Try These Five Tips for Using Ceiling Fans Along with Your AC

If the intent is to stay cool without racking up your energy bills, you’ll certainly rely on your ceiling fan all the time this summer. A common approach is to use a fan without AC until it gets too hot, then turn the fan off and run the air conditioner when you really need it. This is a mistake! Having the ceiling fan and air conditioner in unison is the best way to increase comfort and energy savings.

It may appear excessive to pursue two cooling methods at the same time, but fans make your air conditioner more productive. Follow these five tips to help you get the most from your cooling system this summer.

Install a Ceiling Fan

First things first—if you don’t already have ceiling fans throughout your home, look into installing a few. You should be able to change out any light fixture in the heart of the room for a smooth, reliable and fashionable ceiling fan.

Keep in mind that ceiling fans work 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 should be at least eight-feet high, and rooms with vaulted ceilings might not benefit as much.

As you may imagine, larger 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 set up multiple fans in a line to cool rooms longer than 18 feet.

Check the Fan’s Direction

Ceiling fans can spin in both directions. Make sure yours is set to spin counterclockwise in the summertime. This pushes air downward to make the breeze feel more prominent.

If you’re unsure whether your fan is rotating the right way, flip it on and sit directly beneath it. If the breeze feels weak for how rapidly the blades are spinning, you might need to change the direction.

Some fans have a remote control, usually if they’re put in on a vaulted ceiling. Look for a button on the remote to change the direction. If your fan doesn’t possess a remote, check the motor housing for a reversing switch.

Ceiling fans can rotate both ways because forcing the air upward is useful for lowering heating costs in the winter. So when the seasons change, adjust your fan to turn clockwise and run it on low to distribute warm air near the ceiling back down to the living space without generating a breeze. This approach is particularly effective in stairwells and rooms with vaulted ceilings.

Adjust the Thermostat

You have to turn up the thermostat to make the most of energy savings from using a ceiling fan in the summer. Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable—the “wind chill” effect made by running a ceiling fan makes the room seem about 4 degrees cooler. This concept, which can make winter cold unpleasant, is the answer to home comfort and energy savings during the summer.

If you generally keep your house around 75 degrees, try adjusting the thermostat to 77 or 78 degrees to compensate for the wind chill effect made by running a ceiling fan. Then, modify your outfit to increase your comfort level even more. Dressing for the season permits you to maximize comfort while minimizing cooling costs.

Shut 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 no reason to keep a ceiling fan working in an unoccupied room. Fans may cost pennies on the dollar to use compared to AC systems, but every little bit counts, so turn off the fan if you’re the last person to leave the room.

See Your Energy Savings Grow

If you adhere to the tips outlined above, you should recognize a reduction in your air conditioning costs throughout the summer. After all, you can save approximately 3 percent on your cooling costs for each degree you adjust the thermostat. And by appreciating the wind chill effect formed by the ceiling fan, you can enjoy savings without compromising comfort.

Keep Cool with Help from Orangutan Home Services

Plainly, you shouldn’t overlook the impact ceiling fans can have on your home comfort this summer! If you want air conditioning services at any time, choose Orangutan Home Services to resolve your problem fast. Our technicians can help your air conditioner work as effectively as possible, ensuring it works along with your ceiling fans to keep your home and family comfortable for less. Contact us today to request an appointment with the HVAC pros at Orangutan Home Services.