Bangladesh is currently going through mild to severe heat waves. Due to the scorching sun and heat, many people are experiencing heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, etc. Not to mention, the extremely hot weather has accelerated the sales of air conditioners. However, not everyone can afford AC due to its initial and operational costs. Nowadays, mist fans are gaining popularity as cost-effective cooling gadgets to beat the heat. It can be an affordable solution to stay cool without breaking the bank.   What’s the Difference Between a Mist Fan and an Air Conditioner? There’s a common marketing trope that mist fans are mini air conditioners. But the truth is that mist fans and air conditioners are different things and they work on different principles.  Mist fans atomize the water and disperse in the air. The dispersed water particles quickly evaporate by absorbing the heat from the surroundings. This rapid evaporation causes a cooling effect, lowering the ambient temperature in the surrounding area.  On the other hand, air conditioners cool an area by removing the heat and humidity from the air. It uses the refrigeration principle to replace the hot air inside in a cyclic manner.  Mist fans can reduce the temperature by 3-4 degrees Celcius in a semi-open or open environment. On the other hand, air conditioners can drastically reduce the temperature as they work best in an enclosed environment. Though mist fans are not alternatives to ACs, these cooling gadgets can give comfort by cooling the room temperature spreading mists and air. Read more: Heat Stroke Prevention: Best foods, drinks to avoid heat exhaustion What to Consider Before Buying a Mist Fan?  There are several things to consider while buying the perfect mist fan. With tons of options available in the market, here’s a list of things you should check before buying one.  Portability and Size  One of the key things to consider is the need for portability of your mist fan. Do you need to move it around or will it remain stationary at one place? Depending on portability, mist fans come in several sizes. It is recommended to choose one that best fits your use case.  Misting Level  The misting capacity is another thing to consider while getting a mist fan. If you plan to use the fan outdoors, it is recommended to buy a fan with a high water reserve and high misting capacity.  Mist Fan Coverage  The size and misting capacity of a mist fan greatly determines the coverage area. If you want to cover a small area, then portable type mist fans can be a great choice. When you want to cover a large area from a stationary position, consider getting a pedestal-type mist fan.  Read more: Heat Stroke: Symptoms, First Aid, and Prevention Fan Speed and Functions Mist fans come with different functions at different price points. A basic mist fan may provide different fan speeds but an advanced and more expensive fan may have different wind modes and mist control.  Noise Level  Large mist fans (pedestal type) make a lot of noise which can be problematic for indoor use. If you’re planning to buy a mist fan for your home, it would be wise to go for a portable or a smaller one as they tend to make less noise compared to the large pedestal ones.  Power Source  The power source is another thing to consider while buying a mist fan. For example, if you want to use the mist fan outdoors, it needs to have a battery charge feature. Many indoor mist fans also come with a dual power feature.  Rechargeability Rechargeable mist fans can work for several hours without electricity. Depending on the specifications, these kinds of mist fans need to be connected to power lines for hours to get recharged. During power cuts and load sheddings, a charged mist fan can spread cool air and mists to keep you cool. Read more: Summer Heatwave: Here’s How to Keep Children Safe Durability  The durability of the fan plays an important role, especially if you are planning to use it outdoors. As a rule of thumb, sturdy, metal-built mist fans would be better for outdoor use whereas plastic ones would suffice for indoor conditions. Additional Features  Many mist fans these days come with additional features like insect repellant, air purification, and even LED lights. You can assess each feature based on your usage.  Price and Warranty  And last but not least, it is recommended to double-check the price and warranty. Additional things to check include user reviews and brand reputation to make sure you’re getting the bang for your buck.