If your intent is to stay cool without jacking up your energy bills, you’ll probably count on your ceiling fan all the time this summer. A common technique is to operate a fan without AC until it gets very hot, then switch 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 the optimal way to optimize comfort and energy savings.
It may seem redundant to try two cooling methods together, but fans make your air conditioner more effective. Use these five tips to help you get more from your air conditioning system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First—if you don’t already have ceiling fans throughout your home, think about installing a few. You should have the opportunity to switch out any light fixture in the middle of the room for a silent, effective and fashionable ceiling fan.
Bear in mind that ceiling fans work best when the blades are 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 the least eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings may not benefit as much.
As you might imagine, longer fans can propel more air than smaller sized ones. Get a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms approximately 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for deeper rooms. You can also put in multiple fans in the same area to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Check the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can run in both directions. Verify yours is set to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This forces air down to make the breeze appear more prominent.
If you’re unsure whether the fan is rotating the right way, flip it on and stand straight under it. If the breeze appears inadequate for how rapidly the blades are spinning, you likely need to switch the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, especially if they’re installed 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 turn both ways because pushing the air upward is useful for reducing heating expenses in the winter. So when the seasons change, set your fan to spin clockwise and use it on low to circulate warm air close to the ceiling back toward the living space without producing a breeze. This strategy is especially beneficial in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Adjust the Thermostat
You need to turn up the thermostat to make the most of energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t be afraid of feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect created by turning on a ceiling fan makes the room feel around 4 degrees cooler. This principle, which can make winter conditions particularly bad, is the answer to home comfort and energy savings for the summer.
If you normally keep your house around 75 degrees, try readjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to compensate for the wind chill effect made by running a ceiling fan. Then, adjust your outfit to increase your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season allows you to enhance comfort while minimizing cooling costs.
Switch Off the Fans in Empty Areas
It’s a widespread belief that ceiling fans drop the temperature in a room. Sure, they make you feel cooler, but all they do is shift air around. As a result, there’s no reason to keep a ceiling fan working in an empty room. Fans might cost pennies on the dollar to operate compared to air conditioners, but every little bit matters, so shut 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 will observe a decrease in your air conditioning expenses throughout the summer. After all, you can save up to 3 percent on your cooling costs for each degree you adjust the thermostat. And by taking advantage of the wind chill effect formed by the ceiling fan, you can experience savings without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Sunbeam Service Experts
Plainly, you shouldn’t disregard the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort in summer! If you want air conditioning services sometime soon, turn to Sunbeam Service Experts to address your problem quickly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner run as efficiently as possible, ensuring it works in tandem 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 Sunbeam Service Experts.