As the UK grapples with a heatwave, many are seeking ways to stay cool. One viral tip suggests that using a fan incorrectly may be undermining your efforts. According to physics, pointing a fan out of an open window can actually cool your home more effectively than blowing air inward.
The Viral Discovery
Charlotte, an Instagram user at @charlotte_family_life, shared a revelation: "POV: apparently physics says pointing a fan OUT of the window cools your home down..." She explained that the fan should pull hot air out, allowing cooler air to enter. Initially skeptical, she admitted, "The living room feels noticeably cooler than it did an hour ago."
How It Works
According to Physics Stack Exchange, this method works only if the outside air is cooler than the inside air. Fans do not lower air temperature; they move air. By expelling hot air, the fan creates a vacuum that draws in cooler air from other open windows. Which? recommends placing the fan about two feet (0.6 meters) from the window, not directly against it, to maximize airflow and remove trapped heat.
User Experiences
Commenters on Charlotte's post confirmed the technique. One said, "Been doing this for a while now and while it's certainly no AC, it at least makes my room bearable." Another added, "Yes, this works... it essentially takes all the hot air in the room and shoves it outside." They noted that the window must be sealed around the fan with a sheet or similar material to prevent hot air from re-entering.
Limitations
The method is most effective when the outdoor temperature is lower than indoors, even by a few degrees. On scorching days, a cold bath might be a better option. Nonetheless, for many, this fan placement provides noticeable relief without air conditioning.
