Ceiling fans are one of the most underappreciated ways to make your home more comfortable and cut energy costs. By improving air circulation and assisting your HVAC system, ceiling fans and energy efficiency are truly a match made in heaven. They offer a smart, eco-friendly way to stay cool while reducing strain on your AC—helping you avoid unnecessary air conditioning repair.
In this blog, the experts at Prestige Plumbing and Air break down how ceiling fans can keep you cool while saving you money thanks to increased HVAC efficiency. We'll also offer some HVAC efficiency tips that make the most of ceiling fans.
Comfort vs. Temperature: The Effect of the Wind-Chill Effect Indoors
Ceiling fans don’t actually change the room’s temperature—they cool you down by increasing air movement across your skin. This is known as the wind-chill effect, and it can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler without adjusting the thermostat. That means you stay comfortable and enjoy the benefits of indoor air circulation from your ceiling fan while relying less on your air conditioner—helping reduce your electric bill in summer.
The Best of Both: Benefits of Using Fans and Air Conditioning Together
There are several benefits to using ceiling fans and air conditioning in tandem, especially on hotter days. By combining both, you increase HVAC efficiency and keep your home cooler with less work from your cooling system.
Benefits of using ceiling fans and AC together:
- Ceiling fans help lower HVAC load by distributing cool air more evenly around rooms in your home. Reducing HVAC stress is important, because it can prevent a breakdown that could result in premature AC or furnace installation.
- Using ceiling fans boosts the comfort level of your home by getting rid of warm pockets and increasing airflow.
- Combining ceiling fans and AC can reduce overall energy use. If you have a home automation system, you can even adjust your smart thermostat settings to set the temperature higher while your ceiling fan is running.
Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise Ceiling Fan Rotation: What Direction to Spin in Summer and Winter?
To get the most out of your ceiling fans year-round, it’s important to set the blades to rotate in the proper direction for the season. The direction impacts how air circulates, which can either make you feel cooler or gently recirculate warm air so you feel warmer.
When it's best to spin ceiling fans counterclockwise
On hot days, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise at a higher speed. This creates a breeze that pushes cool air downward, amplifying the wind-chill effect and creating a cooler sensation.
When it's best to spin ceiling fans clockwise
On cold days, set your fan to spin clockwise on a low speed. This gently pulls cool air upward and circulates heated air down to where you can feel it, making the space feel cozier without touching your thermostat.
What Type of Ceiling Fan Is Best
Picking the best ceiling fan depends on a few key factors, including blade design, airflow rating and room dimensions. First, look for fans that have a good combination of ECFM airflow and blade pitch to ensure efficient air circulation in your space:
- ECFM is how much air a fan circulates—the cubic feet per minute, or CFM—per watt of electricity consumed. Fans with greater ECFM are the most energy efficient.
- Blade pitch refers to the tilt of the blades. A sharper blade pitch moves more air than a shallower pitch but can also strain the motor.
Also, consider room size when sizing a ceiling fan—a fan that’s too small won’t circulate sufficient air, while one that’s too big may be too strong for the space.
Raise Your HVAC Efficiency With the Experts from Prestige Plumbing and Air
At Prestige Plumbing and Air, our HVAC specialists can help you stay comfortable while minimizing wear on your heating and cooling systems. From energy-saving ceiling fan tips and air conditioning installation to smart thermostats and furnace repair, we offer comprehensive solutions that match your needs. Set up your appointment by calling 573-266-2048 today.