That breeze from your desk fan feels refreshing, but a recent article in The Washington Post reports that once temperatures hit the 90s and beyond, fans might not be helping as much as you think. They make you feel cooler, but they do not reduce your body temperature.
The fan illusion
Fans provide comfort by moving air across your skin, encouraging sweat to evaporate. But in extreme heat, that relief can be misleading.
According to Glen Kenny, a professor of physiology at the University of Ottawa, fans may increase dry heat gain without improving your core temperature. In other words, they can make you feel better while your body continues to overheat.
Kenny’s research showed that older adults using fans in nearly 97-degree heat experienced the same internal strain as those without them. The only difference was that fan users reported feeling more comfortable.
That sensation can create a false sense of safety, making people more likely to skip hydration, go outside, or ignore early signs of heat exhaustion.
Better ways to stay cool
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends spending a few hours a day in an air-conditioned space during heat waves. But if that is not an option, combining fan use with other methods may offer better results.
- Wet your skin first. Applying cool water with a spray bottle, damp towel, or wet shirt helps your body cool more effectively. When used with a fan, this technique has been shown to reduce heat strain significantly, even in temperatures above 110 degrees.
- Time your fan use. Fans are most effective during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. During the hottest hours, they may simply circulate hot air, offering little benefit.
- Ventilate with intention. Create cross-breezes by opening shaded windows and using fans to pull in cooler outdoor air while pushing warmer air out. This works better than running multiple fans in a closed space.
- Block the heat. Close blinds or curtains during the day to prevent sunlight from raising indoor temperatures. Even simple window coverings can reduce heat buildup indoors.
Older adults face higher risks
As we age, our ability to sweat effectively declines. That makes it harder to regulate body temperature, especially during heat waves.
According to Kenny, the combination of decreased sweating and misleading fan comfort can be dangerous. The body may stop signaling distress, even as core temperature continues to rise.
Warning signs that fans are not sufficient to cool users include dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and dry, hot skin. If these symptoms appear, stop using the fan and find a genuinely cool space immediately.
Cooler choices to protect your health and your budget
If you live in a hotter climate, lack air conditioning or a swamp cooler, or need to work outside, extreme heat is more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous.
Planning ahead with smart, low-cost solutions can protect both your well-being and your wallet.
- Combine cooling strategies. Use fans only when the air is warm but not extreme, such as early morning or evening. For high heat, pair fans with skin-wetting techniques like misting or damp clothing to support real cooling — not just the sensation of it.
- Know when to cool elsewhere. Malls, libraries, and community centers are often open to the public and fully air-conditioned. Even short visits can lower your body temperature and reduce health risks.
- Consider preventive health care. Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness. Screenings can identify risks early so you can avoid costly emergencies. Book a screening today and have peace of mind.
- Build up emergency savings. Adding a swamp cooler to one room or upgrading to a safer fan might be a smart one-time cost. Unitl you decide to go for it, earn as much as possible on your emergency savings. SoFi Checking pays a competitive APY on savings, plus a cash bonus for new members who set up direct deposit. (May change without notice.)
- Protect pets from heat emergencies. Heat affects animals, too, and emergency vet care can be expensive.Don’t wait for a crisis to realize you’re underinsured. Get a free quote for pet insurance today and make sure your best friend is protected before the next heatwave hits.
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Extreme heat is becoming more common. With a few practical precautions and financial tools, you can stay safer, avoid unnecessary costs, and make sure you’re ready — no matter how high the temperature climbs.
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