Sleeping with your fan on could be bad for your health - and raise energy bills
After a wet and miserable summer, the UK is finally experiencing a delayed heatwave. This week, temperatures are set to rise to 32C and while many are incredibly happy that we're finally seeing some consistent sun, the heat can negatively impact sleep. While it's only natural to want to try to find relief from the muggy weather while lying in bed, not all potential solutions are built the same.
If you're one of the many people living without air conditioning, it's only natural to want to reach for a fan - but it could be doing more harm than good. According to experts, not everyone may benefit from using the popular device. Even though it's tempting to leave a fan running overnight - and the majority of us will be grateful for the comfort it provides - there are a variety of worrying side effects that should be taken into account. People with particular medical conditions may wish to think twice before choosing the quick fix.
As the Sleeping Advisor explained, the moving air causes flurries of dust and pollen which is be bad news for anyone with allergies, asthma and hayfever. If you wear contact lenses, you may also find your fan causes dry eyes. It's worth remembering the drying effect fans can have on your skin too. So, if you're keen to keep using one it is best to have moisturiser at the ready.
Alternatively, you might want to try cooling your home in another way. For instance, you can hang a wet sheet in front of an open window - a bizarre but oft-suggested method. You can also prepare ahead of time by keeping windows closed during the day to enjoy a cooler bedroom in the evening. Or if it's time to invest in new bedding, opt for breathable materials like linen or cotton to give yourself the best chance of a good night's sleep. It turns out you could even stay cool by sipping a tasty beverage.
By switching off your fan, you might also save a few pennies. With the Energy Price Cap in place until the beginning of October 2023, the average price for every 1 kWh (kilowatt hour, aka energy) used on standard variable tariffs is £0.30p, according to energy regulator Ofgem. A typical three-speed twelve-inch desktop fan will use somewhere around 35 watts, which means nine hours of usage will set you back around nine pence. Since pedestal floor fans consume slightly more electricity (about 40 watts), for nine hours of continuous use, you will be paying around 11 pence.
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Uswitch energy expert Ben Gallizzi told the Sun that there are steps you can take to help with costs if you want to use a fan. "Try placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of your fan to send a cooling breeze around your room, and make sure to keep your device free of dust to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible," he advised.
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