As temperatures rise, your cooling costs increase. It is important to pay attention to indoor cooling expenses when installing HVAC systems.
Luckily, with ceiling fans, you have a secret weapon to fight the ever-increasing bills associated with air conditioning.
With our guide, you can improve on cooling and still keep your energy bill down.
How Ceiling Fans Work and How They Can Save You Money
Ceiling fans are less costly to operate because as they move, they create a chilling effect in the air. Your skin feels cooler than the real temperature.
You can therefore turn your thermostat to a higher setting and you will feel like the room is actually cooler than it is.
Nevertheless, ceiling fans need to be installed correctly. By doing so, they allow occupants such as your loved ones to set the thermostat in a way that doesn’t compromise their comfort.
You want the thermostat to mimic the temperature in the outdoor environment. By having its setting close to the outdoor temperature, you don’t need to frequently turn the air conditioner on. This is where you can save money because your overall energy consumption is guaranteed to come down.
Pro-Tip
While choosing a ceiling fan to install in your home, go for one that has an ENERGY STAR label on its body. These provide up to 20 percent more air circulation than other models that lack the Energy Star.
Purchasing and correctly installing such fans will ensure that you save more energy and in turn, money.
Tips to Ensure Cooling Costs are Lower
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper installation and use are the main ways of saving money on energy.
In this regard, here are the recommendations;
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Take Room Size and Placement into Consideration
The blades should be placed at a height of fewer than 9 feet from the floor. They should also be more than 8 inches from the ceiling. Rooms with tall ceilings will need extension rods to get the measurements right.
In addition, the diameter of the fan should be in correspondence with the room. If a room measures 225 square feet or less, install a 44-inch diameter fan. Any room that is more than 225 square feet needs a larger fan.
Multiple fans are needed in rooms that measure 18 feet or more.
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Nature of Blades
The number of fans does not improve air circulation. It is wise to focus on the blade pitch instead. Those with a sharper pitch are the best.
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Use Correct Installation Equipment
Using wrong mounting and electrical equipment is a sure way of ending up with a less effective ceiling fan. In addition, it could pose as a safety hazard.
Pay close attention to the instruction manual and ensure that you connect the appliance to the appropriate power outlet box.
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Set Counterclockwise Motion
This pushes air down, creating that amazing wind chill that makes you feel like the room is actually cooler. The manufacturer’s instructions specify how you can change the direction of the motor.
Rice Heating and Air is a full-service heating and air company headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses staying comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
