The UK is currently enjoying a welcome break from the usual rainy weather, with much of the country basking in warm temperatures. However, unlike holiday destinations, our homes are typically not equipped with air conditioning, making it challenging to stay cool during a heatwave.

Electric fans are a popular solution for these conditions, providing a cost-effective way to maintain a comfortable and cool environment at home. However, experts warn that there's a common mistake many people make which can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and increased costs.

Consumer experts at Which? have compiled a useful guide on how to stay cool during a heatwave without air conditioning, as the higher temperatures can be quite oppressive and uncomfortable.

Given that the UK experiences only a few weeks of hot weather each year at most, investing in an air conditioning unit often doesn't justify the expense. In fact, an air conditioner consumes the same amount of energy in one hour as a fridge does in a day, reports the Mirror.

This is why electric fans are a preferred choice - they're significantly cheaper than air conditioning units and generally affordable to operate. However, their effectiveness depends on correct usage.

There's a wide variety of fan types available, from small desk fans to larger tower models. It's crucial to remember that fans don't actually cool the air - they merely circulate it.

The sensation of feeling cooler is due to the fan's breeze aiding in evaporating the moisture or sweat on your skin. So if you've been leaving your fan on in an unoccupied room to 'cool it down', reconsider this practice - as experts deem it a mere waste of energy.

Another vital tip to bear in mind relates to your fan's placement. You should always aim to position it at the same height or lower than yourself, such as on the floor or a low table, with the unit directed upwards.

This ensures the cooler air is propelled upwards, rather than pushing warmer air - which ascends to the top of a room - downwards onto you.