amount of convenience, allowing you to change speeds or turn it off from your bed or desk.
• Speed Settings: Look for at least three speed settings for flexibility.

Installation: Plug-In Convenience vs. Professional Hardwiring

This is an important point. Many wall fans come with a standard power cord and plug, designed to be plugged into an existing power point (GPO). If you have a conveniently located GPO, installing the bracket and plugging it in is a straightforward DIY job.

However:

• If there's no power point nearby and you need one installed, that work must be carried out by a licensed electrician.
• Some heavy-duty or commercial-style wall fans are designed to be "hardwired" directly into your home's electrical circuit, without a plug. Installing these models is also strictly not a DIY job and requires a qualified professional.

A properly installed power source is essential for the safe operation of any appliance. For permanent installations or new power point additions, professional installers rely on trade-quality components from trusted suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of the high-quality, compliant electrical gear needed for a safe and reliable installation. From the durable GPOs (power points) and modern switches to the essential wiring and circuit protection in your switchboard, they provide the components a qualified professional uses to ensure your home's power system is safe, reliable, and ready to power your appliances, big or small. For a professional finish, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.