Wondering whether to splash out on an air conditioning unit or fan in the Prime Day sale? Here's how they rack up so you can confidently shop

Woman sitting on a sofa with several fans giving her air and a fan in her hand, high summer temperatures
Air conditioning vs fans: we explain how to choose between the two (Image credit: Miguel Sanchez/Getty Images)

Weighing up the differences in air conditioning vs fans will generally come down to looking at three main factors: performance, appearance and costs.

And while each appliance will have its own merits in different categories, and perhaps one category will be more important to you than the others, choosing the right air conditioning product is becoming even more important with heatwaves making a more regular appearance.

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Hamid Salimi

Hamid has worked with Daikin for over 13 years in various roles such as product applications, HVAC design and currently as a Product Manager leading a team of product specialists covering all aspects of residential renewable heating and cooling.

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Katie Lilywhite

Katie is one of the resident experts at AO.com, covering a multitude of appliances including air quality products, health and beauty and products relating to homes and gardens.

Sarah Harley
Assistant Editor

Sarah is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Assistant Editor and joined the team in 2024. An established homes and interiors writer, Sarah has renovated and extended a number of properties, including a listing building and renovation project that featured on Grand Designs. Although she said she would never buy a listed property again, she has recently purchased a Grade II listed apartment. As it had already been professionally renovated, she has instead set her sights on tackling some changes to improve the building’s energy efficiency, as well as adding some personal touches to the interior.