The Fan‑First Heat Protection strategy promotes the use of electric fans as the first line of defense against indoor heat, delaying reliance on air conditioning. Fans can provide a perceived temperature drop of up to 4 °C under moderate humidity, while consuming only a fraction of the energy used by air conditioners. This approach not only enhances thermal comfort but significantly reduces household energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—potentially by over 70% in typical Australian homes. Research also indicates that fan use may reduce cardiovascular stress among older adults, even under higher temperature conditions. The fan-first model supports broader goals of climate adaptation, public health, and energy equity by lowering electricity demand during heatwaves. Recommendations include public education on safe fan usage thresholds, combining fans with skin-wetting for better cooling, and integrating fan use into clinical and public health heat-management plans. This strategy offers a scalable, low-cost response to increasing climate-driven heat risks.