Fan or AC: Which Will Give You the Best Night's Sleep?

A girl deciding between a fan or AC. There are 2 thought bubbles over her head. The left contains a fan; the other contains an air conditioner.

Fan or AC, which is better for sleep? Read this to make an informed decision and keep the heat at bay as you catch cool, deep and restful zzzs.


Whether you live in a warm climate or it's summer where you’re at, you need to keep cool for better sleep. So, should you choose a fan or an air conditioner (AC) during sweltering nights? Each option has its pros and cons.


We wrote this article to give you a deep dive into the world of fans and ACs. Aside from the pros and cons, we’ll focus on their energy requirements, health effects and noise output.


Let’s get started with the main points of this article.

Key Takeaways

  • Fans and ACs each have distinct advantages and disadvantages when cooling you down for better sleep.

  • Fans are typically more budget-friendly regarding retail prices and operation costs.

  • Air conditioners are the pricier option but provide consistent cooling for entire rooms.

  • There is no one-size-fits-all choice. Choosing between a fan and an AC depends on climate, allergies and respiratory issues. Noise levels, too.

Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Using a Fan for Sleep?

Fans are a popular and reliable method for staying cool. You’ll see why after we clue you in on the benefits:


  • More Cost-Effective: Fans tend to be more cost-effective than air conditioners in terms of their retail price and operational expenses. They’re ideal for those who don’t want to break the bank to keep cool.

  • Convenient and Portable: Unlike air conditioners, fans are lightweight and portable (unless on your ceiling). It’s a convenient way to add a cooling element anywhere in your home.

  • Minimal Environmental Impact: Fans use less electricity than air conditioners, reducing their environmental impact and energy costs.

  • Provides White Noise: The whirring of a fan provides calming white noise. White noise masks disruptive external sounds for a more peaceful sleep environment.

  • Circulates the Air: Fans promote airflow, ensuring warm air doesn't become stagnant and trapped in your bedroom.

What Are the Benefits of Using an Air Conditioner for Sleep?

It’s true fans come with their advantages, but it has to be said that air conditioners are more thorough when it comes to cooling. Here are some of the key benefits of using an AC for better sleep quality:


  • Precise Temperature Control: Air conditioners let you set and maintain a particular temperature in your sleep space, guaranteeing a consistently comfy atmosphere.

  • Dehumidification: Air conditioners don’t just lower the temperature but also extract excess moisture from the air, decreasing humidity. (This isn’t always a good thing, as you’ll discover later in this article.)

  • Allergy Relief: If you have allergies, an AC may be better than a fan. ACs have filters that prevent airborne contaminants and pollen from entering your sleeping space.

  • Consistent Cooling: Unlike fans that depend on the circulating air, ACs deliver uniform cooling across your bedroom.

  • Versatility: Today's ACs have extra features such as remote control operation, programmable schedules, and energy-efficient settings.

Fan vs AC: Energy Consumption and Cost

A side-by-side image of a box-type fan and a window air conditioner. Their energy consumption is written below each image.

When choosing between a fan or AC, evaluate each one’s energy usage and costs. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand how each option stacks up:


Fans are typically more energy-efficient than air conditioners, requiring much less electricity. For instance, a typical ceiling fan may use 55 to 100 watts of power. Meanwhile, Fox 59 says, “Experts say most box fans use around 50-100 watts of power per hour and a 20-inch box fan consumes about 50-75 watts per hour.(1)”


ACs usually consume a significant amount of energy. Their electricity usage depends on dimensions, cooling capacity, and efficiency rating. Anker says, “You can typically expect a window AC to consume about 1500 watts of electricity for larger models and 1000 watts for smaller ones.(2)” Central air conditioning systems usually have an even higher energy consumption.


To illustrate, imagine using a fan or air conditioner for 8 hours every night for a month. According to EnergyUse Calculator, with an average electricity rate of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), this would translate to a monthly expense of (3):


  • Fan (60 watts): $1.75 per month

  • Window AC (1,000 watts): $29.20 per month


Yep. It’s a huge difference, which makes fans a more economical choice.

What’s the Best AC Temperature for the Human Body During Sleep?

As mentioned earlier, ACs have more flexibility when it comes to temperature.  Sleep specialists suggest between 60 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 23 degrees Celsius). If you use an AC, adjust it to this temperature range.


So, what’s the deal with keeping your bedroom cool? Here are several benefits:


  • Improved Sleep Quality: Your body temperature lowers as you catch zzzs. Maintaining a lower room temperature supports this process, resulting in deeper, more restful sleep.

  • Better Thermoregulation: When your bedroom is too warm, your body exerts more effort to maintain an optimal internal temperature. This increased workload can disrupt your sleep patterns.

  • Reduced Sweating: Catching zzzs in a cool bedroom minimizes sweating and overheating at night. (Hot sleepers, you know what you need to do now!)


Be careful not to go overboard with a too-cool AC temperature, though. Extreme cold can harm your sleep quality. We recommend experimenting with the recommended temperature range above to determine the specific temperature that works for you.

Fan or Air Conditioner: Which Is Better for Health?

While they keep you cool, Fans and ACs can also negatively affect your health. Here’s how:


  • Allergies and Respiratory Issues: ACs have advanced filtration systems, which remove allergens and pollutants from your bedroom air. They’re the better alternative if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

  • Dehydration: Fans can worsen dehydration by fast-tracking the evaporation of moisture from your skin. Dehydration can be more problematic for individuals who live in a hot climate.

