2023-07-27 12:00:00
When should a fan be used?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the ventilator except when the temperature exceeds 35°C. By blowing air that is too hot and dry, the device might cause increased dehydration and aggravate the symptoms of heat-related illnesses (heat stroke, oedema, malaise, nausea, etc.). moistening of the skin is then preferable for a real refreshing effect without risk to health.
In the case of a strong humid heat, the fan seems to be effective. This is demonstrated by a study by the University of Sydney published in 2019 in Annals of Internal Medicine. The researchers found that, under these conditions, these devices lower body temperature, cardiovascular tension, and improve thermal comfort.
Are they useful overnight?
High temperatures often cause difficulty falling asleep. But the use of a fan at night is not recommended “because it dries the air in the room”, according to Fabien Squinazi (although less so than air conditioning). Also, if the airflow is adjusted in your direction, “it can promote a nasal obstruction and headaches, but also cramps or even torticollis”, adds the pulmonologist. For a sensation of freshness without risk, it is therefore recommended to use programmable fans for an hour or two when falling asleep, and to direct the device towards the feet, 1.50 m from the bed, and cover yourself with a sheet or light clothing.
What precautions to take?
- The fan may occasionally cause inconvenience, especially to people with allergies and asthma. In addition to a recurring household, Len Horovitz – pulmonologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York, questioned on this subject by Live Science – recommends “daily irrigation of the sinuses with a saline solution”. “When it circulates the air in the room, dust and pollen particles enter your sinuses as well,” says Dr. Reddick in The Sleep Advisorwhat can worsen certain breathing problems (source 1). Our advice: take a close look at your fan before switching it on. If you notice dust on its blades, remove it as much as possible as these particles will fly through the air when the device is running.
- For the elderly people who sweat little, whose blood flow is reduced and the capacity for heat loss weakened, caution also. Jean-Philippe Santoni advises seniors “to keep the device at a distance, for short use, with a moderate flow. If they can get their face wet, that’s even better,” he adds.
Where and how to place a fan to cool a room?
” It’s necessary always place the fan in a room that has been cleaned and ventilated”, insists Jean-Philippe Santoni who recalls that, even in the event of strong heat, the ventilation of the accommodation must be done at least twice a day, 15 minutes in all. “You also have to think regarding safety, especially of children, and put it up high “, adds Fabien Squinazi.
As for theideal orientation, it depends: when it is cooler outside than inside, choose a door or a window and direct the fan towards the outside. The device will stir the hot air and eject it out of the room. Otherwise, it is recommended to direct it towards you. “But elsewhere than towards the face, warns the doctor, at the risk ofdry up mucous membranes – nose, throat and eyes especially if you wear contact lenses while you sleep.
Another tip: “To obtain cooler air, it is possible to put a damp cloth or ice cubes in front of the fan “Suggests Fabien Squinazi.
Which model to choose according to your use? Advantages and disadvantages
Desk fans, standing fans, bladeless fans, or even the timeless ceiling-mounted device, there are a plethora of models. All have their advantages: pedestal fans – can be transported anywhere and can be adjusted in height – are ideal for an area of approximately 20 to 30 m2. Those on the ceiling consume less energy and take up little space. The fan without blades – the newest – is renowned for its genuinely fresh air and for being particularly quiet. The only drawback: its price, which is generally high.
The choice of fan is dictated by your needs and the type of room it will work in. But some basic parameters deserve attention: first of all, the airflow. The larger the room you want to ventilate, the greater the airflow will need to be. To avoid noise pollution, it will be necessary to check the number of decibels (dB). For those who wish to program specific times, some devices offer options (night mode) and can be activated/programmed using a remote control. Once purchased, consider clean the fan regularly – especially the blades – so that it remains efficient.
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