When summer is well underway, and the heat feels like it’s at an all-time high, it’s safe to say we all strive to keep cool. However, many of us also want to save money on our energy bills. Air conditioning is a must-have during the hotter months, but it can use a lot of energy and drain our wallets. Fortunately, as it turns out, there’s a simple solution that can help mitigate the cost of running your AC: installing ceiling fans.
So, how can a ceiling fan help lower AC bills? Below, we’ll review everything you need to know and offer tips for maximizing your cooling system’s efficiency.
Do Ceiling Fans Save Energy?
Before we discuss the specifics of how a ceiling fan can lower your AC bills, let’s take a moment to address the elephant in the room: do ceiling fans save energy? The short answer is “yes.” Ceiling fans can increase your energy savings by improving your home’s air circulation and helping you feel cooler even at higher thermostat settings. Let’s discuss this topic in more detail.
How Ceiling Fans Help Lower Cooling Costs
So, how do ceiling fans save energy? Really, it all has to do with the way they work. As the fan blades spin, they create a wind chill effect that makes the air in the room feel cooler than it actually is. This means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher, and your home will still feel just as comfortable as it would at a lower temperature. As a result, you can potentially save money on your energy bills by using a ceiling fan in conjunction with your AC.
Maximizing Ceiling Fan Efficiency
While ceiling fans do save energy and can lower your air conditioning bills, there are a few tips you can follow to maximize their efficiency. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that a ceiling fan only helps cool people, not rooms. This means that you should turn off your fan when you leave the room to avoid wasting energy. Additionally, make sure that your fan is set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer, which will create a stronger downdraft and help you feel cooler.
Other Ways to Save Energy
Although it’s helpful to know how a ceiling fan can help lower AC bills, there are also numerous other steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption even further. For example, upgrading your home with an energy-efficient air conditioner in Tucson can help you save money in the long run. It’s a good idea to look for cooling systems that are Energy Star-certified.
Additionally, you can lower the temperature on your thermostat when you’re not home to avoid wasting energy on cooling an empty house. If you have an old manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat could be worth the investment, as they allow you to create energy-saving schedules and adjust your home’s temperature from your smartphone.
Keep Your Home Cool With the Experts at Rite Way!
All homeowners should know how a ceiling fan can help lower AC bills. This way, they can keep comfortable while still saving on energy costs. By improving air circulation and creating a wind chill effect, ceiling fans can help you feel cooler and remain comfortable at higher thermostat settings. Nonetheless, keep in mind that ceiling fans only help cool people, not rooms, so be sure to turn them off when you leave each room.
At Rite Way, we have the services you need to enjoy summer to the fullest. From electrical installations to AC maintenance services, we’re committed to delivering quality solutions you can trust in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to request your appointment!
