If you want the force and function of a pedestal fan but have space limitations, a tower fan is a good option. The vertical design is a space saver (the fan fits nicely into corners, between pieces of furniture, and in doorways), and since a tower’s not top-heavy like a pedestal fan, it’s less likely to be knocked over by children or pets. Instead of spinning blades, it has a tall, hollow tube at the center that spins, pushing air through the vertical slits in the outer casing; the faster it spins, the more forcefully air is expelled. Most tower fans are three to four feet tall, come with a remote control, and are loaded with programmable features, such as multiple speeds, oscillation, breeze control, and a timer with automatic shutoff.

RS Pick: Lasko Tower Fan with Ionization, $52 www.acehardware.com).