In the summer months the rising cost of energy can seem overwhelming. Everyone wants to stay cool and not see the price of electricity rise. A simple, yet often ignored solution is right over our heads—that is the ceiling fan. But using it in the wrong way could cause you to pay more as well as more heat. The real value of the ceiling fan goes beyond turning the switch. Let's discover how to make use of this common appliance to ensure your home is cozy and affordable this summer.
Understanding How Ceiling Fans Work
Ceiling fans don't actually decrease the temperature of a room. Instead they circulate air to increase the feeling of coolness to your skin. It's known as the wind-chill effect. In summer you should adjust your fan to rotate counterclockwise to produce a breeze which reduces your temperature perception by a few degrees, even if the thermostat remains the same. This lets you raise your thermostat setting by as much as 4 degrees but still be as comfortable, thereby reducing your energy bill..
The Real Impact on Energy Bills
Did you know that a ceiling fan consumes just 75 watts/hour? This is less than 10 percent of the power that a typical air conditioner consumes in the same conditions. If you pair fans with your AC set to a higher temperature setting, you can save between 4–8 percent on summer cooling expenses. It's a huge difference that you'll notice, particularly when the heatwaves of July and August are hitting.
The Best Ways to Use Your Ceiling Fan
For ceiling fans that can help you conserve energy:
- Always turn off the fan when you leave the room. Fans are cool people not rooms.
- Make sure that the blades rotate counterclockwise during summer.
- Clean the blades regularly to keep the flow of air efficient.
- Combine fans with windows that are open in cooler nights to get natural airflow.
- Set the thermostat to a higher temperature as the fan is running to reduce up to 3 percent in cooling expenses.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy Ceiling fans can allow homeowners to increase their thermostats by four degrees, without decreasing comfort. It could even save hundreds of dollars during the cooling season.
Common Mistakes That Waste Energy
Surprisingly enough, many people have fans running in rooms that are empty, thinking it cools the entire home. But it does not! Fans move air. keeping them on is a waste of energy. Also making the wrong choice for the season can make the space feel more warm. Check your settings regularly, especially after winter, to prevent unnecessary energy consumption and to reduce your energy costs.
Why Ceiling Fans Are an Affordable Upgrade
The installation or replacement of the ceiling fan is an affordable investment. According to Energy Star, using fans and raising your AC thermostat together can reduce cooling costs by a significant amount. Modern fans with energy efficient motors as well as LED lighting can maximize savings. Renters can also benefit from tower fans that are portable or stand fans that operate on similar principles.
In my personal experience, switching to a more regulated thermostat with ceiling fans took a bit of getting used to but the savings in my electricity bills was worth the effort. Cleaning up and double-checking the switch each spring has made an impact, particularly when the summer heat came around. On a rough day using fans in conjunction with windows that were open in the late evening let in the crisp air, making my house appear cleaner as well. These little habits made an immediate impact on my home and my wallet—a lower energy costs aren't just a fanciful idea!
Utilizing your ceiling fan to make energy savings is a smart move to beat the heat of summer without spending too much. With the right information you can boost your home's cooling performance and reduce the need for costly air cooling. Research has shown that using smart thermostat settings in conjunction with regular maintenance of your fan will pay off, all while maintaining a cool home that is comfortable and relaxing. Are you interested in knowing more about how to cool your home with less power? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or read more energy-saving tricks to stay comfortably all year.
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