Fan First: Slash Cooling Costs by 70%

A "fan-first" cooling strategy offers a sustainable and cost-effective way to manage indoor temperatures. By prioritizing electric fans, which use as little as 3% of the energy consumed by air conditioners, households can drastically reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions. Reports suggest this method could lower cooling-related electricity demand by over 70% annually.

While fans are efficient for moderate heat, typically up to 27C, they are not a substitute for air conditioning during extreme heatwaves. Research indicates that fans can exacerbate heat strain once temperatures become excessively hot and dry. For temperatures exceeding 37C, alternative measures like sealing windows, wetting skin, or reverting to air conditioning are recommended.

Experts highlight a "great forgetting" of simple cooling techniques, with modern homes often designed to be more susceptible to overheating. Reintroducing fan-first cooling, combined with smart use of air conditioning during genuine heatwaves, presents a significant opportunity to lower emissions and energy costs while ensuring health and comfort.