If the intent is to stay cool without spiking your energy bills, you’ll likely count on your ceiling fan considerably this summer. A well-known approach is to run a fan without AC until it gets really hot, then switch the fan off and try the air conditioner instead. This is a mistake! Running the ceiling fan and air conditioner together is the best way to improve comfort and energy savings.
It can seem excessive to use two cooling methods together, but fans make your air conditioner more effective. Follow these five tips to help you get the most from your air conditioning 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 switch out any light fixture in the heart of the room for a smooth, efficient and fashionable ceiling fan.
Keep in mind that ceiling fans work 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 same amount.
As you might imagine, larger fans can propel more air than smaller sized ones. Opt for a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms as much as 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.
Determine the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can operate in both directions. Verify yours is adjusted to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This drives air back down to make the breeze appear more obvious.
If you’re unsure whether your fan is spinning the right way, flip it on and sit directly beneath it. If the breeze seems weak for how quickly the blades are rotating, you potentially need to reverse the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, especially if they’re mounted on a vaulted ceiling. Search 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 spin both ways because moving the air upward is useful for lowering heating expenses in the winter. So when the seasons change, set your fan to rotate clockwise and run it on low to disperse warm air around the ceiling back down to the living room without producing a breeze. This technique is particularly beneficial in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Reset the Thermostat
You have to turn up 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 seem about 4 degrees cooler. This concept, which can make winter conditions unpleasant, is the answer to home comfort and energy savings during the summer.
If you usually keep your house at 75 degrees, try 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 permits you to optimize comfort while reducing cooling costs.
Shut Off the Fans in Unusued Areas
It’s a common belief that ceiling fans bring down the temperature in the room. Yes, they make you feel cooler, but all they do is shift air around. As a result, there’s never a reason to keep a ceiling fan working in an unused room. Fans will cost pennies on the dollar to run as opposed to AC systems, but every little bit helps, so turn off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
Watch Your Energy Savings Grow
If you use the tips detailed above, you will recognize a reduction in your air conditioning bills throughout the summer. After all, you can save as much as 3 percent on your cooling costs for each degree you increase the thermostat. And by enjoying the wind chill effect created by the ceiling fan, you can enjoy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Peachtree Service Experts
Truly, you shouldn’t disregard the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort during summer! If you need air conditioning services sometime soon, turn to Peachtree Service Experts to resolve your problem fast. Our technicians can help your air conditioner perform as effectively as possible, ensuring it works in tandem 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 Peachtree Service Experts.