If the goal is to stay cool without racking up your energy bills, you’ll likely count on your ceiling fan all the time this summer. A good technique is to use a fan without AC until it gets very hot, then switch the fan off and run the air conditioner instead. This is a mistake! Running the ceiling fan and air conditioner at the same time is the optimal way to maximize comfort and energy savings.
It may appear excessive to use two cooling methods simultaneously, but fans make your air conditioner more productive. Try these five tips to help you get the most from your air conditioning system this summer.
Install a Ceiling Fan
First things first—if you don’t already have ceiling fans in your home, consider installing a few. You should have the opportunity to switch out any light fixture in the middle of the room for a quiet, effective and fashionable ceiling fan.
Remember 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 might not benefit the same amount.
As you can imagine, longer fans can move more air than shorter ones. Choose a 36- to 44-inch diameter fan for rooms approximately 225 square feet and 52-inch fans for larger rooms. You can also install multiple fans in a line to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.
Check the Fan’s Direction
Ceiling fans can move in both directions. Confirm yours is set to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This pushes air back down to make the breeze feel more prominent.
If you’re uncertain whether the fan is turning the right way, flip it on and stand exactly below it. If the breeze appears weak for how rapidly the blades are spinning, you might need to reverse the direction.
Some fans have a remote control, usually if they’re fitted on a vaulted ceiling. Search for a button on the remote to change the direction. If your fan doesn’t possess a remote, inspect the motor housing for a reversing switch.
Ceiling fans can turn in both directions because driving the air upward is useful for decreasing heating costs in the winter. So when the seasons change, flip your fan to rotate clockwise and run it on low to circulate warm air close to the ceiling back toward the living space without producing a breeze. This method is particularly beneficial in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.
Reset the Thermostat
You must adjust 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 created by using a ceiling fan makes the room seem around 4 degrees cooler. This approach, which can make winter cold unpleasant, is the trick to home comfort and energy savings during the summer.
If you typically keep your house around 75 degrees, think about readjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to make up for the wind chill effect made by using a ceiling fan. Then, adjust your outfit to enhance your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season permits you to enhance comfort while lowering cooling costs.
Shut Off the Fans in Empty Areas
It’s a common belief that ceiling fans lower the temperature in a room. Sure, they make you feel cooler, but all they do is move air around. As a result, there’s not a good reason to keep a ceiling fan on in an unused room. Fans will cost pennies on the dollar to use in contrast to AC systems, but every little bit counts, so shut off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.
See Your Energy Savings Grow
If you adhere to the tips shown above, you will notice a drop in your air conditioning costs 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 produced by the ceiling fan, you can experience savings without compromising comfort.
Keep Cool with Help from Rob's Albertan Service Experts
Truly, you shouldn’t overlook the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort during summer! If you need air conditioning services at any time, look to Rob's Albertan Service Experts to address your problem promptly. Our technicians can help your air conditioner perform as proficiently as possible, ensuring it works together with your ceiling fans to keep your home and family comfortable for less. Call us today to request an appointment with the HVAC pros at Rob's Albertan Service Experts.