If the idea is to keep cool without racking up your energy bills, you’ll certainly depend on your ceiling fan a great deal this summer. A common technique is to operate a fan without AC until it gets extremely hot, then flip the fan off and run the air conditioner when you really need it. This is a mistake! Running the ceiling fan and air conditioner simultaneously is the best way to maximize comfort and energy savings.
It can appear redundant to use 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 off—if you don’t already have ceiling fans in your home, consider installing some. You should be able to change out any light fixture in the heart of the room for a silent, efficient and eye-catching ceiling fan.
Keep in mind that ceiling fans run best when the blades sit 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 at least eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings will not benefit as much.
As you might imagine, bigger fans can move more air than shorter ones. Opt for a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms approximately 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for deeper rooms. You can also install multiple fans in a row to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Check the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can run in both directions. Make sure yours is ready to spin counterclockwise during the summer. This drives air back down to make the breeze appear more prominent.
If you’re not sure whether a fan is rotating the right way, flip it on and stay right under it. If the breeze feels inadequate for how rapidly the blades are rotating, you might need to switch the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, usually if they’re fitted on a vaulted ceiling. Search for a button on the remote to change the direction. If your fan doesn’t have a remote, inspect the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can rotate in both directions because pushing the air upward is useful for lowering heating costs in the winter. So when the seasons change, set your fan to turn clockwise and use it on low to circulate warm air toward the ceiling back to the living space without producing a breeze. This strategy is very useful in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Adjust the Thermostat
You have to adjust the thermostat to make the most of energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t be afraid of feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect produced by running a ceiling fan makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This principle, which can make winter conditions particularly bad, is the trick to home comfort and energy savings in the summer.
If you ordinarily keep your house about 75 degrees, consider adjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to compensate for the wind chill effect created by using a ceiling fan. Then, modify your outfit to boost your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season allows you to enhance comfort while lowering cooling costs.
Shut Off the Fans in Unusued Areas
It’s a widespread misconception that ceiling fans reduce the temperature in a room. Of course, they make you feel cooler, but all they do is shift air around. As a result, there’s never a reason to keep a ceiling fan on in an unoccupied room. Fans may cost pennies on the dollar to run as opposed to AC systems, but every little bit counts, so shut off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
See Your Energy Savings Grow
If you stick to the tips listed above, you should recognize a drop in your air conditioning expenses for the rest of the summer. After all, you can save nearly 3 percent on your cooling costs for each degree you raise the thermostat. And by enjoying the wind chill effect created by the ceiling fan, you can experience savings without losing out on comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Plainly, you shouldn’t underestimate the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort this summer! If you need air conditioning services at any point, look to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to fix your problem fast. Our technicians can help your air conditioner work as effectively as possible, ensuring it works together with your ceiling fans to keep your home and family comfortable for less. Call us today to arrange an appointment with the HVAC pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.