Summer is around the corner and things are going to start heating up. Air conditioning and fans are the two best ways to combat the heat – but which is the better option to cool your home? This guide compares the two.
Why choose fans?
Fans are much cheaper to buy (and cheaper to install if you’re getting ceiling fans) than air conditioning. They’re also a lot cheaper to run – in fact, the average fan uses about 1% of the energy of your average air conditioning unit. This makes them not just the cheaper option, but the greener option.
Of course, fans are nowhere near as effective at cooling as air conditioning units. A fan doesn’t really cool the room – it simply cools the people in it. The wind chill evaporates sweat from our skin, which makes us feel cool. Fans also provide little cooling benefits above 30 degree celsius and may even make you feel hotter if the temperature is 35 degrees or more. They’re better for providing temporary focused heat relief in lower temperatures.
Types of fan
When choosing a fan, there are a few different options to consider. These include:
· Ceiling fans: These are installed onto the ceiling. They are generally the most expensive fans to buy as you need to install them, however they can be very effective.
· Table fans: These are great for placing on a desk while working or on a bedside table. They are cheap and very portable.
· Floor fans: These stand on the floor and great for placing in the corner of a room.
Why choose air conditioning?
Air conditioning works by actually cooling the air as opposed to just cooling the people in it. This is why you’re likely to feel a more noticeable chill compared to walking into somewhere with fans. Air conditioning is also more efficient than fans at higher temperatures. When there’s a heatwave and you need relief from the heat the most, air con won’t fail you.
Air conditioning is more expensive and less environmentally friendly. However, there are now air conditioning companies providing much more eco-friendly and economical options. As a result of this, a growing number of people in the UK are now installing air con in their homes.
Types of air con
· Central air conditioning: These air conditioning systems use ducts and vents to cool an entire building from one air conditioning unit. They can also be combined with heating and ventilation (known as HVAC). These air conditioning systems are the most expensive to install, but the most effective.
· Window/room air conditioning units: These units are placed in a single room either under a window or on a wall. They’re cheaper to install than central air conditioning but will only cool the room they are placed in opposed to your entire home.
· Portable air conditioners: These air conditioning units are plugged into sockets and can be moved around from room to room. They tend to be the cheapest form of air conditioning, but are also the least effective at cooling (although they will still make more of a difference than a fan).
Which is right for you?
Looking for a cheap and easy solution for low heat? Fans are likely to be the best option in this instance. You can buy a desk fan for as little as £10. They’re also the best option if you’re dedicated to lowering your energy consumption.
Looking for an effective room cooling solution that works at all heats? Air conditioning will help to cool your home or a single room even at the hottest temperatures. You can also use them to cool down spaces before entering them (such as cooling down a bedroom before your sleep, or cooling down the whole house on your way back from work – if you’ve got smart AC).
*This is a collaborative post