  • Dry Air: ACs can reduce moisture in the air, which may lead to respiratory discomfort and dry skin, to name a few. If you use an AC, pair it with a humidifier.

  • Muscle Cramps and Joint Pain: Are you prone to muscle cramps or joint discomfort? These can worsen after long exposure to cold air from your AC.


When choosing, take into account your health requirements. Consult your healthcare provider first if you have existing medical conditions.

Air Circulation: Fan or Air Conditioner?

Fans and ACs provide air circulation but in different ways. Let’s explore how:


Fans are engineered to circulate air within a space. They provide a breeze and stop pockets of hot air from stagnating. Despite this, they don’t lower the temperature in your bedroom.


ACs, on the other hand, also provide air circulation. Their primary purpose, however, is to extract heat and humidity from your space, significantly lowering the room's temperature.


When it comes to air circulation, fans are excellent at delivering a cool breeze to specific areas. Meanwhile, ACs provide a cooling experience for an entire room or living space.

Noise Levels: Fan vs AC

Now, let’s look at how a fan compares to an AC in terms of noise levels:


Fans typically emit a gentle and steady hum. In case you didn’t know, fans provide white noise, which can have a calming effect that is conducive to sleep. (Curious to know more white noise benefits? Read our article.) However, if your fan has seen better days, expect it to produce sounds that disrupt your sleep. (That’s why it's so essential to maintain yours properly!)


How loud an AC is depends on the model and how old the unit is. Window air conditioners tend to be noisier due to the sound of a compressor. In contrast, central AC systems operate more quietly, although they can still emit sounds from the air handler and ductwork.


If you’re a light sleeper sensitive to sounds, go for a fan that promises less noise or a high-efficiency air conditioner with minimal noise.

How Do You Decide Between a Fan and an AC?

Are you still scratching your head about which cooling device to choose? Choosing between a fan and an air conditioner is a matter of personal choice, according to your needs. Here’s what to consider:


  • Climate and Weather: In regions with warmer climates or on cooler summer evenings, a fan might be all you need to stay comfortable. However, an AC is better when dealing with extreme heat or high humidity.

  • Sleep Habits: If you’re a hot sleeper, an air conditioner might be the ideal solution for a consistently cool and comfy sleep environment.

  • Allergies and Respiratory Issues: An AC with an excellent filtration system can provide relief if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. It’ll filter out airborne contaminants.

  • Energy Costs and Environmental Impact: A fan is better if you’re on a tight budget or value energy conservation and environmental sustainability.

  • Noise Sensitivity: Go for a fan if you’re a light sleeper or noise-sensitive. A fan's soft, consistent whirr is more soothing than an AC's intermittent noises.


So, these are factors to consider when choosing between a fan or an AC. Consider your specific needs, and you’ll make a well-informed choice that guarantees a deep and restful night's sleep.

What Are Tips for Using a Fan or AC to Optimize Sleep Quality?

A girl cleaning a ceiling fan using a cloth. She is wearing a mask and protective goggles.

Whether you opt for a fan or an AC, here are tips to fully leverage each one’s advantages for a comfortable sleep atmosphere:


  • Proper Placement: Evaluate where to put your fan or AC for the best airflow and consistent cooling. Also, don’t position it where it directly hits your face; the air could dry out your eyes, nose and throat.

  • Regular Maintenance: Clean and maintain your fan AC regularly. This will ensure optimal performance and prevent the accumulation of dust, allergens, and other pollutants.

  • Use Timers or Programmable Settings: This will modify temperature or fan speed during the night, guaranteeing comfort while conserving energy.

  • Complement With Other Cooling Strategies: Try combining a fan with your air conditioning unit or other cooling methods like blackout curtains or breathable bedding to stay cool.

  • Stay Hydrated: Water, water, water! We can’t emphasize the importance of drinking it to maintain hydration, mainly when using a fan. (The constant air movement increases the risk of hydration!)


Follow these tips to ensure that your fan or air conditioner effectively provides a cool and comfortable sleeping environment. Remember, too, that your sleeping space should be quiet and dark. (Here’s how to make your bedroom darker.)


You may also want to invest in other sleep aids, a 100% blackout sleep mask or earplugs to get the high-quality sleep you deserve.

Conclusion: Choosing Between Fan or AC for the Best Night’s Sleep

So, fan or AC, which is better for sleep? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Both bring their own set of pros and cons to the table. The final decision depends on your preferences and needs.


Fans are affordable, energy-saving and eco-friendly if you prefer a gentler airflow and soothing background noise. They’re ideal for light sleepers or if you’re on a budget. (If you want to know more about fans, read our article: “Is Sleeping With a Fan Safe?”)


Meanwhile, ACs offer precise temperature control and moisture reduction. They also alleviate allergy symptoms (when they have advanced filtration systems). Air conditioners are the better option for warm and humid environments. Bear in mind that ACs can be noisy and incur high energy costs.


We hope the tips and information in this blog post help you choose what suits you best. Drop a comment below if it does.


Here’s wishing you cool, comfy and restful zzzs!

Sources:  

(1) "Is your window fan costing you more money?” Fox 59, fox59.com/news/national-world/is-your-window-fan-costing-you-more-money/. Accessed 22 August 2024.

(2) “Definitive Guide on How Many Watts Does a Windows AC Use?” Anker, www.anker.com/blogs/home-power-backup/watts-window-ac-use. Accessed 22 August 2024.

(3) “Electricity usage of an Air Conditioner” EnergyUse Calculator, energyusecalculator.com/electricity_airconditioner.htm. Accessed 22 August 2024.


Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.