How much does it cost to run a Dyson fan overnight?
THE UK is in the midst of another heatwave, and that means millions of people are bracing for some sleepless nights.
There are all sorts of tricks and gadgets you can use to try and stay cool on a hot night.
From popping your pillow cases in the freezer to laying on a cooling gel mat, plenty of gizmos promise to keep you comfortable.
But is there anything more effective than a trusty fan?
But with the rising cost of living on everyone's minds, it might be worth knowing just how much it is costing you to keep cool.
Household bills are generally lower during the summer months as there is no need to use the tumble dryer or have the heating on.
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But be careful not to cancel those savings out with your new household gadget.
The Dyson Pure Cool fan has quickly become a popular choice for those who can afford it.
The sleek design promises to keep you cool as well as removing microscopic allergens and pollutants from the air - but it comes with a big price tag.
At around £400, it's considerably more than some of the cheapest fans we rounded up.
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So how much does it cost to run?
How much does a Dyson cost to run compared to other fans?
In case you don't know it by now, this is the equation you need to work out how much a device is costing you to run:
Cost = power (kilowatt) × time (hour) × cost of 1 kWh (pence).
While a typical desk fan uses around 35watts of energy, the Dyson Pure Cool uses considerably more at 55watts.
Unsurprisingly, that means it's more expensive to run.
According to Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch, it'll cost you 19.8p to keep it running for 12 hours straight.
If you had it on for 24 hours a day during a week-long heatwave it would set you back £2.77.
But there are ways you can maximise the fan's use, Ben said.
"To ensure the fan is working as effectively as possible, make sure it is free of obstructions and is not dusty, as these could cause it to work harder than it needs to.
"On really hot days, placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of an electric fan will lower the temperature of the air being blown around the room.
"Keeping your curtains closed during the day will stop sunlight from warming up your home, while filling a hot water bottle with cold water can help keep you cool."
The 12-hour cost of the Dyson Cool Fan compares with around 12p for a standard desktop fan, and around 9p for a Dyson Cool Desk fan.
The good news is, the Dyson Pure Cool fan is still cheaper than some other options.
Air-con is best avoided unless you really need it - keeping a portable air-conditioning unit on for just 24 hours will add a whopping £6.72 to your bills.
Of course, the exact amount you pay depends on your actual usage and the energy deal you are on, as well as the make and model of your fan.
How else can I keep cool in a heatwave?
Keeping a fan on its lowest setting can help to use less energy, if you're worried about costs.
Placing it in front of an open window can make it more effective - or you could place a bowl of ice cubes in front of it to generate a nice, cool breeze.
Uswitch said: "If you’ve just got your fan out of the garage or attic it may have accumulated a lot of dust, which can reduce the efficiency of the mechanism. Give your fan a good clean, removing any dust from the blades and any other surfaces.”
And if you're trying to avoid switching the fan on at all, there are other ways to keep cool as the temperature rises.
Open all the windows to get the air moving if you're at home - or if you're out, keep the blinds and curtains closed to shut out the heat.
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Take a cool (but not freezing) shower before bed to lower your body temperature, and freeze a bottle of water so you've always got a thirst-quenching drink to hand.
Turn off any unnecessary devices that could be generating extra heat, and sleep in cotton clothing.