If the goal is to keep cool without spiking your energy bills, you’ll likely depend on your ceiling fan a lot this summer. A prevalent approach is to run a fan without AC until it gets really hot, then turn the fan off and try the air conditioner when you really need it. This is a mistake! Running the ceiling fan and air conditioner at the same time is a great way to maximize comfort and energy savings.
It may seem unnecessary to pursue two cooling methods simultaneously, but fans make your air conditioner more powerful. Follow these five tips to help you get the maximum benefit from your air conditioning system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First off—if you don’t already have ceiling fans in your home, think about installing a number of them. You should have the ability to switch out any light fixture in the center of the room for a silent, efficient and fashionable ceiling fan.
Don't forget 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 at least eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings may not benefit the way rooms with lower ceilings will.
As you can imagine, longer fans can move more air than smaller ones. Get a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms as much as 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for bigger rooms. You can also install multiple fans in a row to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Determine the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can spin in both directions. Confirm yours is set to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This forces air downward to make the breeze seem more prominent.
If you’re unsure whether your fan is rotating the right way, flip it on and stand straight underneath it. If the breeze appears low for how quickly the blades are turning, you probably need to change the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, in particular if they’re put in on a vaulted ceiling. Look for a button on the remote to change the direction. If your fan doesn’t possess a remote, run your hand along the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can turn both ways because driving the air upward is useful for decreasing heating costs in the winter. So when the seasons change, set your fan to turn clockwise and keep it on low to disperse warm air around the ceiling back to the living room without producing a breeze. This strategy is particularly useful in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Adjust the Thermostat
You should turn up the thermostat to enjoy energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t concern yourself with feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect made by running a ceiling fan makes the room feel about 4 degrees cooler. This principle, which can make winter conditions unpleasant, is the trick to home comfort and energy savings during the summer.
If you generally keep your house around 75 degrees, consider setting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to compensate for the wind chill effect made by using a ceiling fan. Then, change your outfit to enhance your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season allows you to improve comfort while minimizing cooling costs.
Shut Off the Fans in Unoccupied Areas
It’s a common assumption that ceiling fans reduce the temperature in the room. Yes, 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 empty room. Fans will cost pennies on the dollar to run compared to AC systems, but every little bit matters, so turn off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
Watch Your Energy Savings Grow
If you follow the tips listed above, you should notice 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 adjust the thermostat. And by appreciating the wind chill effect produced by the ceiling fan, you can enjoy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Plainly, you shouldn’t disregard the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort during summer! If you want air conditioning services at any point, choose Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to fix your problem promptly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner run as effectively as possible, ensuring it works along 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.