Fan sales soon to increase over 1000% – Survey: How Finnish homes stay cool during heat waves
Press Release June 11, 2026
Summer temperatures are rising year after year, testing the ingenuity of Finns trying to cool their homes. While heat pumps and portable air conditioners are becoming more common, demand for affordable and stylish fans also explodes in July.
Verkkokauppa.com data shows that traditional fan sales grew 1366.8% from April to July last year. During the same period, searches for fans increased nearly 600%.
Compared to an air conditioner or heat pump, a fan doesn't cool the air—its effectiveness is based on optimizing air circulation. When used correctly, however, a fan can significantly improve comfort at home.
"The heat waves will be here soon, so don't wait to get the fan you want. If you're looking for a more affordable option and a large air conditioner feels like overkill, a fan that cools the air with cold water and cooling cartridges might be the right choice," says Verkkokauppa.com Sourcing Manager Petri Kavenius.
According to Finland's largest online retailer, consumers are particularly interested in fans with down-to-earth design, quiet operation, and smart features this summer.
"Fans have evolved tremendously in recent years, and many people no longer want just any ugly, noisy contraption in their home. Fortunately, there's plenty to choose from, and a modern fan is essentially a beautiful and unobtrusive interior element," Kavenius says.
The Stadler Form Simon floor fan features a stylish fabric cover. Photo: Verkkokauppa.com
DIY air conditioner, frozen sheets, and cheesecake – here are Finns' favorite cooling tricks
According to a cooling survey* conducted by Verkkokauppa.com in May, the creativity of heat-seeking Finns blooms during summer heat waves.
When asked about the most unusual way to cool indoor air, the most popular tip was placing cold packs or a bucket filled with ice in front of a household fan.
"Even the placement of the fan itself makes a surprising difference. In the evening, it's worth positioning the fan near a window so cooler outdoor air can circulate. Cold packs and ice cubes can then enhance the cooling effect," Kavenius advises.
Among textile-related cooling tricks, wet towels and drying laundry in the bedroom were mentioned in multiple responses. According to the survey, you can freeze your own sheets, and attempts have been made to cool a sweaty bed with cooling mats designed for dogs and icy soda bottles.
"The most ambitious idea of all was definitely one respondent's DIY air conditioner built from cold packs and a computer fan in a styrofoam box."
When summer nights are at their most unbearable, respondents recommended moving the mattress to the balcony or yard. If that's not possible, they suggested cooling the indoor air during the day by creating a draft through the mail slot or using foil on the windows.
"One respondent said they resort to spooning frozen cheesecake when all else fails. Opinions may vary on how well these tricks work, but the simplest solution is probably a quality fan," Kavenius concludes.
*Verkkokauppa.com surveyed its customers' thoughts on heat pumps and their purchase through a questionnaire shared on social media and via newsletter. A total of 1,188 people responded to the survey from May 4–10, 2026.
Additional information
press@verkkokauppa.com (Ulkoinen palvelu)
Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
