The article presents a tested guide to fans for UK heatwaves, positioning them as a lower-energy alternative to portable air conditioning. It assesses models across tower, desk, bladeless and evaporative types, focusing on cooling performance, noise, electricity use, size, controls and value.

– The writer tested 20 fans and evaporative coolers using a power meter, anemometer, sound-measuring app and thermometer.
– Portable air conditioners typically use about 1,000W and cost roughly 26p per hour, while tested fans used 8W to 60W.
– The preferred AirCraft Lume used 18W on its highest setting; the article says 56 hours of use would match one hour of portable air-conditioner electricity consumption.
– Several recommended products were out of stock after heatwaves, but the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist, Dyson Cool F1 and a Morphy Richards portable cooler remained available.