Using
ceiling fans in your home may help cut down your energy costs; however there
are a few things of which you should be aware to use your ceiling fan
efficiently. Ceiling fans do not actually cool air in the room. The only reason
a ceiling fan should be turned on is if there is someone in the room who will
feel the benefits of the air movement.
“Ceiling fans are considered the most effective... fans, because they
effectively circulate the air in a room to create a draft throughout the room.
If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the
thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort... Install a fan in
each room that needs to be cooled during hot weather.” When you raise the thermostat’s setting,
you can save about 1 percent on your energy bills for every one degree you
lower your thermostat. Over the summer, that 4 percent savings will add up.
When buying
ceiling fans, be sure to look for the Energy Star label. Fans that earn the
label move air on average 20% more efficiently than standard models. Be sure to
check the noise ratings, and, if possible, listen to your fan in operation
before you buy it.
When
installing a ceiling fan, remember “ceiling fans are only appropriate in rooms
with ceilings at least eight feet high. Fans work best when the blades are 7 to
9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. Fans should be
installed so their blades are no closer than 8 inches from the ceiling and 18
inches from the walls.
“Larger
ceiling fans can move more air than smaller fans. A 36- or 44-inch diameter fan
will cool rooms up to 225 square feet, while fans that are 52 inches or more
should be used in larger rooms. Multiple fans work best in rooms longer than 18
feet. Small and medium-sized fans will provide efficient cooling in a 4- to
6-foot diameter area, while larger fans are effective up to 10 feet.”
This summer,
save energy and stay comfortable by using your ceiling fans. It will alleviate
the strain on your wallet and your air conditioning unit. For more information
about ways you can save energy throughout your home, contact Wolff Mechanical
today. We’re happy to put our expertise to good use for homeowners in the
Phoenix valley area.
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