A mum shared a simple solution that can help to boost your fan’s cooling effect for when you’re struggling in a heatwave
Keeping cool during the heat is essential for staying comfortable and there’s a surprisingly simple trick to get colder air flowing from your fan. Fans don’t actually reduce the temperature of the air — they merely circulate it — so sitting in front of one in a stuffy room won’t do much on its own.
However, Amy, a mum and founder of Everything Mummy, has revealed a straightforward way to boost your fan’s effectiveness, requiring nothing more than ice and cold water. She said: “Fill a bowl with cold water and ice and position the bowl in front of the fan. Switch the fan, leaving it in the oscillating position (i.e. so that it passes through a 180° arc) and enjoy the sudden and welcome blast of a cold breeze.”
Placing ice-cold water in front of a fan enhances the cooling effect as air passes through, leaving you feeling considerably more refreshed.
The trick works particularly well during dry spells, such as a heatwave, and is a brilliant solution for beating the heat in the UK, where most households lack air conditioning.
All you need is a wide bowl or tray filled with water, as the greater surface area allows more cold air to transfer into the room, reports the Express.
Simply position the bowl in front of your fan, ensuring no electrical devices are in the vicinity. Switch the fan on, and you should quickly notice the air feeling lighter and far more refreshing.
If you’re looking to stay cool and comfortable for longer, positioning a damp sheet near a window can work just as effectively, helping to moisten and lower the temperature of the air flowing into your home.
Amy explained: “Place a fan at one window to push the hot air out with a wet sheet hanging over a window too. It moistens and cools the air as it comes into your home.”
This method requires a little extra effort, but the sheet will naturally soak up the heat before it enters your home, maintaining a consistent cool breeze throughout the room.
It operates in much the same way as placing cold water in front of a fan, but tends to be far more long-lasting, keeping you safe and comfortable even during the most sweltering of temperatures.
