A ceiling fancosts just a few cents an hour to run, which is nothing compared to an air conditioner. And you don’t have to pick one or the other, use the two together and you’ll feel cooler without cranking the AC so high. Even setting your air con a couple of degrees warmer can make a big difference to the bill.

This surprises a lot of people, ceiling fans can actually help in winter too. Many models now have a “reverse” switch that spins the blades the other way. Instead of blowing cool air down, the fan gently pushes the warm air (that gathers at the ceiling) back into the room. It’s subtle, but it means your heater doesn’t have to work so hard.

We love our outdoor spaces in Australia, and a ceiling fan can make a patio or alfresco much more comfortable on sticky evenings. Outdoor-rated fans are built to handle moisture and humidity, so you can enjoy that late-night BBQ or Sunday arvo drinks without feeling like you’re melting.

Gone are the days of ugly, rattly fans. These days they come in all sorts of styles, sleek black for modern builds, timber-look blades for coastal or country homes, even brushed metallics if you’re chasing a bit of polish. Instead of sticking out, the right fan can feel like it belongs in the room.

There’s nothing worse than lying in bed on a hot night, with the AC blasting cold air in your face. A decent fan with a quiet motor gives you a gentle breeze without the racket, which makes it easier to sleep. It’s one of those upgrades you wonder how you lived without.