Air Conditioner Archives

In tropical countries like Singapore and Malaysia, staying cool is a daily challenge. With temperatures consistently hovering between 23°C and 33°C and humidity levels often exceeding 80%, air conditioning has become the default solution for comfort. But as electricity bills soar and climate concerns grow, it’s time to rethink how we cool our spaces (and our bodies).

A growing number of experts now advocate for a fan-first strategy, using fans as the primary cooling method until indoor temperatures reach around 27°C. This isn’t just a cost-cutting tip; it’s a science-backed approach that balances comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Here’s why this strategy works, and why it might just be the cooling mindset shift we need in the tropics:

Why Fans Work (Even in High Humidity)

Let’s start with the basics: fans don’t lower room temperature. Instead, they help your body cool itself more efficiently through two main processes; evaporation and convection.

In humid climates like ours, sweat doesn’t evaporate easily because the air is already saturated with moisture. This is why you might feel sticky and uncomfortable even when you’re not overheating. What a fan does is create airflow that sweeps away the humid layer near your skin, allowing sweat to evaporate more effectively. That’s how it helps you cool down, even if the air around you stays warm.

Fans also promote convection cooling by disrupting the layer of warm air that surrounds the body. As the fan circulates air, it replaces this insulating layer with cooler ambient air, enhancing the sensation of comfort. In fact, studies show that fan use can make a space feel up to 4°C cooler.

Older guidelines once cautioned against fan use in extreme heat, but more recent findings show that fans remain safe and effective up to 38°C–39°C, especially when humidity is high. In Southeast Asia, where extreme dry heat is rare, fans are a practical and reliable tool for daily comfort.

Energy Efficiency: A Clear Win for Fans

When it comes to electricity consumption, the numbers are hard to ignore. A central air conditioner can consume up to 3,500 watts per hour, while a typical ceiling or pedestal fan uses only 15 to 100 watts. That’s just 1% to 5% of the energy, translating to substantial savings over time.

In Malaysia, where electricity is charged in tiers, fans help households stay within the lower, more affordable brackets. In Singapore, with regulated tariffs, fans similarly help keep monthly bills manageable for energy-conscious households.

And beyond the wallet, there’s the bigger picture: fans drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to air conditioners. They also relieve pressure on power grids, which is especially crucial during peak heat periods.

Comfort Without Compromise

You might be wondering; can fans really keep you comfortable in this heat?

The answer is yes—up to a point. Research shows that most people can tolerate indoor temperatures up to 27°C when using fans. This makes it entirely feasible to delay turning on the air conditioner, or set it to a higher temperature (say, 26°C to 28°C) while using a fan for air movement. This hybrid method keeps your space comfortable without burning through electricity.

Studies in Malaysia have shown this approach works well in homes, offices, and even religious spaces. In one study of Malaysian mosques, comfort levels were found to be optimal between 26°C and 27.8°C using natural ventilation and fans alone.

Similarly, in Singapore, pairing ceiling fans with higher air-conditioning set points in commercial buildings resulted in up to 30% energy savings, without sacrificing thermal comfort.

The Case for a Hybrid Cooling Strategy

There will be days when fans aren’t enough, especially during heatwaves or in poorly ventilated rooms. That’s where a hybrid strategy shines: use fans as the first line of defense, and bring in air conditioning only when absolutely necessary.

Fans help distribute cool air more evenly, eliminating hot spots and allowing your AC to run at a lower intensity. You get the same level of comfort with less energy use. It’s a smarter way to cool.

Some tips for effective hybrid cooling:

Set your ceiling fan to spin counter-clockwise during hot days where it pushes cooler air down.
Use portable fans to direct airflow where you need it most.
On cooler evenings, use window or exhaust fans to pull in fresh outdoor air.

Most importantly, listen to your body. Children, the elderly, and those with health conditions may need more aggressive cooling. But for the average healthy adult, fans provide more than enough relief until about 27°C.

Aligning with National Heat Guidelines

The fan-first approach also aligns with government heat health advice in both countries.

Malaysia uses a tiered heat alert system. During “Normal” and “Alert” levels (below 37°C), fans are recommended for staying cool. Only during extreme heatwaves (above 40°C) does air conditioning become essential.

Singapore doesn’t have a formal heat alert system, but the National Environment Agency and Energy Efficiency Programme Office have long advocated for sustainable cooling habits. One notable campaign encourages households and businesses to set air conditioners at 25°C or higher, promoting energy conservation while maintaining comfort. In such settings, pairing fans with higher AC setpoints significantly reduces energy usage without compromising how cool you feel.

