Lots of people wonder – should I get a ceiling fan for my home? And is it okay to use a fan and air conditioning at the same time? These are good questions if you’re thinking about the best way to stay comfortable and save energy in your house.
The quick answer is yes – ceiling fans are a great addition and work nicely with AC. Fans can help cut costs and keep rooms feeling just right when it gets hot out.
So why are ceiling fans so useful? What should you look for if you buy one? And where’s the best place to install it? Let’s take a look at how ceiling fans can help create an energy-efficient and comfortable home.
UTILIZING A CEILING FAN WITH YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
Why are ceiling fans so great?
- They can help cool you off on hot summer days by circulating the air. You can reverse the fan direction in winter to push warm air back down into the room.
- Using a fan allows you to use less AC in summer or less heat in winter. So you stay comfortable and save money on energy bills!
- Air conditioning uses about 3 kilowatts per hour and costs around 36 cents to run. But a ceiling fan only uses 30 watts per hour, costing just 1 cent!
- Run your fan along with the AC and you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees. This cuts down AC costs by up to 17 cents per hour.
So ceiling fans team up with your AC or heat to keep you comfy while saving energy and money!
WHAT SIZE CEILING FAN SHOULD I GET?
Picking the right ceiling fan size for your room:
- For rooms up to 64 square feet – get a 29″ ceiling fan
- For rooms up to 100 square feet – get a 42″ ceiling fan
- For rooms up to 225 square feet – get a 52″ ceiling fan
- For rooms up to 400 square feet – get one 56″ or 60″ fan, or two 52″ fans
The fan size matters most for cooling down a room properly.
Also look for Energy Star models – they use 60% less energy than typical fans! Energy Star fans are your most energy efficient choice.
So measure your room, use this guide to find the right ceiling fan size, and choose an Energy Star model. Then you’ll stay comfortable and save energy.
WHERE SHOULD I PUT MY CEILING FAN?
Tips for placing your ceiling fan in the best spot:
- Put the fan as close to the center of the room as possible. For odd shaped rooms, use two fans to cover both areas.
- Keep the fan blades at least 18 inches from the walls. This allows the air to circulate properly.
- Mount the fan at least 7 feet high, but 8-9 feet is even better for airflow.
- Always measure your specific room when deciding where to install your fan.
Using these tips on fan placement, along with running it with your AC, will maximize savings.
Have more questions on cooling your home? Contact InversionMagazine – we’re happy to help with all your ceiling fan and AC needs!
