The humble ceiling fan is often underestimated when it comes to its power to keep a home cool during summer. When you look at the significant benefits in terms of comfort and energy savings, they’re worth considering.
Ceiling fans effectively circulate air inside your home, and even create a gentle breeze. This movement of air can help to cool down a room during hot weather or distribute warm air during colder months. In fact, fans can help control your Barrie home electricity costs without sacrificing comfort.
In this article, we will explore how ceiling fans can help you save energy while maintaining a pleasant indoor environment.
Use Ceiling Fan Instead of Air Conditioning
Many homeowners use ceiling fans in conjunction with air conditioning, but fans can be effective enough working alone on moderately warm days. If you avoid the air conditioner altogether, ceiling fans can reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bills while still keeping you cool.
Ceiling fans consume significantly less energy than your AC unit. A fan uses roughly as much energy as a light bulb between 10 and 120 watts depending on its size and speed. A typical air conditioning unit uses between 1,200 and 3,500 watts.
Be a smart energy user. Use your ceiling fan and stay comfortable for less.
Tips When Installing Ceiling Fans
Maximizing performance and energy efficiency depends entirely on the proper installation of your ceiling fan. Read these tips before buying or installing one:
- Look for the Energy Star label: Shop for ceiling fans with the Energy Star label, which are 60% more efficient than conventional fan models. Energy Star-approved fans use newer technology and come with improved motor and blade designs needed to perform efficiently. Not only you can ensure optimal energy savings and performance, but you can also help protect the climate by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Ensure proper installation: Fans should be installed correctly for optimal performance. We recommend that you hire a professional to get them installed. To allow for proper airflow, blades should be positioned at least 10-12 inches below the ceiling, at least 7-9 feet above the floor, and at least 23 inches away from walls.
- Choose the right size for your room. Take the time to consider the size of the room where you want a fan installed. If you get the wrong fan size, it will be a stressful experience overall–think about inadequate air circulation and improper cooling or heating.
- Do you have a small room?
- Does your home have a high ceiling?
- Do you need a ceiling fan with large blades?
- Be wise and explore your options: Explore the various options available in the market to find one that meets both your aesthetic and practical needs.
- Do you need a fan with built-in lights?
- Do you want a pull chain, wall switch, or remote-controlled fan?
- Do you want an expensive fan that operates quietly and smoothly?
- Are you fine with a noisier fan for cheaper?
Tips When Using Ceiling Fans
Correct use of ceiling fans can heavily contribute to your cooling and heating cost savings. Follow these tips to ensure your fan operates at its best and you can maximize your energy savings.
- Operate the ceiling fan counterclockwise in summer. Energy Star recommends setting your ceiling fan so the blades spin counterclockwise during summer. This direction pushes the air downward and creates a cool draft, which makes you feel cooler as the air moves across your skin. When it creates that desired “wind-chill” effect, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher to save on energy costs and still feel comfortable.
- Reverse the direction to clockwise in winter. Did you know you can use a ceiling fan even after the weather cools? In fall and winter, ceiling fans are best set to run clockwise and set on a low speed. This pulls cool air toward the ceiling and moves warm air from the ceiling downward to your living space level.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The performance and energy savings rely on the proper use of your ceiling fan. For example, most user manuals will show you the correct way to change the direction of rotation and speed settings.
- Use a timer or dimmer switch. For added convenience and energy savings, consider using a timer or dimmer switch to set the fan at a low speed or off during periods of light activity in your home.
- Regularly clean the fan blades. Dust that accumulates on the blades can weaken your ceiling fan, which reduces its efficiency. Vacuum the dirt away from the blades at least once a month. Also, make sure to periodically lubricate the motor and oil all moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Turn off the fan when not in use. Fans are designed to cool people, not the entire room. When you’re leaving the room or when a ceiling fan is not being used, turn it off to save energy usage.
Conclusion
Ceiling fans offer homeowners a practical and energy-efficient way to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Follow the tips we provided above so you can enjoy energy savings without sacrificing your home comfort.
If you would like more information on using energy-efficient ceiling fans to save energy, contact us at Custom Comfort ClimateCare. We’re ready to help.