If your plan is to keep cool without jacking up your energy bills, you’ll probably count on your ceiling fan a great deal this summer. A well-known approach is to use a fan without AC until it gets extremely hot, then switch 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 may feel redundant to use two cooling methods simultaneously, but fans make your air conditioner more productive. Consider these five tips to help you get the most from your AC system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First off—if you don’t already have ceiling fans all over your home, look into installing a number of them. You should be able to change out any light fixture in the heart of the room for a smooth, effective and eye-catching ceiling fan.
Remember that ceiling fans work 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 should be at the least eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings may not benefit as much.
As you can imagine, larger fans can move more air than smaller sized ones. Go 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 put in multiple fans in a row to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Check the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can operate in both directions. Ensure yours is set to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This pushes air down to make the breeze seem more obvious.
If you’re not sure whether the fan is turning the right way, switch it on and sit straight below it. If the breeze seems inadequate for how fast the blades are turning, you might need to switch the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, usually if they’re installed on a vaulted ceiling. Check for a button on the remote to reverse the direction. If your fan doesn’t use a remote, run your hand along the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can rotate either way because pushing the air upward is useful for reducing heating expenses in the winter. So when the seasons change, flip your fan to turn clockwise and use it on low to distribute warm air close to the ceiling back down to the living room without producing a breeze. This method is especially useful in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Adjust the Thermostat
You must change the thermostat to fully appreciate energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t be afraid of feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect made by using a ceiling fan makes the room appear about 4 degrees cooler. This strategy, which can make winter cold miserable, is the answer to home comfort and energy savings for the summer.
If you typically keep your house around 75 degrees, consider setting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to cover for the wind chill effect created by running a ceiling fan. Then, switch up your outfit to enhance your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season permits you to improve comfort while lowering cooling costs.
Switch Off the Fans in Unusued Areas
It’s a common belief 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 never a reason to keep a ceiling fan running in an empty room. Fans might cost pennies on the dollar to use versus 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 adhere to the tips laid out above, you should recognize a drop in your air conditioning bills all summer long. After all, you can save up to 3 percent on your cooling costs for every degree you raise the thermostat. And by taking advantage of the wind chill effect formed by the ceiling fan, you can receive savings without losing out on comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Stevenson Service Experts
Simply, you shouldn’t disregard the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort during summer! If you need air conditioning services at any point, look to Stevenson Service Experts to solve your problem quickly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner work as efficiently as possible, ensuring it works along with your ceiling fans to keep your home and family comfortable for less. Contact us today to arrange an appointment with the HVAC pros at Stevenson Service Experts.