Can electric fans still cool you when temperatures are high?
Electric fans are often the first thing people reach for when the heat becomes unbearable. For many households, it's the go-to solution for staying cool during hot days.
But as temperatures continue to rise, claims that fans may not always be safe or effective in extreme heat have started circulating online.
PhilSTAR L!fe spoke with experts to find out what really happens when you rely on fans during very hot weather.
Is it safe to use electric fans during extreme heat?
While electric fans can become ineffective and risky during extremely hot weather, the notion that they become unsafe is "not exactly true," according to electrical engineer John Paul Balsomo.
"An electric fan does not cool the air; it only moves it. In normal heat, it helps your body cool by speeding up sweat evaporation," he explained.
"But in extreme heat—especially when the air is very hot and humid—the fan may become less effective or even make you feel worse because it just blows hot air and reduces your body’s ability to release heat," he added, noting that 35°C or higher may not cool you.
Balsomo stressed that the fan itself is not dangerous, but that the real risk is "heat stress or heat stroke if your body overheats without proper cooling and hydration."
If the weather is too hot, engineering professor John Michael Abrera shared that he prefers not to have a normal stand fan directed towards him.
"I always prefer that it oscillate. Notice that in windy places, you generally feel it is cooler even when the sun is at its peak. This is because the air around you is moving," he said.
He explained that the same concept applies at home, and when you direct the wind towards you, the fan may just circulate the same hot air continuously, making the heat feel more intense instead of providing relief.
"What I do is have the fan on higher speeds and let it oscillate. It will cause the air in the surrounding[s] to move and circulate. I believe this is a better approach," Abrera said.
Other precautions
Another concern during extreme heat is whether electric fans could overheat or catch fire. However, Abrera assured that "there is nothing in the physical construction of electric fans that would cause them to ignite or catch fire at high temperatures."
Nevertheless, Balsomo noted that there is still a small risk of overheating if the unit is damaged or poorly maintained.
"The motor naturally produces heat, and in high temperatures it may struggle to cool itself—especially if there is dust buildup, worn parts, or faulty wiring. In rare cases, this can lead to overheating or fire," he said.
He advised, "To stay safe, keep the fan clean, check the cord and plug for damage, and avoid running it nonstop for long hours. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials. If you notice unusual heat, smell, or noise, turn it off immediately."
Alternative ways to stay cool
If electric fans are not available, people can still stay cool by using simple heat-control methods.
For Balsomo, one effective way is to improve natural airflow by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of the house so hot air can escape, and cooler air can enter. Staying in shaded or well-ventilated areas also helps reduce heat buildup.
"Cooling the body directly is also important. This can be done by wiping the skin with a wet cloth, taking a lukewarm shower, or using a damp towel on the neck and forehead to help lower body temperature through evaporation," he said.
Drinking plenty of water is essential to prevent dehydration, which makes it harder for the body to cool itself.
Lastly, Balsomo emphasized that reducing heat exposure helps a lot. You can do this by "avoiding direct sunlight, wearing light and loose clothing, and staying in cooler places like malls or air-conditioned public areas when possible."