Polish households often misuse fans, increasing indoor heat

Many people in Poland set their fans the wrong way during hot weather, causing indoor temperatures to rise instead of falling. A fan does not lower air temperature; the cooling sensation comes from faster evaporation of sweat on the skin.

The correct fan direction depends on whether the outdoor temperature is lower or higher than inside. When it is hotter outside, windows should stay closed and the fan should blow directly onto people, not toward the window. In the evening or early morning, when outside temperatures drop below indoor levels, opening a window and using the fan as an exhaust helps expel warm air.

Effective placement includes positioning the fan 30‑150 cm away from the window, aiming the blades toward the open window to push hot air out, and using oscillation to circulate air throughout the room. Avoid placing a fan directly on a windowsill or running it at full speed constantly, as this wastes electricity with little added cooling. A simple trick is to place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of the fan to enhance the cooling effect.