Does pointing a fan out of a window work to cool down a room? We explore

Struggling to manage the heat in your home? Temperatures are set to soar this summer – and we certainly aren’t complaining. But, for homes that aren’t equipped for intense heat, that long, hot summer we’ve been dreaming of can feel uncomfortable and, at times, unbearable.

Luckily, learning how to keep a home cool in a heatwave doesn’t always have to be an expensive endeavor.

Whether you've been exploring how to cool down a living room or pondering the fans vs air conditioners debate, for this trick, all you need is a humble fan. Read on to learn more about this easy, budget-friendly method.

Does pointing a fan out of a window work?

Pointing your fan out of the window in the warmest parts of your home will help to blow hot air out, whereas pointing a fan inwards on the cooler side of your home will help to draw cool air in. The best part about this eco-cooling method is that it can be used in any home. It’s also perfect for anyone on a budget, who may have been researching home remedies to stay cool, as most of us already have a fan tucked away in a cupboard.

‘In the summer, when it gets cooler at night, this is a great way to save on AC costs and cool down a house,’ says Max Veggeberg, CEO and founder of Tetra.

Importantly, pointing a fan out of a window is most effective at removing hot air from the room when it’s cooler outside, so this method is most useful for those mild summer nights when the temperature outside starts to drop.

So, if you own a fan, you’re in luck. This simple trick is a great way to cool down your home without installing any of the available air conditioning types.

Here, experts share their top five tips when using this method to cool down a room in your home.

1. Create a cross breeze

By creating a cross-breeze in your space, the fresh air drawn in by your fan will be able to circulate and flow directly throughout your home.

‘The method really works by making a cross-breeze that expels the warm air outwards from the room and draws in the cooler outside air,’ says Yashar Mosaferi, HVAC expert and president of Klondike AC. ‘This will have maximum effect if there is another window open on the opposite side of the room or house, to let cool air in and warm air out, particularly in homes without air conditioning.’

This method is effective, too, even without a fan, but is maximized with one.

2. Invest in a programmable thermostat

Felicia Wilkes, home specialist at A-One Refrigeration & Heating Inc. advises investing in a programmable thermostat to maximize the cooling effects of pointing your fan out of a window, particularly for times when you are not at home.

‘For optimum cooling I recommend homeowners invest in a programmable thermostat,’ she says. ‘This allows you to automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy and time of day, saving energy when you’re not home,’ she says.

3. Shade windows

Where possible, shading windows will further reduce the room temperature of your home and keep the air cool, without added costs or harmful environmental factors.

‘Use curtains, such as sheer window treatment ideas, blinds, or reflective films to block direct sunlight, which can significantly heat up a room,' says Wilkes.

We explore what can you put on a window to keep heat out in our separate feature.

4. Point the fan out of the highest window

As heat rises, upstairs is always the warmest part of any home. So, if you’ve been desperately wondering how to keep upstairs cool in summer, this is a great trick to know. ‘For maximum cooling, point the fan out the highest window since warm air rises,’ says Allen Chenault, heating, ventilation and AC expert at AC’s Heating & Air.

This will ensure that stuffy air is drawn out of your space, lowering the room temperature and preventing humidity.

5. Seal air leaks

Finally, consider sealing any air leaks in and around your home, which will help to trap cool air in your home when you close your window.

‘Check for gaps around windows, doors, and electrical outlets,’ says Wilkes. ‘Sealing these leaks prevents cool air from escaping and warm air from entering.’

FAQs

Does putting a wet towel over a fan make it cooler?

If you only have one fan for your entire home, placing wet towels near it can help to further reduce temperatures as the water will evaporate, bringing down the air temperature and increasing the cooling effects.

Now that you're armed with these tips, find your fans, open your windows, and enjoy a cool summer indoors!