Effectiveness of simple electric fans in reducing the number of hours with heat strain inside buildings

Climate change, marked by rising temperatures, poses significant health risks to indoor-bound individuals. This paper stresses the need for proactive public health measures, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and economically disadvantaged who lack access to air conditioning. As heatwaves worsen, traditional solutions, like energy-intensive air conditioning, are problematic due to increased energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost issues. Instead, this paper proposes an affordable solution: electric fans, natural ventilation, and window shadings to combat heat stress indoors. The study examines the effectiveness of electric fans, window shading, and natural ventilation in mitigating extreme heat's impact. Findings show a notable reduction in heat exposure, even in worst-case scenarios, with electric fans reducing heat strain hours. The methodology employs EnergyPlus and Design Builder software for a comprehensive numerical simulation of a sample building constructed between 1961 and 1975 in Trieste, Italy, incorporating historical weather data, extreme conditions, and future projections to enhance the analysis's depth and relevance.