Fans or air con

The traditional Spanish approach is to get up early, open your windows for about an hour to let the cool air in, then close the windows and shutters / blinds. That will generally keep the house cool all day - and it's free!

Aircon costs considerably more to purchase than fans and also costs more to run. However, it will keep you cooler as, unless you take the Spanish approach mentioned above, fans are really just blowing the warm air around.

Most modern aircon units can also provide heat in the winter (although there are obviously running costs for this too), so they have an additional benefit.

Depending on the size and layout of your property, one aircon unit in your lounge and one in the main bedroom should suffice. If you can afford it, having spent £XXXXX on your property, I wouldn't scrimp on paying to be comfortable.

Hope this helps!

Absolutely right RichT !  above about 30C  which we are experiencing now 40C -  and upwards. fans are totally useless.  Cut your AC use to essential use only and it's not too bad an expense I find. Heat exhaustion is a thing to be avoided.

I have aircon and ceiling fans and I prefer the ceiling fans for sleeping. I leave the window open 1cm and the bedroom door open and this creates a nice breeze. They are on a timer so not on all night and they keep me cool and able to sleep at night. As other posters said keep the blinds down and only open them in the mornings to let the fresh air in. 

Hola     yes it is hot in Spain     I find keeping the shutters down   (the sun reflects away in the daytime) and all the windows open

no duvet     taking cool showers     

I use the ceiling and free standing fan  

where I live is in a valley    so get some  wind most afternoons    off the mountains  

but if very hot    close the windows and turn on the air-con 

Tip if you   go outa lot     have window bars fitted    

as for the winter    trying to save heat is a problem    call around my doors are always open 

i have the aircon at 26/27 set on auto windows and doors closed….alternatively if theres a breeze outside I can leave windows and doors open for a through draught….its about being comfortable!!