Way cool techie fans cut electric bills

Contrary to popular belief, the livin' ain't easy during summertime.

We're talking beads of sweat obliterating your makeup, causing T-shirt stains and giving you yet another reason to procrastinate that daily jog.

Luckily, fans have come a long way since that dustball-infested boxy monstrosity that sounded like your grumpy uncle. Besides being energy-efficient, today's sleek fans can make you feel 3 to 8 degrees cooler through increased airflow.

There are bladeless fans, quiet-as-a-whisper fans and tiny fans that pop into your computer.

Earlier this year, a Japanese manufacturer, Iris Ohyama, released a Human-sensing Oscillating Fan with a built-in infrared sensor. The technology ensures the fan blows air in the direction of people, not empty space. It can also sense more than one person, rotating accordingly. If no one is detected within range, it will shut off after one minute.

The fan, which retails for 18,000 yen, or $176, is not yet available in the U.S. But these chill devices are:

Sound of silence

Users report that the cute-as-a-button Vornado Zippi ($17 at Amazon.com) features child- and pet-safe soft blades. It's great for cooling a small space like a cubicle, comes in fun colors and can be stowed in a backpack. Reviews say durability can be iffy; for some, the Zippi conked out in less than a year.

"Hot N Cold"

You never know, Katy Perry could've been crooning about Dyson's Hot + Cool Fan Heater ($400-$500 at major retailers), which doubles as a cooling fan and space heater. Stylish yet functional, the slim, bladeless design comes with a remote control and adjustable settings for temperatures between 32 degrees and 99 degrees. It's lightweight and quieter than a buzzing mosquito. Earlier this year, however, the company known for bagless vacuums recalled nearly 400,000 units (models AM04 and AM05), after it was discovered that the heaters could overheat and cause a fire hazard. Products not subject to the recall continue to be sold at retailers like J.C. Penney, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.

Arctic computer

Chuck the batteries with the Arctic Breeze Mobile ($8 at Amazon.com). This handy fan can be powered by tablets, laptops or a portable USB power source. Compact with a flexible head, the fan keeps gamers cool (pretending to be an infantryman can be exhausting) without the distracting hum.

Follow TrenDE on Twitter @MargieTrenDE and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/margietrende. Email shopping column ideas to mfishman@delawareonline.com.