How to Keep Cool This Summer Without Spending a Fortune

Posted 7 days ago

Created At: 8 May 2025,

Updated At: 8 May 2025

Fans, air coolers, or portable AC—what's the best way to stay cool without sky-high bills?

Summer’s coming in hot—and if 2025 follows last year’s trend, we’re all going to be hunting for ways to stay cool that don’t crank up the bills.

Whether you're trying to focus while working from home or just hoping to sleep without sticking to your sheets, here’s a breakdown of three popular cooling options: fans, air coolers, and portable air conditioners. We’ve compared how much they cost, how well they cool, and what they’re really like to live with.

— Cooling Fan

🌀 Fans: Cheap, Cheerful, and Surprisingly Effective

Fans don’t cool the air, but they do make it feel cooler by moving it around. If you’re just looking to survive a few hot afternoons, they’re often all you need.

Why you might like one:

They’re cheap (some under £15!)

Hardly use any electricity—running one all day might cost you less than a cuppa

Easy to move around the house

But keep in mind:

They’re not much help during sticky, humid nights

The higher the speed, the louder they get

💸 Running cost: ~1–2p per hour 👍 Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, or anywhere you just want a breeze

💧 Air Coolers: A Middle Ground Between Fan and AC

Air coolers (also called evaporative coolers) use cold water to slightly chill the air they blow out. They're not proper air-con, but they feel cooler than a fan—especially in drier heat.

What’s good:

More cooling power than a fan, but still cheap to run

Great if you struggle with dry air or hay fever

No need for a window kit or installation

Things to watch for:

Doesn’t do well in humid conditions (can make a room feel damp)

You’ll need to refill the water tank often

💸 Running cost: ~2–3p per hour

👍 Best for: Lounges, dining rooms, or anywhere you want a bit more chil

❄️ Portable Air Conditioners: Powerful but Pricey

If you want actual cold air and you're dealing with heat that just won’t quit, portable AC is the real deal. But it’s the priciest option on the list—both upfront and in running costs.

The perks:

Genuinely lowers the temperature in a room

Some models let you set your ideal temp and walk away

Trade-offs:

Needs a hose to vent hot air out a window

Can be loud and heavy

Big jump in your energy bill if used daily

💸 Running cost: ~20–60p per hour

👍 Best for: South-facing rooms, flats with big windows, or heat-sensitive folks

— Cooling Comparison Table

🔚 Final Thought

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—just the right tool for the job (and budget). If you only need light relief, a fan will do you just fine. Want a bit more chill without the big bill? Try an air cooler. And if the heat’s unbearable or you sleep like a radiator, it might be worth investing in a portable AC.

Whatever you choose, shop smart—compare prices before you buy and look for energy-efficient models. A cool summer can be a cheap one.