Again, fans play a central role in this strategy, helping maintain airflow, reducing hot spots, and making elevated AC temperatures feel just as comfortable.

Let’s Rethink How We Stay Cool

Living in the tropics doesn’t mean we need to rely on air conditioning 24/7. By adopting a fan-first approach and saving air conditioning for when it’s truly needed, we can reduce our energy bills, lower our environmental impact, and still stay comfortable.

I believe it’s time we normalize fans as the primary cooling method, not as a backup. With smart placement, good air circulation, and an understanding of how our bodies respond to heat, fans can keep us cool and healthy well into the high twenties.

In a warming world, small choices like this matter more than ever. So the next time you reach for the remote, consider the fan first. It’s the cooler, smarter choice for Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond.

Elevate Everyday Comfort, The Smarter Way

True comfort isn’t just about temperature; it’s about how your space feels. A thoughtfully designed fan can transform your environment by improving air circulation, reducing stagnation, and making your daily routines feel lighter, fresher, and more breathable.

The JustZan 360º Air Circulator Fan does exactly that. Its wide-angle oscillation, quiet performance, and elegant build bring together form and function, perfect for those who value both practicality and style.

Start making smarter, more sustainable choices at home. Get yours today for RM299 / $98—available for a limited time only.

Minimalism isn’t just about clean surfaces and fewer things—it’s about making intentional choices that reduce complexity and prioritize what matters. For many minimalists today, that intentionality extends even to how they cool their homes. Instead of defaulting to traditional air conditioners (AC), a growing number are turning to air circulators—a simpler, more efficient solution that better aligns with their values.

The Problem With AC (for Minimalists)

Air conditioning offers powerful cooling but comes with significant drawbacks:

High energy use (500–5000+ watts),
Ongoing maintenance (filters, coils, refrigerants),
Environmental impact (HFCs and electricity demand),
Bulky footprint (especially split or central systems),
and substantial upfront and running costs.

For minimalists embracing low-maintenance living, that’s a lot of hassle for a device that might not even be necessary in many climates or smaller homes.

Why Air Circulators Are Gaining Ground

Air circulators don’t lower the room’s temperature like AC units—but they enhance airflow, eliminating hot spots and making rooms feel cooler through continuous circulation. Their compact, plug-and-play design fits perfectly in small homes, studios, or dorms—especially where permanent AC installations are impractical.

Key minimalist-friendly features include:

Low energy usage (as little as 40W),
No refrigerants or professional servicing,
Minimal upkeep (just occasional dusting),
and affordable price tags ($80-$150 on average).

They also fit well in flexible spaces, allowing users to move them from room to room or store them away when not needed.

Minimalist Values in Action

Air circulators embody the very values that define minimalist living:

Intentionality: Choosing “good enough” comfort without overconsuming.
Simplicity: No installation, no filters, no complex controls.
Frugality: Lower purchase and operating costs free up money for priorities.
Sustainability: Reduced energy demand and no harmful refrigerants.
Function over excess: They do what’s needed—and no more.

Comparing Cooling Systems Through a Minimalist Lens

Let’s break down the differences between air circulators and AC units in the areas that matter most to minimalists:

Feature	Air Circulator	Air Conditioner
Setup	Plug-and-play	Installation required
Energy Use	~ 40 to 100W	~ 500 to 5000W+
Running Cost	Cents per day	$30–$300+ monthly
Maintenance	Occasional dusting	Filter changes, servicing
Environmental Impact	No refrigerants, low footprint	High energy use, HFCs
Footprint	Compact, portable	Bulky, semi-permanent

While air conditioners are often needed during especially warm or humid days, many minimalists find that air circulator fans strike the right balance—delivering everyday comfort without the high energy costs or maintenance.

They also work well alongside AC units, helping to circulate cool air more efficiently. This lets you raise the thermostat slightly, reduce power bills, and still stay comfortable throughout the day.

Real-World Minimalism

Online forums and product reviews reveal a recurring theme: minimalists love the balance air circulators strike. Users praise their portability, quiet operation, and surprising effectiveness, especially in smaller rooms.

Many adopt hybrid cooling strategies: using circulators most of the time, and relying on AC only when absolutely necessary—further minimizing environmental and financial impact.

Rethinking Comfort

In the end, the rise of the air circulator is about more than airflow—it’s a sign that people are rethinking comfort through the lens of sustainability, simplicity, and intentionality.

Minimalists aren’t rejecting cool air. They’re embracing smarter ways to get it.

So if you’re looking to live with less, spend less, and stress less—without sacrificing your sanity in the heat—an air circulator might just be the breath of fresh air your home needs.