Choosing the right options

Summer heat is no longer a rare visitor in the UK, and for homeowners and those who rent, deciding how to stay cool is becoming just as important as insulation or heating efficiency. Two of the most popular options are fans and portable air conditioners - but which one is right for your home? In this Blog, we break down the key differences, so you can choose the cooling solution that fits your space, budget, and comfort needs.

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Fans: moving air, but not cooling it

A fan doesn’t lower the temperature of a room. Instead, it redistributes the air, creating a breeze that helps perspiration evaporate from your skin, making you feel cooler even though the air temperature stays the same.

This makes fans ideal for:

• Mild to moderately warm days.
• Rooms where you want gentle, continuous airflow.
• Bedrooms, where a quiet, steady breeze can help you sleep.

In praise of handheld fans - the even more portable option: they may not be able to lower the overall temperature of a room, but they significantly improve personal comfort by circulating air and speeding up the natural evaporation of moisture from your skin. Modern models, such as thermoelectric ice-cooling fans or high-powered turbo fans, offer direct relief on hot commutes, crowded spaces, or while resting during exercise.

Informative article: "Everyone from Dyson to M&S is making handheld fans. I’ve found the best to beat the heatwave."

Portable air conditioners: actually cooling the air

Portable air conditioners use a refrigeration cycle to remove heat and moisture from the air, genuinely lowering the room temperature. They also collect condensation in a tank that must be emptied regularly, and they need a window or door vent to expel warm air.

These are better suited for:

• Hot, humid days or prolonged heatwaves.
• Rooms that get very warm and stay warm (e.g., upstairs bedrooms, poorly insulated spaces).
• Situations where you need a real drop in temperature, not just a breeze.

Which? Best portable air conditioners: tried and tested to cool your home

Noise levels

Fans are generally quieter, especially pedestal, desk, or tower models. Most operate below 65 dB, though some industrial-style fans can be louder. Portable ACs are typically louder, with noise levels often between 50–75 dB (fixed split systems are the quietest, operating at a whisper-quiet 19-35 dB). In a bedroom or quiet office, noise can be noticeable. If decibels are a major concern (e.g., for sleeping or home studios), a fan may be more comfortable for long-term use.

Installation and portability

Fans

There is no installation required; just plug in and turn on. They are usually light and easy to move between rooms (often 2–7 kg). Fans can be placed anywhere that has access to a socket. This makes fans ideal for homes where you may not want to alter windows or add permanent fixtures.

Portable air conditioners

They require a window or sometimes a front door, plus a window seal kit to vent warm air outside. They are heavier than fans (20–43 kg) and are usually fitted with wheels, but are still not easy to move between floors. Portable A/C units must be positioned within about 1.5 m of a window or extract point. For some properties, especially those with strict window rules or limited access to external walls, portable ACs may pose more challenges than fans.

Energy consumption & running costs

Fans use a low amount of energy - even having a fan on all day has a relatively small impact on your electricity bill. Portable ACs are significantly more energy-intensive, as they run a compressor and refrigeration system. Energy ratings vary, but look for at least an A rating where possible.

Fans are the clear winner for budget-conscious running costs. Portable ACs can be considerably more expensive to run, especially if used for long periods in hot weather. If you’re buying for energy efficiency, remember that a fan is far easier to justify from an energy-use perspective.

Article: Is It Cheaper to Run a Fan or Air Con?

Maintenance and upkeep

With fans, there is minimal maintenance required, you only need to dust the blades and the cover, occasionally. Portable air con units require regular filter cleaning. The condenser reservoir must be emptied, possibly daily in humid conditions. Some models may need occasional professional checks, especially if used heavily. If you want something simple and low-maintenance, fans are the more straightforward option.

Purchase Price

Fans range from very affordable desk fans to premium tower or air-purifying fans, but are generally much cheaper than portable AC units. They have a low upfront cost (£20–£150).

Portable A/C typically costs more to buy, especially higher-BTU models suitable for larger rooms. They have a higher purchase price (often £200–£600+ depending on capacity and features).

Winter storage

Both fans and portable air conditioners can be stored during winter, but they require different care to keep them in good condition and ready for the next summer.

Fans are straightforward to store:

• Cleaning: Wipe down the blades, cage, and base with a damp cloth to remove dust. Some models have removable blade assemblies for easier cleaning.
• Disassembly: If your fan is large or bulky, you may detach the stand or base to reduce size.
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard, shelf, or storage box. Avoid damp areas to prevent corrosion or damage to electric components.
• Cable care: Coil the power cable neatly to avoid kinks or strain on the plug.

Portable ACs require more careful handling:

• Drain the tank: Empty all remaining water from the condensation reservoir. If your unit has a drain plug, use it to ensure no water remains inside.
• Clean filters: Remove and clean the air filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions; dust and moisture can encourage mould if filters are stored whilst still dirty.
• Dry the unit: Let the internal components air-dry for a short period before packing.
• Cable and hose: Coil the power cable and, if applicable, the window vent hose or sealing kit. Store these separately to avoid tangling.
• Cover and store: Place the unit in a dry, indoor space (e.g., cupboard, or garage shelf, if space allows). Avoid humid areas where moisture could damage electronics or encourage mould.

Because portable ACs are heavier and more complex, they tend to take up more storage space and require more attention before being put away. For householders with limited available storage, this factor can be a practical way to choose between fans and air con units.

Health considerations

When it comes to health, both fans and portable air conditioners have benefits and drawbacks. The “best” choice depends on your individual needs, whether you have medical condition/s, and how you use the equipment.

Fans: gentle, low-risk cooling

Fans are generally the safer option for most people:

• Air quality: They do not dry out the air or remove humidity, so they are less likely to cause dry skin, irritated eyes, or respiratory discomfort.
• Allergies: However, fans can circulate dust and allergens if not cleaned regularly. Choosing models with smooth surfaces and easy-to-clean blades helps minimise this.
• Comfort: They provide a gentle breeze that can help with sleep and reduce the feeling of overheating, without drastically changing room temperature.

The best type of fan depends on the specific health condition. Overall, Air Purifying Fans (with HEPA filters) or Quiet Air Circulators are the safest choices, while Handheld Fans are clinically proven to help manage breathlessness.

Portable air conditioners: effective, but with trade-offs

Portable air conditioners cool more effectively, but they also:

• Reduce humidity: Removing moisture from the air can make rooms feel more comfortable in humid conditions, but overuse may lead to dry skin, dry eyes, or throat irritation, especially for people with existing respiratory or skin conditions.
• Filter the air: Many models include filters that can reduce dust and some allergens, potentially improving air quality. However, filters must be cleaned or replaced regularly to remain effective.
• Noise: The higher noise levels of portable ACs can affect sleep quality for sensitive individuals, which in turn may impact overall health.

Summing up...

Fans might be best if:

• You’re dealing with moderate heat, not extreme heatwaves.
• You want a quiet, low-energy, low-maintenance solution.
• You don’t want to install window kits or alter windows.
• You’re cooling multiple rooms throughout the day and night.

Portable A/C might be best if:

• You’re facing prolonged high temperatures or high humidity.
• You need a real drop in room temperature, not just a breeze.
• You have a suitable window and can manage the installation and maintenance.
• You’re focusing on one or two key rooms (e.g., a hot upstairs bedroom).

Whatever your choice - do keep cool and stay hydrated, too. We wish you a healthy and happy summer.

Carl Dodd, Property Revolutions Ltd.