"reverse expected"..
The best way to use a fan to cool the house effectively!
People resort to using fans to cool their homes as the temperature rises in
the summer, but directing the fan directly towards the body may not be
the best way to achieve effective cooling, according to experts.
Experts advise directing
the fan outward through an open window, especially if there is another window
opposite that is open, as this method helps push hot air out of the house
and pull cold air from the other window.
"Opening windows
or doors facing each other allows air to flow effectively :
- says Les Roberts, an energy expert at Bionic. To enhance this flow
- a second fan directed inward can be placed across the opposite window
- creating a strong, criss-cross breeze inside the room.
This method
- is most effective during the evening or early morning, when
- the outside air is cooler than the inside, allowing
- the fan to push hot air out and naturally pull cold air in.
This simple trick allows the house to be cooled significantly without the need to
use air conditioning, which saves high operating costs compared to fans.
This advice
was very popular on the TikTok platform, where a video explaining how to use it
achieved more than 180,000 views, with comments from users surprised
by the effectiveness of the method.
Other tips include: closing curtains during peak thermal times to prevent scorching
sunlight, and choosing cooking methods that generate less heat indoors.
Roberts points out the importance of choosing light colors for paints and furniture
in the home, because dark colors absorb more heat, while light colors reflect
sunlight, which helps keep the home cool and reduce energy consumption.
Sleep expert Martin Seeley said that
- the harm of the fan
- on days of extreme heat may
- be greater than its benefit.
He explained that electric fans circulate air in the room
but they also provoke dust mites, germs and other allergens.
Seeley said:
"This can lead to symptoms such as, excessive sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose
itchy throat and breathing difficulties. Cleaning your fan blades regularly
or considering using an air purifying fan can help relieve allergies," he said.
He added:
"Long use of electric fans can dry out the air, causing the body to produce more
mucus, which can lead to stuffy nose and sinus headaches.".
Seeley warned that dry air from fans can lead to dry and irritated eyes
which can be a particular problem for contact lens wearers.
He pointed out that
directing cold air from an electric fan can cause muscle tension and spasm.
Martin's tips for sleeping in hot weather
- Place your wrists under cold water for
- a few minutes before going to sleep
- as this cools your body quickly.
Close your bedroom curtains throughout the day
which can keep the room cool at night when it's time to sleep.
Expose yourself to as much daylight as possible throughout the day, as light plays
an important role in regulating your body's internal clock
and sends signals to your brain at rest.
Drink at least two litres of water a day.
Use a light-colored, lightweight duvet cover to regulate your body temperature if you tend to sweat at night.
