Smart Tips on Choosing and Using Your Ceiling Fans

You’ve most likely been giving your air conditioner a good workout this summer, and your electric bills are probably reflecting that. If controlling your cooling costs, along with minimizing the wear and tear on your air conditioner, is a priority, consider harnessing your ceiling fans. Ceiling fans produce a cooling effect by moving air across your skin. When used correctly, a ceiling fan can make a room feel up to four degrees cooler than it actually is. Here are some smart tips on choosing and using your ceiling fans.

Purchase wisely: Not all ceiling fans are created equal. First, choose manufacturers that get good reviews and offer attractive warranty packages. A quality fan should operate quietly and without significant issues for 10 to 12 years. Look for the Energy Star label for added energy efficiency. Ideally, the fan blades should be 12 to 18 inches from the ceiling, at least 7-feet from the floor and at least 2 feet away from walls.

Size fans appropriately: It’s important to purchase ceiling fans that are the right size for the space. For rooms that are 225 square feet or smaller, a 36-inch to 44-inch fan should do the trick. For a room that is up to 400 square feet, opt for a 52-inch fan or one that is bigger. A long, narrow room will probably need more than one fan.

Give your A/C a break: Whenever possible, give your A/C a break by using ceiling fans as your sole cooling source. This is especially effective on cooler evenings or very early in the morning.

Change your thermostat: Wise use of ceiling vans can allow you to raise the temperature on your thermostat by as much as four degrees. This can shave 20 to 30 percent off your cooling costs. Remember to turn any fan off when you leave the room.

For more information on using ceiling fans to maximize energy efficiency in your Corpus Christi home, contact CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about ceiling fans and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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