It's time to reconsider the balance between fans and air conditioners.


A recent study by the University of Sydney has shed light on a simple yet impactful solution: using indoor fans more frequently. Not surprised? Of course you're not - we all know indoor fans reduce the perceived temperature of a room. But this study shows fan usage goes further than that. Let's take a look at the findings.

The lowdown on fans and sustainability

Switching off the air con and using the fan more often is a small change that can seriously reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.


Using indoor fans allows people at home to withstand increased indoor temperature levels by 3 to 4 degrees before they reach for the air conditioner remote. In fact, modelling by the University of Sydney shows that just by boosting indoor air movement with fans, electricity usage for cooling indoor spaces can drop by around 70% throughout the year! And this is all without sacrificing comfort for sustainability – the study showed that using fans keeps the same comfort levels even at slightly warmer temperatures compared to air conditioning alone.

Benefits to your business

So, why do you need to know this? Well, aside from helping the environment, encouraging your clients to use their fans more often can also benefit your business in the long run. By educating your clients about the advantages of fans and guiding them towards sustainable cooling solutions, you're not only fulfilling their needs but also positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and forward-thinking electrician.


When talking to your clients, emphasise the basic difference between fans and air conditioners, which is simple:

  • Fans work by increasing air speed across the skin surface, promoting higher heat loss even at warmer temperatures.
  • Air conditioners simply lower temperatures without much air movement, leading to higher electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

By encouraging your clients to choose fans over air conditioners, you're helping them save on energy bills and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. That's a win for sustainability!


So, next time you're discussing cooling options with your clients, think beyond just meeting their immediate needs. You're an expert in your field, meaning you have a responsibility to share with your clients what they might not have known to ask for. Consider the bigger picture of sustainability and the long-term benefits of choosing fans over air conditioners. It's a small change that can make a big difference – for your clients, for the environment, and for your business.