How to Lower Cooling Costs with a Ceiling Fan
Boost Energy Efficiency By Installing Ceiling Fans
As electricians, energy efficiency is always at the forefront of our mission. Since heating and cooling account for nearly half your utility costs, we believe that it is our duty to help customers integrate efficient home practices that cut costs but not comfort. Now that the spring season is in full swing, make sure your home is a respite by installing ceiling fans throughout your home. Ceiling fans boast numerous benefits, all of which you will thoroughly enjoy throughout every season. With temperatures soon to be on the rise, you’ll want to act quickly before it’s sweltering.
Before We Get Started…
There’s a common misconception that ceiling fans cool rooms, however, the truth is that they actually cool skin. Therefore, if you were to leave a fan on in a room where nobody is present, you would only waste energy. To get the most out of your ceiling fan, you need to actually be in the room for the wind chill effect to work.
How does a ceiling fan lower cooling costs?
On average, a ceiling fan at its highest speed will consume 75 watts of energy while an air conditioner will consume around 2,000 watts. When it’s particularly hot outside, you’re going to want to turn to A/C for comfort. When using a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioner, you can raise the thermostat 4°F without having to worry about a reduction in comfort.
Location. Location. Location.
In order for your ceiling fan to truly make an impact on your energy usage, you need to install it in a room where the ceiling is at least eight feet high. The fan should always be installed in the middle of the room. Per the Department of Energy, fans are most efficient when the blades are seven to nine feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Further, it’s important to make sure that the blades do not come within eight inches of the ceiling and 18 inches from surrounding walls.
Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan
To determine which ceiling fan will work best for your room, you need to first measure the size of room. Follow ENERGY STAR’s ceiling fan guide for choosing the most effective fan for your home:
- A room dimension of up to 75 ft2 should have a 29-36″ fan.
- A room dimension of 76-144 ft2 should have a 36-42″ fan.
- A room dimension of 144-225 ft2 should have a 44″ fan.
- A room dimension of 225-400 ft2 should have a 50-52″ fan.
Only attempt a ceiling fan installation if you’ve read the manufacturer’s guide and feel completely confident in your ability to accurately install it. A botched installed could lead to fire and electrocution. If you need assistance with choosing the right ceiling fan and/or with the installation process, you can count on the fully trained and licensed electricians at Hickerson. We’ll professionally install your new ceiling fan and ensure that it operates at optimal efficiency.
For more energy efficient cooling tips, check out these additional resources:
- Department of Energy’s “Spring and Summer Energy-Saving Tips”
- ENERGY STAR’s “Keep Your Cool AND Save Your Money This Summer”
- Direct Energy’s “Energy Efficiency Tips for Summer”
Hickerson Electrical is your source for all home electrical services. We’re ready and willing to deliver top-quality service to your home at a moment’s notice. So call today at (703) 594-3913.
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