Now that the Ohio summer is in full swing, your energy bills are probably rising like the mercury. Fortunately, there's a way to keep your cool and manage your cooling expenses. Use your air conditioner and ceiling fans in tandem to maximize cooling comfort and minimize your energy bills.
It might seem like a bad idea…why turn on a fan while the A/C is running? It will use more electricity, right?
The truth is this: ceiling fans circulate the air, creating a breeze. The breeze has a cooling effect on people and will allow you to raise the setting on your thermostat by two to four degrees without losing any comfort. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, every higher degree on your thermostat will reduce your monthly electric bill by 3 to 4 percent.
Ceiling fans are not meant to replace air conditioning. They do not lower room temperature or reduce the humidity level; they simply allow you to raise the temperature on the thermostat without sacrificing comfort. This will reduce the amount of work your HVAC system has to do and lower your energy bills.
Here are some basic tips for getting the most from your ceiling fan:
- Ceiling fans should be mounted at least 7 feet from the floor with the blades being between 10-12 inches below the ceiling
- Maintain a minimum of 18 inches between the blades and walls
- During cooling season, fan blades should rotate counter-clockwise for maximum breeze
- Fans have no effect on empty rooms; turn them off when leaving the room and save even more energy
- Only use fans with the Energy Star label for the maximum energy savings
Saving money on your cooling bills does not mean you have to forfeit comfort. If you use your air conditioner and ceiling fans together, you can have the best of both worlds.
For more information on ceiling fans and getting more from your HVAC system, contact the experts at Joe Behr Plumbing and Heating – serving you and your family since 1965.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Mid-Ohio area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ceiling fans and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
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