Many people wish for an air conditioner in the height of summer, while others swear by fans. So, which is the better tool against the heat?
Fundamentally, only air conditioners are truly capable of cooling the air. Fans, on the other hand, merely circulate the existing air. Does this mean the air conditioner has a clear advantage? Not quite, because there are several factors to consider regarding its installation and operation. Particularly, the costs differ significantly from those of a fan. Here are the key differences.
A fan is a classic summer tool since simply circulating the air is enough to create a cooling effect. The resulting airflow provides a cooling sensation on our sweaty skin. Additionally, a fan can help bring cooler air from outside into the home efficiently by placing it at the window during the hottest hours of the day.
Air Conditioner: Which Type is Suitable?
The most common types include window air conditioners, which are built directly into a window or wall opening. They are compact and ideal for cooling individual rooms. Split air conditioners are also widely used. There are single-split systems, consisting of an outdoor and an indoor unit, suitable for single rooms, and multi-split systems, which connect one outdoor unit with multiple indoor units to cool several rooms.
A flexible option is mobile or monoblock air conditioners, which can be moved from room to room but require an exhaust opening to the outside. Central air conditioners are designed for cooling entire buildings or large homes. They consist of a central unit that distributes cooled air through a duct system. It’s important to note that split air conditioners cool the air more efficiently than monoblock systems. Room size also matters: According to Stiftung Warentest, most devices take about 30 to 45 minutes to cool a 14-square-meter room from 30 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Air Conditioner vs. Fan: Which is More Cost-Effective?
In terms of operating costs, a fan is always the cheaper option because it requires significantly less electricity compared to an air conditioner. Consumers can check the exact difference online using a power calculator. Generally, the cost difference amounts to 30 to 50 euros per month for a mobile air conditioner and 40 to 70 euros for a split air conditioner.
Additional costs arise for installing a split air conditioner. Depending on the living space, installation costs can quickly exceed 1,500 euros. Renters must also obtain permission from their landlord. Additionally, the noise generated by the outdoor unit of a split air conditioner can be a concern, possibly causing issues with neighbors.
Keeping Cool in Summer: Consider the Scenario
Ultimately, everyone must decide for themselves how to balance cooler living spaces with costs. Those who are rarely home during summer typically only need an open window, a fan, and perhaps a damp towel. Keeping windows and shutters closed during the day also helps keep the hot air out and minimizes sunlight exposure.
However, for people who spend a lot of time at home, especially those living in top-floor apartments or south-facing rooms, an air conditioner can make sense, particularly if they also work from home. Depending on the situation and the orientation of the rooms, a monoblock unit might suffice instead of a split air conditioner. Special attention should be paid to the energy label before purchasing, which provides information about energy consumption and noise levels.
The Consumer Center recommends looking at independent product tests before deciding to buy an air conditioner. Generally, they still advise using fans: “Fans are available from as little as 20 euros, making them significantly cheaper than an air conditioner. The electricity costs are also very low compared to air conditioners: Even with 90 days of use per year for 10 hours daily, they usually cost less than 5 euros in electricity.”
