Adding ceiling fan usage along with your Air Conditioner can save you money and boost your comfort.
While ceiling fans do not lower the temperature of a room they can increase your comfort level. By using fans you can actually allow the thermostat to be a few degrees higher lowering your bill.
According to consumer reports, each degree you raise your temperature can save you 3% to 5% on power costs for the year. Using a ceiling fan can make it feel up to as much as 4 degrees cooler. Always turn off your fans when no one is in the room.
The blade shape makes a difference in airflow. Look for the CFM number on the box (cubic feet per minute). The higher the number the more air movement, a lot of it has to do with the pitch of the blade.
One drawback is that those with the highest airflow capacity also tended to make the most noise. Make sure to use the balancing kit that is included. Eliminate the wobble, and the noise ceases.
Also look at the Energy Star rating. Energy star models are 20% more efficient than your standard fan.
52” fans are the most common size. That works best in rooms that are 225 to 400 square feet. For smaller rooms opt for a 42 to 44” model instead. The lower you operate the fan on as far as speed, the quieter it will be.
Make sure you know what you need to install. Most ceiling fans come with standard 3” or 6” down rods. If you have a high or vaulted ceiling make sure you get an extended down rod as well. Also, make sure that the installed J-box in the ceiling is rated to support the weight of your fan or you may be in for a nasty surprise one day.
Outdoor fans need to be damp or wet rated, especially here in our very salty corrosive environment of Florida. They are coated and sealed to protect the fan keeping it intact. If you install just any fan outside expect a very short lifespan and wear to show quickly.
Clean your fan regularly. You may not notice the grime building up as the fan is moving but when its turned off nothing is more disgusting looking than globs of grey dusty grease along the edged. It also messed up the airflow making your fan less efficient.
Adding fans to the rooms in your home you occupy the most will help your ac work less and your family feel more comfortable year round.
For more tips and tricks, visit www.alldayaircooling.com regularly! If you need HVAC service, sales, repairs, or maintenance, we would love to talk with you. Give us a call at 239-357-0727.