Residing in Boston, I’ve adapted to the sweltering summer warmth. The secret to enduring those humid months is an efficient air conditioner and the occasional getaway from the city. Therefore, you can imagine my frustration when I moved into an apartment three years ago featuring horizontally sliding windows—rendering it impossible to fit a conventional window AC or even a portable unit.

As someone who fantasizes about dozing off in a walk-in refrigerator, I was truly worried about how I’d cope with the sticky Northeast nights without an air conditioning unit. After some research, a former colleague recommended the Vornado 660 fan. And I must say—it was the best $100 I’ve ever invested.

At first sight, the Vornado 660 may not seem impressive. It doesn’t oscillate and offers only four speed settings. But don’t let that mislead you—this fan is a force to be reckoned with. Even on medium-high, it propels air with remarkable vigor, allowing me to sleep comfortably even when temperatures surged into the 90s. That first summer without an AC? I rested soundly, all thanks to this fan.

In contrast to an air conditioner, which lowers a room’s temperature by cycling warm air through a refrigerant mechanism, a fan functions by circulating air to assist your body in dispelling heat through evaporation. So while AC chills the whole area, a fan works best when directed straight at you. The Vornado 660 excels in this aspect, keeping you cool even during the stickiest nights. Additionally, it produces a vortex of air circulation that reflects airflow off the walls, aiding in refreshing the entire space. I can’t visualize the airflow, but I notice the effect: the room feels airier, less claustrophobic, and more breathable.

If I had a single grievance, it’s that the Vornado 660 tends to accumulate dust in its grates. Thankfully, it can be taken apart for cleaning, though I advise regular dusting to maintain its optimal condition. Setting that minor hassle aside, it serves as an outstanding alternative to AC—especially since it consumes far less electricity. Even if you can install an air conditioner, switching to a fan like this can help you save on your energy expenses.

Since acquiring my first Vornado 660, I’ve added a second one to our home office. I utilize it year-round while sleeping—not solely for cooling, but also for the comforting white noise. Even now that we have an AC unit in the bedroom, the fan assists in circulating the air, keeping it feeling revitalized. My partner and I value it so much, we even take it along on vacations when we’re uncertain about the cooling arrangements at our destination.

So, if you’re unable to set up an AC this summer—or just want to reduce your energy costs—the Vornado 660 fan is unequivocally my top recommendation for staying cool.