Ceiling fans are simple: They circulate air in a room. While the physics are basic, the energy savings they offer can be huge.
How Ceiling Fans Cut Cooling Costs
While a ceiling fan alone cannot drop the temperature in a room, it can make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler due to the wind-chill effect. That means you can bump up the thermostat on your air conditioning system without compromising comfort, resulting in a smaller energy bill.
Consider this: You can save approximately 6 to 8 percent on your monthly utility bill for every degree that you set your thermostat above 78 degrees. Say your thermostat is set to 80 degrees. Running your ceiling fan in concert with your air conditioner will make the temperature feel like 76 degrees. And you’ve just trimmed about 12 percent off your monthly electricity costs. Those savings add up over the course of the summer.
Be Sure the Fan is Spinning the Right Direction
During the summer, make sure the fan is spinning counterclockwise to blow air downward. If you have any doubts about what direction it’s spinning, stand directly under it. If you feel a breeze, you have it on the correct setting. (During the winter, set it to spin clockwise to circulate heat throughout the room.)
Find the Right Fan
A ceiling fan is a worthwhile investment, but be sure to purchase the right model. Take into consideration the size of the room and whether or not a fan is rated for energy efficiency.
Energy Star offers the following guide for selecting fan size:
- Rooms up to 75 square feet: 29 to 36 inches in diameter
- Up to 144 square feet: 36 to 42 inches in diameter
- Up to 225 square feet: 44 inches in diameter
- Up to 400 square feet: 50 to 54 inches in diameter
Generally, the larger the fan, the more energy efficient it will be. Also, look for models with the Energy Star label.
Keep in mind ceiling height, too. Ideally, there should be no more than 8 feet between the floor and the fan blades. A downrod will be necessary for ceilings 9 feet and higher.
Bottom line: There’s no sense making your central air conditioning system do all the work this summer. Supplement your A/C unit with a ceiling fan to maintain your desired comfort level while reducing cooling costs. For professional installation, call Anderson Plumbing, Heating and Electric at 334-310-5504.