Fans use just a fraction of the energy that air conditioners guzzle, as they only have to rotate lightweight blades. But while they might help your room feel less muggy, they only move the air around rather than actually cooling it.

Around two million tonnes of electrical and electronic waste are generated every year, so it’s important to dispose of your portable air conditioner correctly and in a way that isn’t harmful to the environment. Read our ElectriQ p12HPW review to see if this air conditioner is actually smart, or if it misses the mark.Installing split-air, permanent units throughout your home will cost much more – likely in the thousands. If you're looking to install a permanent unit, use our Trusted Trader tool to find a contractor endorsed by Which?. Taking lukewarm (not cold) showers throughout the day can also help you to feel cooler. Taking a freezing shower might temporally feel better, but your body will try to regulate core temperature by retaining heat. This will increase blood flow to your skin, making you feel even warmer than you were before. They come in various shapes and sizes, but are often described in terms of their BTU (British thermal unit) output. When setting up wi-fi on your air conditioner (if applicable), place the air conditioner as close to the router as possible. Manufacturers often state that the unit requires a good signal during the setup process. If left in landfill, they can release the refrigerant into the environment. Some models contain HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases.

All of the models we've tested are heavy (up to 30kg) and awkward to lift out of the box. If you live alone, we suggest you get someone to help you set it up, particularly if you're pregnant or elderly. There are a few useful things you can do to cool down in hot weather without having to invest in new equipment. While the most popular air conditioners all have a fan-only mode, it's an expensive option if that's all you want to use it for. You're better off buying an electric fan instead.Before you get a portable unit, there are some more sustainable options to cool your home that you can try beforehand, such as using an electric fan or closing curtains.

They are generally heavy, unwieldy appliances. If you have reduced strength and/or live alone, you might need to get someone to help you set it up. If you're concerned about how much energy an air conditioner will use, look for a model with a good energy efficiency ratio (EER). This is the ratio between an air conditioner's BTU and its power input (in watts). Generally, the higher the EER rating, the more efficient it is. Portable models extract hot air from your home and push it outside through the attached hose. A reliable model will cool the room you're in, but don't expect it to push cold air down the hallway or into another room. Fancier models with built-in air purifiers and dehumidifiers can be expensive, but could save you some money and space as you'll only be buying one model that does it all. However, you might be better off spending a little more to buy separate units that each do a better job.Some models double up as a dehumidifier, meaning they serve a purpose throughout the year, not only in the summer. If you'll mostly be using this function, though, we recommend buying a dedicated dehumidifier instead. Split-unit air conditioners tend to be more energy efficient, but these are more expensive and have to be permanently installed by a professional. We don't test split-unit air conditioners as they're less popular in the UK. Also known as fixed air conditioners, these are comprised of two parts: a condensing unit (mounted outside) and an evaporator (mounted inside). Both parts need to be connected, so installation is far more complex compared with a portable model.