If the idea is to keep cool without jacking up your energy bills, you’ll certainly count on your ceiling fan considerably this summer. A prevalent strategy is to run a fan without AC until it gets too hot, then shut the fan off and run the air conditioner when you really need it. This is a mistake! Running the ceiling fan and air conditioner together is the most beneficial way to optimize comfort and energy savings.
It can appear excessive to use two cooling methods at the same time, but fans make your air conditioner more powerful. Consider these five tips to help you get more from your air conditioning system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First things first—if you don’t already have ceiling fans throughout your home, look into installing a few. You should have the opportunity to switch out any light fixture in the heart of the room for a smooth, 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 must be at the least eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings will not benefit the same amount.
As you might imagine, larger fans can move more air than smaller ones. Get a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms up to 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for deeper rooms. You can also install multiple fans in a line to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Confirm the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can move in both directions. Confirm yours is adjusted to spin counterclockwise during summer. This forces air downward to make the breeze seem more obvious.
If you’re unsure whether your fan is spinning the right way, switch it on and stay right beneath it. If the breeze appears inadequate for how rapidly the blades are turning, you potentially need to reverse the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, particularly if they’re installed on a vaulted ceiling. Look for a button on the remote to switch 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 either way because driving the air upward is useful for reducing heating expenses in the winter. So when the seasons change, adjust your fan to spin clockwise and use it on low to circulate warm air toward the ceiling back down to the living space without creating a breeze. This technique is particularly helpful in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Adjust the Thermostat
You need to change the thermostat to enjoy energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t stress over feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect created by using a ceiling fan makes the room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. This concept, which can make winter cold particularly bad, is the secret to home comfort and energy savings in the summer.
If you normally keep your house at 75 degrees, consider readjusting 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 increase your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season permits you to improve comfort while minimizing cooling costs.
Shut Off the Fans in Unoccupied Areas
It’s a popular assumption 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 not a good reason to keep a ceiling fan moving in an empty room. Fans might cost pennies on the dollar to operate as opposed to air conditioners, but every little bit helps, so shut off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
Watch Your Energy Savings Grow
If you use the tips listed above, you should notice a reduction in your air conditioning expenses for the rest of the summer. After all, you can save up to 3 percent on your cooling costs for every degree you increase the thermostat. And by taking advantage of the wind chill effect produced by the ceiling fan, you can experience savings without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Stevenson Service Experts
Truly, you shouldn’t disregard the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort in summer! If you need air conditioning services at any point, turn to Stevenson Service Experts to resolve your problem fast. Our technicians can help your air conditioner work 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 Stevenson Service Experts.