Most homeowners know that ceiling fans can save energy in the summer. But did you know that ceiling fans can save energy all year?
In the Warmer Months
Ceiling fans have direction switches, so depending on the model of your fan, switch the direction of the fan blades so that when you stand under it, you feel a breeze. Then turn your thermostat on your air conditioner up a few degrees. When you are in the room, the circulating air will make you feel cooler, while not actually reducing the temperature.
The caveat to these savings: make sure you turn the ceiling fan off when you leave the room for long periods of time. If no one is there to enjoy the moving air, having a fan running is wasted energy.
In the Colder Months
When the air turns cool, your fan can still create energy savings. Warm air rises in a room, and without good circulation, that warmer air can end up staying near the ceiling instead of warming the people on the sofa. If you flip the direction switch on your fan, your ceiling fan blades will rotate in the opposite direction (you should not feel a breeze). The fan will begin to circulate the stagnant warm air throughout the room. The result? Warm air mixes with cooler air, and those in the room will feel a more even temperature.
To achieve maximum energy efficiency, there are several other considerations when choosing a ceiling fan. Are the blades at the proper length for the room? Will you hang your fan at the appropriate height in the room?
If you want to make the right decision for your living space, contact us. We will be happy to help you choose the perfect ceiling fan.