We've Been Using Our Fans Wrong?!

Overnight temperatures have been 3.2C hotter than normal in the first two weeks of February forcing many people to resort to fans or air conditioning to help them sleep at night.

But, if you're still feeling the heat, Eco Design adviser Nelson Lebo says it might be because you're using your fan ineffectively.

It might sound counter-intuitive but pointing a fan outside a window was far more effective than having it blowing in a room, according to Mr Lebo.

"It's physics," he said. "You want to blow hot air out and have cold air coming in.

"Even if there's warm air in the house, when air is moving, it feels cool on our bodies."

"When the outside temperature drops below the inside temperature; you really reap the benefits."

The "chilly bin" method was another alternative, he said.

"This is actually more effective. The idea is to make your house like a chilly bin.

"Keep your windows, curtains and doors closed during the day so cool air from the night before remains inside and hot air from the day can't get in."

Aircon Tauranga sales manager Andrew Stockman agreed the heat, especially in bedrooms, had been "unbearable".

"Sleep is not as good as it should be and people have been tired and grumpy."

He said demand for air conditioning units was well above normal this year

Tips for keeping your house cool

• Try to create a cross draft by opening windows throughout the house. Closing curtains will also keep the sun out.
• Ceiling and floor standing fans are relatively cheap to buy and install, and are cheaper to run than air conditioning.
• Think about planting deciduous trees on the north and west of the house to provide shade in summer. If you don't have trees, eves or roof overhangs stop sun entering the house.
• Try using the fan-only setting on air conditioners which can help create cross-draughts in your home.
• Use the dehumidifying mode - if it's the humidity rather than the temperature that's the problem. Shut your doors and windows in the rooms you're dehumidifying.

Read the full story at nzherald.co.nz