Do you have ceiling fans in your home? If so, have you ever thought about whether they save money on energy bills? Ceiling fans can be valuable tools when used together with your AC system. But before you use them, there are a few things you should know about them to best maximize their full potential. And luckily for you, that’s precisely what Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air is here to discuss today! So, come along as we navigate all points of ceiling fan use.
How Exactly Do Ceiling Fans Function?
It’s a common issue for people to believe that ceiling fans aid in cooling a room down, thus lowering the room temperature. However, this is not factual. Although that would be a lovely idea if it were true, ceiling fans take the existing air and circulate it throughout the room. This process promotes better circulation! In addition, because of the rotating fan blades, the chill breeze that is wicked around the room is soothing when it meets the skin. This may give a false feeling as if the ceiling fan is producing cool air, but it is just creating a wind-chilling effect.
So, what does this mean for you and using your ceiling fans? Will using them reduce energy consumption and save money on your energy bills? Fantastic question! In short, this means that unless you are physically in the room with a powered-on ceiling fan, it won’t be beneficial to leave your ceiling fans running. Much like leaving the lights on in your house with no one around, leaving your ceiling fans turned on without anyone around only results in wasted energy and higher electric bills.
Ceiling fans, unfortunately, do not have a mystical effect, reducing the strain and workload of your air conditioning unit. It’s a nice thought, but your air conditioner will work just as much as it usually does, with or without your ceiling fan turned on. But the good news is that if they are understood and utilized appropriately, ceiling fans can be helpful aids when used with your AC system.
What Is the Best Way to Maximize Your Ceiling Fan’s Potential?
Many homeowners aren’t aware that when turning on their ceiling fans to lower energy consumption, the thermostat’s temperature should also be increased. A good general rule of thumb is to raise your temperature by about five degrees. Naturally, you can increase it even higher than that. But this is totally up to you and what may feel comfortable to you and your household. Increasing the temperature will enable your air conditioner to work a little less and therefore not eat up as much energy. Remember that although the temperature might now be higher, a five-degree difference will likely not be noticeably uncomfortable. Plus, you will be able to enjoy the soothing effect of the fan’s cool breeze.
To summarize, don’t forget to raise the temperature on your thermostat by about five degrees when utilizing your ceiling fans. And be sure not to forget to turn the fans off as you exit a room. When you enforce these two things, it can make a difference in your energy consumption.
If you’d like to know more about energy-efficient methods to promote good air circulation, or maybe you are interested in upgrading to a more efficient cooling system, you’ve come to the right place! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air service professionals today at (614) 490-7520, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
