Our world is getting hotter, and summer heatwaves are now more frequent than ever. Many people are experiencing uncomfortable home working conditions and restless nights due to the rising temperatures. As the climate crisis intensifies, it’s becoming increasingly important to find energy-efficient ways to stay cool, and fans are proving to be a far better option than air conditioning. Fans are significantly more energy-efficient than air conditioners. A typical portable air conditioner uses 1,000W of electricity, which would cost about 26p an hour to run. In contrast, the fans tested used between 8W and 60W of power, with one model using only 18W on its highest setting. That means running a fan on max for 56 hours would use the same amount of electricity (and thus, the same cost and carbon emissions) as a single air conditioner running for one hour. After testing 20 different fans, ranging in size and design, I can help you find the best one for your needs, based on performance, noise, power use, and cooling effectiveness. I also tested a few evaporative coolers, which use water to cool the air while using significantly less energy than traditional air conditioners. These devices are not as powerful as air conditioners, but they can make a noticeable difference during heatwaves. For example, the Swan Nordic evaporative cooler uses 26W of power, less than 3% of the electricity used by a typical portable air conditioner. However, they won’t make a room feel like a refrigerator, but they can make the air more comfortable during extreme heat. Fans are not only more energy-efficient but also more affordable to run. Using a 30W fan for five hours would cost just under 4p, and around £14 for a year of daily use. This makes them a much more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to air conditioning. While air conditioners may be necessary for some people, especially those with health conditions or in poorly insulated homes, fans offer a practical and eco-friendly solution for most. As we face an ongoing climate crisis, the energy we use for cooling has a real impact on the environment, and making informed choices can help reduce our carbon footprint.