Room Air Conditioners Versus Electric Fans 

There's a debate surrounding the effectiveness of a room air conditioner as opposed to the electric fan. Some argue  the electric fan provides an inexpensive, easy way to stay cool and keep the energy bill down. Others believe the opposite. So what's the truth?

Obviously, there are pros and cons to both. Room air conditioners do exactly what the name suggests???cool the room. By all accounts, the electric fan???named in part for its ability to move air???does too. So let's compare and contrast the two.

The fan's been a coping mechanism for generations. One of the first fans originated in India and was called the punkah fan. Used around 500 BC., this fan reached down from the ceiling. Servants known as punkawallahs pulled a rope connected to the frame to make the fan move. Fast forward, the first American fan, developed in the late 19th century, was electric and boasted brass blades and brass cages.

Together these fans provided a way to combat hot, humid weather conditions. Interesting right? Well, just when we got comfortable things changed. In the early 1900's Willis Carrier of Buffalo, N.Y. devised the "dew point control" room air conditioner. Based on the principle that cooled air reaches saturation and loses moisture through condensation, this room air conditioner was the first to alter room temperatures. Carriers' invention controlled both temperature and humidity levels in the air. Fans did not.

What's Next?

Today engineers are working to develop modern versions of room air conditioners and electric fans. However, we're not focused on simply cooling indoor temperatures; we're focused on saving energy too! William Carrier was concerned with maintaining an adequate work environment, not for himself per say, but to keep the printing paper from warping in hot, humid conditions. He solved his problem.

Today, we're faced with larger issues. We need to conserve energy. So, what are the primary differences between the room air conditioner and the fan? And how can we effectively save energy and stay cool?

• Installation

Room air conditioners usually require some form of installation. Manufactures make it easy; they provide highly manageable installation kits that include every thing you need. Room air conditioners are so quick and simple to install any one can do it.

Electric fans only require a plug. You might be responsible for putting it together, but typically, fans are easy to  assemble.  Simply find a place for it and turn it on. Sounds simple right? Well, it is, but is it effective?

• Cooling Properties and Air Circulation

Room air conditioners turn hot air into cold air. They literally transform the air in the house. Whether you choose a free standing room air conditioner or you choose to install a room air conditioner in the window, any room air conditioner will get the job done. Room air conditioners effectively circulate the air. They draw hot air out of the room, filter it, and replace it with cold air. Electric fans don't. Some room air conditioners are portable so you can move it around with ease.

Electric Fans can't cool a room the same way a room air conditioner can. In all fairness, electric fans do circulate the air, but if the house is hot and it's hot outside, it doesn't help. Fans don't have the ability to lower room temperatures.

According to the Center for Disease Control, electric fans may provide comfort, but they won't prevent heat-related illness. Their study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" states "although the use of fans may increase comfort at temperatures less than 90°F, fans are not protective against heatstroke when temperatures reach greater than or equal to 90°F and humidity exceeds 35%." A room air conditioner can decrease indoor temperatures and humidity levels effectively. But are they expensive to operate?

• Energy

Room air conditioners require electricity. And while some might think it costly to run a room air conditioner, it's not. Room air conditioners are energy efficient. Many room air conditioners offer temperature settings and timers that are cost-effective and eco-friendly. Room air conditioners also carry Energy Star ratings that meet the energy standards set today.

Electric fans also require electricity. Considering the amount of time you'll need to run it, it can burn as much electricity, if not more, than a room air conditioner. Fans run continuously and since they don't actually cool the air, you never find relief. A fan effectively circulates the air, but it doesn't cool the room.

Last Words

The Center for Disease Control suggests the people at risk for heatstroke are children, elders, and the chronically ill. And let's not forget our pets. They need to be kept cool too. A room air conditioner can effectively maintain a healthy room temperature. It can make hot days pleasant and nights comfortable for everyone.