As temperatures soar to well over 30C across the UK, many people will be getting ready to turn their fans on to stay cool. However, some are concerned as to whether it is safe to use their fan during extreme temperatures.
Electric fans work by spinning at high speeds in order to create air pressure and cause airflow in the direction its pointing. Contrary to popular belief, fans do not in fact cool down the air, instead, the increased velocity in air flow from that fan just makes the air feel cooler.
People feel cooler when in front of a fan because the sweat on our skin evaporates more quickly when coming into contact with fast-moving air, similar to how blowing on hot food or drink cools it down faster. Believe it or not, the World Health Organisation has previously advised against using electric fans during extreme heat.
