Prof Mike Tipton, an expert in the human body, says it is important to understand how the body works to find the best way to keep it cool.
“Fanning the face improves thermal comfort most, but fanning the whole body helps lower body temperature more,” he says.
But he warns using a fan when temperatures are above 35C may actually increase heat gain in the body as you are ultimately blowing yourself with hot air, like a hairdryer.
An air conditioning unit is not a luxury everyone can afford, and they also use a mass of energy. Fewer than 5% of UK homes have one, according to a government report from 2021, compared with nearly 90% of US households.
