Will using a ceiling fan in your home aid in saving you money on your energy bills? This is a great question and one we hear often. There are several misconceptions about ceiling fans. On the other hand, there are also several good advantages. So, come along with Eastland Heating & Cooling as we talk about the benefits and methods you can apply to the use of ceiling fans in your home.
Do Ceiling Fans Lower Room Temperature?
Powered by electricity, ceiling fans are made to promote good air circulation. However, despite popular belief, ceiling fans do not lower room temperature. When the fan blades rotate in their circular motion, this results in a wind chilling effect that feels cool to the skin. Unfortunately, many believe that ceiling fans reduce room temperature, but the wind-chill effect is what actually creates the cooling feeling on the skin.
Do Ceiling Fans Save You Money on Your Energy Bill?
Using ceiling fans might help save money on your energy bills. But please keep in mind that the savings that accumulate from using a ceiling fan likely will not be significantly large. It will probably only be mere cents to the dollar. But we don’t want this to discourage you from using ceiling fans. They can still be beneficial when properly utilized in conjunction with your HVAC system!
The residential cooling system uses a good amount of energy. There’s no way around it. Air conditioning units are in about 90% of US homes. Per the US Energy Information Administration, cooling systems use around 12% of the home’s energy consumption. If ceiling fan usage is not properly utilized, the original goal of saving money on your energy bill will be counterproductive, and unfortunately, your energy bill will increase.
Do You Use Your Ceiling Fan To Its Highest Capacity?
In the summer, ceiling fans should be set on counterclockwise rotation. This direction sends the warm air upward to the ceiling, which aids in better air circulation. Likewise, in the winter, you should set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise in the opposite direction. This redirects the warm air back down. Interestingly enough, many are unaware this is an option on ceiling fans, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to using your ceiling fans to their highest potential. We believe it’s important to know the pattern of proper ceiling fan rotation. Because using the correct ceiling fan setting in the appropriate season makes all the difference.
Ceiling fans can create a pleasant, relaxing environment. But if they are left running all the time, they only use more energy. When no one is in the room to benefit from the advantages of the ceiling fan, energy is wasted; you’ll just end up wasting money by increasing your energy costs. But if you are in the room and you turn the fan on, you should increase your thermostat temperature by around five degrees Celsius (or 40 °Fahrenheit). This will result in your overall household temperature becoming hotter, but because you are in the room to feel the chill breeze from the ceiling fan, you won’t be negatively affected. Utilizing your ceiling fan in this manner is what will lead to energy savings.
If you are looking for more ways to conserve energy, or have other concerns regarding your AC system, please don’t hesitate to call us. Eastland Heating & Cooling would love to assist you or answer any questions you may have. Contact us at (614) 861-5203, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
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