You’ve been using your fan wrong this whole time - here’s how to keep cool in the heat

Over the weekend the UK saw temperatures hit as high as 34 degrees, one of the hottest days of the year, and whilst many have long awaited for the summer sun to return, it was no surpise there would be some moans about it being too hot – with over 2.8 million people searching for a ''fan'' in the past month.

Experts at Bionic have revealed a viral hack to make the most of a fan during the heatwave, plus some energy-friendly tips to keep household temperatures bearable when temperatures rocket .Keeping Brits cool without creating a dent in their energy bills.

A clever cooling trick has taken TikTok by storm, racking up over 180,000 views, after one user shared her boyfriend’s, who is a power and cooling engineer, surprisingly effective fan hack for staying cool in a heatwave.

Instead of pointing a fan into the room as most people do, he recommends aiming it out of an open window or door.

However, the video has left people questioning how it works, with commenters asking: "wait, how do I do this?? Can I just point a fan out the window, or do I need another window open in the house for a breeze to come from??"

Les Roberts, energy expert at Bionic, commented: "Opening opposite windows or doors allows air to flow through. For even better airflow, you can place a second fan facing inward at the opposite opening to pull cooler outside air into the room, creating a strong cross-breeze.

Positioning the fan to face outward pushes the hot indoor air outside, which helps draw cooler air in from the other opening.”

Les also added: "This method works best when it’s cooler outside than inside - usually in the evening, overnight, or early morning - as the temperature difference creates a natural flow of air. The temperature gradient enhances the movement of air, allowing the fan to more effectively push hot air out and pull cooler air in, resulting in a more comfortable indoor environment.

This approach is energy-efficient and can significantly cool your living space without air conditioning by exchanging hot indoor air for cooler outdoor air through natural ventilation enhanced by fans. It’s a simple trick that could make a noticeable difference, especially at night, when outdoor temperatures drop."

"On average, portable air-conditioning units cost around £8.40 to run per day, whereas a fan could cost you as little as 71 pence. By utilising a fan to its full advantage with this hack and forfeiting air con, households could save nearly £55 a week*."

Bionic has also revealed some top tips to keep your home cool and energy bills low this summer:

Opening doors and windows allows for natural ventilation, promoting airflow and cooling down your home without relying on air-conditioning. This method can be particularly effective during cooler times of the day or if there's a breeze.

1. Close curtains and blinds

Closing curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day helps to block sunlight and heat, preventing your home from heating up too much. This reduces the need for air-conditioning and fans, as it keeps indoor temperatures cooler and more comfortable.

Cooking can generate a lot of heat indoors, especially when using stoves and ovens. Opting for cooking methods that produce less heat, such as using a microwave or air fryer, or grilling and barbecuing outdoors, can help minimise heat inside your home, reducing the need for air-conditioning or fans.

Natural shade blocks direct sunlight, for example, using awnings above windows and doors will create a more comfortable environment, reducing heat in the home. Planting trees strategically in your garden can also provide long-term shade and help lower indoor temperatures.

1. Rethink your interior colour scheme

Darker colours absorb more heat, whilst lighter colours reflect sunlight and help keep things cooler. If you’re redecorating or planning home improvements, choosing lighter-coloured paint and furniture is a simple way to stay cool and cut down on energy use. It’s also a smart long-term move as heatwaves become more frequent.