But with some of the highest electricity prices we've ever seen, is this racking up a hefty bill? And can leaving a fan on actually affect your health or safety?
How much electricity does a fan use?
We’ve crunched the numbers to find out the very best and worst fans we’ve tested when it comes to how much energy they use.
Energy use varies between different types of fan, and by brand. Generally speaking, desk fans are smaller so will use less energy, whereas bigger pedestal or tower fans use more energy, making them more expensive to run.
Of course, the cost of running a fan will depend how long you sleep for – for our calculations we’ve taken a typical 8 hours of sleep and assumed people will leave it on for that whole time. We've assumed an electricity cost of 30p per kWh - the average price capped rate from 1 July.
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undefinedWe've looked at running costs for all sorts of electrical appliances, to help you get a handle on your energy bills this summer.
Is it safe to leave a fan running all night?
The charity Electrical Safety First does not recommend leaving a fan on all night as there’s always a risk that the motor could overheat and start a fire while you’re asleep.
It recommends buying from a reputable retailer and to avoid second-hand fans as there could be hidden electrical problems you aren’t aware of.
We recognise that on really hot nights, having to turn off a fan just as you’re going to sleep might be unbearable. As a compromise, you could opt for a fan that has a timer so it switches itself off after a set period – we recommend an hour or less – so it's not running all night.
There are other reasons to avoid leaving a fan running for hours on end while you sleep.
Health experts have stated that dust and pollen can accumulate on the blades, circulating it around your room, which means you’ll wake up feeling blocked up or with dried out nasal passages. It’s worth occasionally taking your fan apart (while unplugged of course) and wiping down the blades to avoid dust build up.
Three fans tested by Which?
MeacoFan 260c Cordless Air Circulator, £35
This electric desk fan from Meaco is battery powered and charged by a USB-C cable. It doesn’t oscillate (move from side to side) but you can tilt the fan head.
Electriq IQ-PureCoolUVW, £100
This is a tower fan with a built-in HEPA air filter and more than a stylistic nod to the pricier Dyson electric fans and purifiers on the market.
Duux Whisper, £130
This pedestal fan can also be converted into a desk fan by removing part of the stand post.
Other ways to keep cool at night
Ice packNatural fibre bedding
Sleep under a damp sheet
Choose a cooling mattressSleep downstairs
Shut your curtains during the dayAvoid caffeine, alcohol or large meals just before bedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-much-does-it-cost-to-leave-a-fan-on-overnight-atmkR3f4M83z