If the idea is to keep cool without spiking your energy bills, you’ll likely count on your ceiling fan considerably this summer. A prevalent strategy is to operate a fan without AC until it gets very hot, then shut the fan off and try the air conditioner when you really need it. This is a mistake! Operating the ceiling fan and air conditioner Running is the optimal way to maximize comfort and energy savings.
It can appear unnecessary to pursue two cooling methods at the same time, but fans make your air conditioner more effective. Use these five tips to help you get the most from your cooling system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First—if you don’t already have ceiling fans all over your home, look into installing some. You should be able to swap out any light fixture in the middle of the room for a quiet, reliable and stylish ceiling fan.
Remember that ceiling fans run best when the blades rest seven to nine feet above the floor, 10 to 12 inches from the ceiling, and at least 18 inches from the walls. This means your ceilings have to be a minimum of eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings may not benefit the way rooms with lower ceilings will.
As you may imagine, longer fans can move more air than smaller ones. Go for a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms approximately 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for bigger rooms. You can also install multiple fans in a line to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Check the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can move in both directions. Ensure yours is adjusted to spin counterclockwise during summer. This forces air down to make the breeze seem more prominent.
If you’re unsure whether the fan is turning the right way, turn it on and stand directly underneath it. If the breeze appears inadequate for how rapidly the blades are turning, you likely need to reverse the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, especially if they’re mounted on a vaulted ceiling. Search for a button on the remote to reverse the direction. If your fan doesn’t possess a remote, check the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can rotate in both directions because driving the air upward is useful for reducing heating bills in the winter. So when the seasons change, adjust your fan to rotate clockwise and use it on low to disperse warm air close to the ceiling back down to the living space without generating a breeze. This technique is particularly helpful in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Turn Up the Thermostat
You must change the thermostat to enjoy energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect created by using a ceiling fan makes the room seem up to 4 degrees cooler. This approach, which can make winter weather particularly bad, is the answer to home comfort and energy savings during the summer.
If you usually keep your house around 75 degrees, think about readjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to make up for the wind chill effect created by using a ceiling fan. Then, modify your outfit to improve your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season permits you to maximize comfort while reducing cooling costs.
Shut Off the Fans in Unoccupied Areas
It’s a widespread belief that ceiling fans lower the temperature in a room. Sure, they make you feel cooler, but all they do is shift air around. As a result, there’s not a good reason to keep a ceiling fan running in an empty room. Fans may cost pennies on the dollar to run as opposed to AC systems, but every little bit helps, so switch off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
Watch Your Energy Savings Grow
If you stick to the tips listed above, you could observe a drop in your air conditioning bills for the rest of the summer. After all, you can save nearly 3 percent on your cooling costs for every degree you raise the thermostat. And by appreciating the wind chill effect created by the ceiling fan, you can receive savings without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Service Experts
Simply, you shouldn’t overlook the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort in summer! If you want air conditioning services at any time, look to Service Experts to resolve your problem promptly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner run as proficiently as possible, ensuring it works together with your ceiling fans to keep your home and family comfortable for less. Call us today to request an appointment with the HVAC pros at Service Experts.
