Unless you live somewhere that’s moderate year round, chances are you’ve relied on a air cooling fan to make an otherwise steamy room more bearable. While fans don’t always add cold air to the mix, they help circulate the air so that our bodies can better cool down. In some cases, though, air conditioning is a much better option. “If a person has allergies, asthma, or eczema that are exacerbated by pollen, then it's best to use air conditioners, which filter out pollen and allow the windows to be closed,” says Hadley King, M.D., NYC-based dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. But the reality is that air conditioning isn’t always available—and in some cases, skin conditions like eczema can be triggered by heat. In these situations, a cooling fan can be helpful, says Hadley, as long as it’s used c...

Air purifiers usually consist of a filter, or multiple filters, and a fan that sucks in and circulates air. As air moves through the filter, pollutants and particles are captured and the clean air is pushed back out into the living space. Typically, filters are made of paper, fiber (often fiberglass), or mesh, and require regular replacement to maintain efficiency.

If you’re tired of stockpiling blankets, extra socks, and heating pads to keep you warm, it might be time to consider getting a space heater. These powerful appliances are a great way to get cozy without installing a complicated heating system. If your radiator just isn’t cutting it or your officemate insists on keeping the window open, a space heater could be the perfect solution. The best space heaters are designed specifically to warm up spaces both small and large; they should be portable, effective, and fast-acting....