It might feel like you'll never be able to leave the house without a coat, or sit at home in a T-shirt, but it won't be long before it happens - the temperature will suddenly rise, barbecues will be lit, and fans will start to fly off the shelves as people panic and try to cool down as quickly as possible. But you don't have to be among them.
It might seem premature, but acting early and buying a fan when the weather is still cool is a very sensible choice. Not only will you be able to get a better deal, you'll also have time to research your options and pick a fan that will work for you and your home.
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1. Be ready for anything
Late spring weather can be changeable, and the weather forecast can change dramatically throughout a single week. You might not need to use your fan immediately, but having one tucked in a cupboard means you won't need to dash out to the store or place a last-minute Amazon order.
Instead, you can keep your cool and feel just a little bit smug as you press the power button and feel the breeze on your skin the moment things heat up.
2. Grab a great deal
Fans are most expensive during the summer months when demand is at its peak, so you might be able to get a much better deal by buying one now. I've rounded up today's best offers for you right here. All of these models have been tested by our expert reviewers, and given the seal of approval.
3. Make the most of new tech
Fan technology has moved a long way in recent years, and taking the time to study the latest advancements means you'll get a fan that gives the best possible performance.
The latest fans can move a large volume of air much more easily, than older models, and are more energy efficient as well, which will keep you cooler and reduce your energy bills in the long term. That's not necessarily something you have time to think about if you're rushing to pick up a fan — any fan — in a sweat-soaked panic.
Modern fans are a lot quieter as well, which is great news when you want to keep cool at night. Two of our top recommendations are the Meaco Sefte Air Circulator and the bladeless Dyson Cool CF1, both of which are whisper-quiet, and might be hard to find if you wait until the last moment to buy one. Take a look at our complete guide to quiet fans for more details.
Finally, there's the latest generation of misting fans, which deliver a super-fine spray of water that evaporates instantly upon contact, and won't leave your skin, hair, or clothes feeling damp. One of our favorites is the Shark Flexbreeze HydroGo, which is small enough to carry and can be used indoors or out. This cooling fan is going to be a hot commodity in the summer, so grab one now while you can.
4. Ease your allergies
Depending on what type of pollen triggers your allergies, hayfever season might have arrived already, or be just around the corner. Even if you don't need to cool down your home just yet, a fan with a HEPA filter can get to work removing pollen particles to help ease your runny nose and itchy eyes.
The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde HP09 is a particularly good option, and our reviewer gave it four and a half stars out of five thanks to its versatility. Unlike doesn't just move large volumes of air to provide a cooling breeze, it also serves as an air purifier and heater so it'll be useful all year round (and you won't need to clutter your home with multiple appliances).
5. Get the right fans for each room
If you're in a sweaty, frantic hurry to buy a fan, it can be tempting to grab anything that has a good review, but not all fans are suitable for all rooms, so it pays to take some time now and make sure you're making the right choice.
Tower fans, for example, blow air from about foot level to the top of your head when you're sitting, making them a great choice when you're watching TV, but not ideal for your bedroom when most of their airflow will be blocked by your bed.
For the bedroom, a tall oscillating fan is a better choice — ideally one that can be controlled with a remote or an app, so you don't have to get out of bed. Take a good look at the design before buying one though. because most have the wireless receiver in the base, which means you may need to sit up awkwardly to use the remote. If the receiver is in the top, your life will be much easier.
Working from home, gaming, or cooking? Take a look at desk fans, which will keep your face nicely cool and are usually an inexpensive choice.
Heading to the office instead? There are some excellent portable, rechargeable fans that will make your daily commute a lot less stuffy. The Shark ChillPill, released earlier this year, has three attachments including a misting spray and a cooling metal place that you can place on pulse points for instant relief when the mercury climbs, and the new Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan is small enough to wear around your neck.
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