Heat drives sales of fans and portable air conditioners

When the heat intensifies, people will try almost anything to cool their homes, and the figures make that clear. Sales of climate-control appliances have more than doubled in recent days, led by fans and portable air conditioners. Shoppers are also spending more than they did last year, with products starting at €12 and rising beyond €1,000. The wait for fixed-unit installation can extend to four weeks.

Long-neck fans, portable units, air coolers, Wi-Fi-enabled towers, ventilators and air conditioners: the market is broad, offering increasingly effective ways to stay cool. Demand rises whenever thermometers near 40 °C, and this year is no exception. Rita Faria, managing director of KuantoKusta, told JN that orders for these products more than doubled in the first days of July compared with last year. Searches also increased across the various climate-control appliance categories, which occupied the platform’s top five places. Portable air conditioners were the most requested product, followed by evaporative air coolers.

Worten says it is experiencing its best-ever year for fan and air-cooler sales, with turnover up by around 30% on the same period last year. Sales of portable air conditioners, which cost less than fixed systems, have risen by 40%. Miguel Sousa, operations director at Fnac, also reports an 80% increase in fan sales and a 60% rise in air-conditioning appliances.

Up to four weeks

The executive acknowledges that consumers are spending, on average, 30% more than last year. It should be remembered that, in 2025, VAT on energy equipment rose from 6% to 23%, an increase that can amount to €48 on certain products. Rui Gafur, technology equipment director at Auchan Retail, says sales climbed by 15% in the final week of June and the first days of July. Once again, fans and portable air conditioners are the most sought-after appliances. El Corte Inglés says sales have surged across its range, from options starting at €12.95 to considerably higher-priced products.

Heavy demand has required additional air-conditioner installation teams, yet some customers are still waiting to have their units fitted. Fnac reports that the average waiting period for the work to be completed is between three and four weeks.

Mora was the hottest area at 44.3 degrees

The start of July was particularly hot, colouring the map of weather extremes red and purple. The highest temperature appears to have been recorded in Mora on the 3rd, at 44.3 °C. Portugal’s all-time highest-temperature record still belongs to Amareleja, which reached 47.3 °C in 2003. The coming days will bring milder temperatures. However, a yellow warning remains in place today for Guarda and Bragança.

Guidance for coping with heat and protecting the most vulnerable groups

Increase hydration
Drinking at least 1.5 litres of water a day is recommended, even when not thirsty. People should reduce heat exposure between 11 am and 5 pm and watch for signs including dizziness, weakness, headaches, disorientation or cramps.

People experiencing homelessness
This is one of the groups most vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Authorities therefore recommend increasing outreach rounds on the hottest days, distributing water, oral rehydration salts, lightweight clothing and hats, and identifying shaded and cooling locations.

Alcohol is the enemy
Regarding diet, the DGS advises against alcoholic, sugary and energy drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Cool bags
It is advisable to carry chilled food in cool bags, keep perishable goods below 5 °C and eat leftovers within two to three days. Food should not be left inside vehicles exposed to the sun.

Fruit and vegetables
Eating water-rich foods such as fruit and vegetables, as well as light meals including cold soups, is also recommended.