How big should my outdoor patio fan be?

Your patio is a micro retreat. Whether you prefer sipping coffee in the morning, eating dinner while watching the sunset, or hosting a weekend brunch, your patio is the perfect place to unwind. 

But summer heat can turn your oasis into a source of stress. Fortunately, you can keep your patio comfortable all season long with the right cooling solution. From choosing the right size patio fan to upgrading to a portable evaporative cooler, here’s how to reclaim your space. 

What size patio fan do I need? 

A fan can provide some much-needed airflow to your patio.  

When choosing an outdoor patio fan, consider: 

• How large is the area you need to cool? 
• Is your patio enclosed, partially enclosed, or completely open? 
• Do you have a ceiling or structure to mount the fan on? 

Outdoor patio fan size guide  

Choosing the right size patio fan depends on your patio’s square footage, layout, and whether your space is open or enclosed. Use our chart as a reference point: 

Keep in mind:  

• These fan size recommendations are calculated for indoor airflow, like an enclosed patio space or sunroom. If your patio is fairly open, increase your square footage by 25% to estimate your ideal fan size. 
• Fans work best for square or circular areas. If you have a long, rectangular patio, you may need multiple fans to effectively circulate air. 
• Consider where you’ll mount the fan and if people or furniture could block it. Increase fan size accordingly. 

Will a fan keep my patio cool? 

While this guide can help you find the right size fan to move air through your patio, that’s not the same as cooling the patio. Fans don’t cool the air, they just move it over you, which can cool you off as long as the air is cool enough. 

You might feel fine with a fan at 75°F, but as the temperature rises, the fan becomes less effective. By about 85°F, your body is relying primarily on sweat to keep cool.  

If you want to lower the actual air temperature, you should consider another solution, such as an evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler. 

Evaporative Cooler vs Fan: What’s Better for Patios? 

Fans can’t cool hot air; they can only move it around. Meanwhile, an evaporative cooler can drop the air temperature by as much as 30°F. It works through using evaporative cooling, the same natural process your body uses when you sweat.  

Outdoor patio fan alternatives 

A portable swamp cooler can cool the air by up to 30°F. To make your patio even cooler, you can pair your evap cooler with these alternative cooling methods:  

• Use light colors and cool fabrics for furniture and rugs. 

• Add plants for a natural source of evaporative cooling. 

• Pair a misting system with a fan for added cooling effect. (Note: misters can make your furniture, people, and food wet if left on for too long.) 

Rethink Your Patio Cooling with Portacool 

With a Portacool evaporative cooler for patios, you can relax outdoors without worrying about the summer heat. Roll it out when needed, enjoy cooler air instantly, and store it easily when not in use. 

Made in the USA since 1990, Portacools have best-in-class warranty and customer service, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your patio for years, even decades, with your Portacool. 

To get your Portacool, visit an online or local retailer today.