If you are looking for ways to save on your utility bills and stay cool this summer, you have found the right place! Did you know your ceiling fan can save you money? Although your ceiling fan uses electricity to operate, it can decrease your monthly air conditioning bill if properly used. In this blog, we will explain how a ceiling fan can save money while maintaining your comfort.
Ceiling Fan Settings
Ceiling fans use substantially less amount of energy than air conditioners do. If used properly, they will help save on air conditioning costs. What many homeowners don’t know is that ceiling fans have different settings for summer and winter temperatures. The blades should rotate in different directions for each season.
Summer Settings
In the summer, your ceiling fan should be rotating counterclockwise. This allows the blades to push air down and create a breeze. Your ceiling fan helps keep a consistent temperature in the room and can give your air conditioner a much-needed break.
Winter Settings
It may seem silly to use your fan in the winter, but it can help with your home temperature. Your ceiling fan should spin clockwise in the winter to help circulate heat. Due to warm air rising, the updraft created by the ceiling fan allows the warm air accumulated near the ceiling to be redistributed.
How to Change Your Ceiling Fan Setting
Changing your ceiling fan setting is simple for most types of fans. If your fan is remote or panel-operated, there is likely a button to change the rotation. For most fans, there is a switch on the side of the fan body or light fixture below the blades. (pictured below) Simply flip the switch in the opposite direction and monitor how the fan spins. If it is rotating counterclockwise, you should feel a cool breeze standing below the fan.
Saving Money
Running your ceiling fan in the summer can help cut back on cooling costs, and here is why. The breeze your fan creates can make the temperature feel cooler. As a result, homeowners can raise their thermostat settings as much as 5 degrees without feeling a difference. For example, if your home is set to 72 degrees this summer, you can raise it to 77 degrees without sacrificing your comfort. It is important to note that your ceiling fan does not alter the temperature. Fans are just using more electricity if they are running, and no one is in the room to feel the breeze on their skin.
Ceiling Fan Tips
- You will only remain cool and comfortable if ceiling fans are utilized in every room. If the fan is not being used, you will feel the 5-degree temperature change.
- Ceiling fans are cool people, not rooms. Turn off fans when you leave the room, much like turning off the lights.
- You will only use more energy if you do not alter your thermostat setting.
- The higher you alter your thermostat setting, the more you will save.
- Ensure your ceiling fan is an appropriate size for the room.
Everyone loves a little extra summer spending money and helping the Earth by decreasing energy levels. Consider utilizing your ceiling fan this summer season to help keep your home at a comfortable temperature and save on cooling costs. As always, give us a call with any questions or AC repair in Dayton!
