faN OR AIR CONDITIONING...
what's the difference?
What is the difference between air conditioning units and fans? And which one is best for you or your home?
Well, air conditioning and fans cool you down in different ways and use different technology. Here are a few FAQs to get started!
Does a fan make a room cooler?
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Strangely enough, fans don't actually lower the temperature of a room (unless outside is cooler than inside, in which case a well-positioned fan can help blow that cooler air into the room slightly quicker!).
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But although fans do not make a room cooler during a hot summer day, they do help us feel cooler through "moisture evaporation", which is one of the key mechanisms our bodies use to regulate temperature. The moisture that is created when we sweat absorbs the heat from our skin as it evaporates, and this is what cools us down. The movement of air helps speed up the moisture evaporation process, which is why fans are essential to get through summer.
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Anyone who has climbed out of an outdoor swimming pool will know how cold it feels when a breeze comes their way, and this is for the same reason!
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My fan seems less effective when the weather is really hot...
Fans can feel less effective when the heat gets to more extreme levels. Since fans do not cool a room down, very hot air being blown around isn't very refreshing. The hotter it gets, the harder it is for your body to regulate its temperature, which is why it is vitally important to keep hydrated in hot weather.
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There are a few ways to make a fan cool you down more effectively, and these involve adding extra moisture onto your skin to help the moisture evaporation process. To keep your face or body spritzed with water, you could use;
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a mister
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if you are on the go, a handheld fan with mister like this one
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a wet flannel
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a damp tshirt
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at night time, a damp bedsheet on top of you
It is worth noting that there seems to be a limit to when fans are considered useful. If the temperature is creeping towards 37° (which is the average normal body temperature), you should seek a cooler place to be such as somewhere with air conditioning. If the surrounding air is hotter than your body temperature, it is much harder for your body to cool itself down, and even the breeze created by a fan won't help as much especially if it is dry heat.
What type of fan is best for me?
Fans come in all shapes and sizes, from mini desk fans and portable handheld versions to large, oscillating pedestal fans or tower fans that keep air moving around bigger rooms. Use our handy guide below to find the best fan for you. All products on Stay Breezy have a rating of 4 star or higher!
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We've also put together a couple of collections; if you're looking for a retro fan then we've got various options to make you feel like you're back in the 50s, 60s, or 70s (but with modern technology, of course!).
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Small and portable
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Rechargeable or battery powered
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Misting and freestanding options
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Desk fans
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Floor fans
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Mounted wall fan options
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Use anywhere at home
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Between 4"& 6" tall
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USB powered
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Clip and bendy arm options
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Suitable to use at work
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Tall, oscillating fans
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Various speed settings
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Some with adjustable height
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Great for big rooms
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Various speed and timer functions
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Oscillating
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Great for rooms with limited space
How does air conditioning work?
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Strangely enough, fans don't actually bring the temperature of a room down (apart from when outside becomes cooler than inside your house as the evening comes. In this case, a well-positioned fan can help blow that cooler air into the room slightly quicker).
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My office has an air conditioning unit installed on the wall. Can I have one like that in my home?
If you want a more permanent solution to keep your house cool, then you can look at having a wall air conditioning unit installed. We've had a little research (including checking their reviews and Trustpilot scores!), and found these UK companies that specialise in air conditioning installations in homes.
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The great thing about installed units it that they are not only useful in a heatwave, they can be used to control the temperature of your home all year round.
Did you know... we only show products which have a customer rating of 4 star or more!