View SpecialsYour ceiling fans have more saving capabilities than you may realize. You probably don’t use them too often because they don’t compare to the impact of your HVAC unit. But your ceiling fans, when fine-tuned to match your system’s airflow, assist in the overall ventilation of your home – and cost much less to run than your HVAC unit.
Ceiling Fans = Low Energy
Ceiling fans use fewer utilities than an HVAC unit. A typical ceiling fan uses only 60 watts of energy, compared to an air conditioner, which uses a whopping 3,500 watts. Granted, a ceiling fan doesn’t pack the punch of an air conditioner running on high, but its slow and steady power certainly helps with circulating airflow and shifting home temperatures.
The Proper Spinning Technique
Your ceiling fan spins in one of two directions: clockwise or counterclockwise. Depending on your ideal comfort level, switch up your fans’ rotations.
- When it’s hot outside, spin your ceiling fans counterclockwise to pull the air up as the colder air lays near the bottom of your rooms.
- When it’s cold outside, reverse your ceiling fans’ spin (clockwise) to trap warm air inside your home, and push it back down into your living space.
- Thermostat Trick
- What would you say to turning your thermostat up a couple notches in the midst of a hot summer day? Doesn’t sound too appealing, does it? Well, believe it or not, bumping up your thermostat in hot weather (in conjunction with running your ceiling fans) actually saves you money.
The increased airflow from a ceiling fan makes your home feel cooler and allows you to raise your thermostat setting – meaning less electricity-guzzling by your AC unit. You won’t receive an immediate cooling effect, but when your ceiling fans continually circulate air, they create a natural, sufficient breeze, slowly but surely bringing down the overall temperature in your home.
As always, if you have additional questions on airflow maximization, or would appreciate some help setting your fans in the correct spin, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Comfort Consultants.
We are nearing the end of the home comfort checklist – only one more energy saving secret left. If you can’t wait one more week, click below to download your own Home Comfort Checklist. Otherwise, check back next week to learn the seventh, and final, step in securing home comfort and energy savings!
