If your plan is to keep cool without spiking your energy bills, you’ll probably rely on your ceiling fan considerably this summer. A well-known strategy is to use a fan without AC until it gets too hot, then flip the fan off and run the air conditioner when you really need it. This is a mistake! Operating the ceiling fan and air conditioner at the same time is the optimal way to increase comfort and energy savings.
It may seem excessive to pursue two cooling methods simultaneously, but fans make your air conditioner more productive. Try these five tips to help you get the maximum benefit from your AC system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First off—if you don’t already have ceiling fans throughout 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 silent, efficient and stylish ceiling fan.
Keep in mind that ceiling fans function best when the blades will be 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 may not benefit the way rooms with lower ceilings will.
As you might imagine, longer fans can push more air than smaller ones. Go for 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 row to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Check the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can run in both directions. Confirm yours is adjusted to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This pushes air downward to make the breeze seem more apparent.
If you’re uncertain whether the fan is spinning the right way, flip it on and sit directly under it. If the breeze appears low for how fast the blades are turning, you might need to change the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, particularly if they’re mounted on a vaulted ceiling. Look for a button on the remote to reverse the direction. If your fan doesn’t have a remote, inspect the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can spin either way because moving the air upward is useful for decreasing heating expenses in the winter. So when the seasons change, set your fan to rotate clockwise and keep it on low to disperse warm air toward the ceiling back to the living space without producing a breeze. This approach is particularly useful in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Adjust the Thermostat
You must change the thermostat to make the most of energy savings from running a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t concern yourself with feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect produced by running a ceiling fan makes the room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. This principle, which can make winter conditions unpleasant, is the key to home comfort and energy savings in the summer.
If you ordinarily keep your house around 75 degrees, consider adjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to make up for the wind chill effect produced by running a ceiling fan. Then, change your outfit to boost your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season allows you to improve comfort while lowering cooling costs.
Switch Off the Fans in Empty Areas
It’s a common misconception that ceiling fans bring down the temperature in the room. Sure, 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 unused room. Fans might cost pennies on the dollar to operate in contrast to AC systems, but every little bit counts, so turn off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
Watch Your Energy Savings Grow
If you stick to the tips listed above, you could recognize a reduction in your air conditioning expenses throughout the summer. After all, you can save up to 3 percent on your cooling costs for every degree you raise the thermostat. And by using the wind chill effect created by the ceiling fan, you can enjoy savings without losing out on comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Truly, you shouldn’t undervalue the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort this summer! If you want air conditioning services at any point, look to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to fix your problem promptly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner perform 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.