Maximize your fan's cooling power by using physics principles

Due to its ease of use and low operating costs, a fan is often chosen as a cheaper alternative to expensive air conditioning systems. However, it’s important to remember that a fan does not cool the air; it merely sets it in motion.

But how should you use a fan to maximize its efficiency? The key is proper placement and leveraging physics principles to our advantage.

A fan can be invaluable on hot days, especially in the evenings when we need an effective way to cool a room, such as a bedroom.

The best approach is to position the fan to push warm air outside rather than pull cool air inside. Place the device inside the room, directing the airflow outward. This helps remove the warm air from the room.

Distance is crucial. Many people make the mistake of placing the fan directly in front of the window, which only circulates the air directly in front of the fan. This is where the Bernoulli effect comes into play.

The Bernoulli effect occurs if the fan is placed slightly away from the window, with the blades positioned at the level of the open window. The air flowing from the fan creates a low-pressure area around it, attracting additional air from the surroundings. This allows for faster and more efficient expulsion of a more significant amount of air.

But how far should you place the fan? This depends on several factors, such as the rotor blades' diameter and the window's size. Experiment to ensure the air cone moved by the fan reaches all four corners of the window.

Another trick worth trying is using negative pressure ventilation. When warm air is pushed outside, cool air can enter the room more efficiently. If possible, open a window opposite the fan to allow cooler air to flow inside.