Ceiling fans could actually make heat stress worse, according to a new study
New research has revealed that the humble ceiling fan could actually make heat stress worse.
Griffith University in Queensland has revealed that ceiling fans, sometimes colloquially known as The Blowie or The Esky Fan, does not do enough to fully ameliorate heat-induced physiological strain for vulnerable populations once the mercury surpasses 31 degrees.
The research set out to evaluate whether ceiling fans reduced core body temperature and physiological strain in bed-resting older adults who had been exposed to prolonged indoor heat of 31 degrees and 45 per cent relative humidity.
Ceiling fans should be used alongside an airconditioner, the research found
Dr Fergus O’Connor from Griffith’s School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work said ceiling fan use significantly reduced peak core temperature by 0.2°C, heart rate by five beats per minute, and thermal discomfort, however, heat induced strain was not fully mitigated.
“In ambient conditions of 31 degrees and 45 per cent relative humidity, ceiling fans were not wholly efficacious and did not fully ameliorate heat-induced physiological strain,” Dr O’Connor said.
“Under the environmental conditions tested, core temperatures were elevated by nearly 1 degree and heart rate was elevated by 22 beats per minute, even with the use of a fan.
“Therefore, while ceiling fans offer some benefits, they are not as wholly effective as a standalone cooling mechanism and should be combined with air conditioning, where possible.”
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Ceiling fans alone were found to not be so efficient when temperatures climbed above 31 degrees and 45 per cent relative humidity (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP)
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the hottest temperature ever recorded in Australia was 50.7 degrees, which was recorded in Western Australia (Onslow Airport, 2022) and South Australia (Oodnadatta Airport, 1960).
It was followed by 50.1 degrees at Wilcannia Post Office in NSW in 1939, 49.5 degrees at Birdsville Police Station in Queensland in 1972, 48.8 degrees at Hopetoun Airport in Victoria in 2009, 48.3 degres in Finke Post Office in the Northern Territory in 1960 and 42.2 degrees in Scamander in Tasmania in 2009.
The study advised that ceilings fans were best used early during heat exposure and when ambient temperatures are below 33 degrees.
Setting an air conditioner to around 26 degrees, coupled with a ceiling fan, was an ideal option to minimise electrical consumption and avoid the negative health effects of heat exposure.
Furthermore, fans can worsen heat strain when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees, and a common cooling intervention can make your home more like a convection oven than a cool oasis.
People may experience fatigue, dizziness, reduced cognitive function, and if exposure continues, heat-related illnesses.
Dr O’Connor said as climate change drives more frequent and intense heatwaves, and indoor overheating becomes more commonplace, sustainable and accessible cooling interventions such as ceiling fans will play a vital role in protecting people’s health, particularly for older adults.
“However, recommendations for public health guidance should be steeped in interventions which are effective, and not just interventions that will likely not cause harm,” he said.
The paper ‘Effects of ceiling fans on core temperature in bed-resting older adults exposed to indoor overheating’ was published in The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
References
- ^ MORE: Aussies eye caravans amid housing pain (www.realestate.com.au)
- ^ Bizarre doorless loo baffles buyers (www.realestate.com.au)
- ^ Buzz the tower: Unique property has Top Gun vibes (www.realestate.com.au)