If your goal is to keep cool without racking up your energy bills, you’ll probably count on your ceiling fan a lot this summer. A common approach is to run a fan without AC until it gets extremely hot, then switch the fan off and use the air conditioner in its place. This is a mistake! Operating the ceiling fan and air conditioner together is the best way to maximize comfort and energy savings.
It may seem redundant to pursue two cooling methods at once, but fans make your air conditioner more efficient. Follow these five tips to help you get the most from your cooling system this summer.
First things first—if you don’t already have ceiling fans throughout your home, look into installing a few. You should have the ability to swap out any light fixture in the heart of the room for a quiet, efficient and stylish ceiling fan.
Keep in mind that ceiling fans work best when the blades are 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 should be a minimum of eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings might not benefit the way rooms with lower ceilings will.
As you might imagine, larger fans can move more air than smaller ones. Opt for a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms up to 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for larger rooms. You can also install multiple fans in a row to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Ceiling fans can operate in both directions. Make sure yours is set to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This pushes air downward to make the breeze appear more prominent.
If you’re not sure whether your fan is turning the right way, turn it on and stand directly beneath it. If the breeze feels low for how fast the blades are rotating, you probably need to change the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, especially if they’re installed on a vaulted ceiling. Check for a button on the remote to reverse the direction. If your fan doesn’t have a remote, feel around the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can rotate both ways because pushing the air upward is useful for lowering heating bills in the winter. So when the seasons change, adjust your fan to turn clockwise and run it on low to disperse warm air near the ceiling back to the living space without producing a breeze. This technique is very beneficial in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
You must adjust the thermostat to enjoy energy savings from running a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect created by running a ceiling fan makes the room appear about 4 degrees cooler. This concept, which can make winter weather miserable, is the key to home comfort and energy savings during the summer.
If you normally keep your house about 75 degrees, try adjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to compensate for the wind chill effect created by running a ceiling fan. Then, adjust your outfit to increase your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season allows you to maximize comfort while lowering cooling costs.
It’s a common misconception that ceiling fans lower the temperature in the room. Sure, they make you feel cooler, but all they do is move air around. As a result, there’s no reason to keep a ceiling fan running in an unoccupied room. Fans might cost pennies on the dollar to operate compared to air conditioners, but every little bit counts, so turn off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
If you follow the tips outlined above, you could notice a decrease in your air conditioning bills throughout the summer. After all, you can save up to 3 percent on your cooling costs for every degree you adjust the thermostat. And by enjoying the wind chill effect formed by the ceiling fan, you can experience savings without sacrificing comfort.
Clearly, you shouldn’t underestimate the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort in summer! If you need air conditioning services sometime soon, turn to Knochelmann Service Experts to resolve your problem quickly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner run as effectively as possible, ensuring it works in tandem with your ceiling fans to keep your home and family comfortable for less. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the HVAC pros at Knochelmann Service Experts.
Student loan debt across the nation has been a growing concern for many years. Today’s total student debt is more than $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your educational journey or giving advice to someone who is, it’s crucial to... Continue reading
By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts With autumn on the horizon, homeowners will soon be getting ready for the winter months ahead. Cold weather adds additional demand on your HVAC system. To prepare your furnace for the heavy work it will need to do, regular HVAC maintenance should be on your... Continue reading
The HVAC industry is in a constant state of change. With technological innovations and increasing environmental concerns, the skills required of HVAC professionals are evolving faster than ever. Preparing to adapt and fulfill these new challenges is a must for anyone hoping to join the business.... Continue reading
There’s no reason to skip your seasonal maintenance that saves energy and helps ensure your air conditioner and heater will work reliably all season long.
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.
