Are You Using Your Ceiling Fans Wrong?
Ceiling fans are a useful tool to keep cool during the summer—even when indoor temperatures are high. Why is that important?
According to the Department of Energy, you can turn up your thermostat by 4°F while using a ceiling fan and stay just as comfortable. Every temperature degree increase you can manage is money that you can save. If you turn up your thermostat to 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day, you can save up to 10% on your cooling costs.
With a properly working ceiling fan, your AC can work less, which means you use less energy. Lower energy consumption means lower bills.
However, if you misuse your ceiling fans in the following ways, you may not be enjoying the benefits of a more comfortable home and lower summer energy bills:
In this article, we’ll explain why you should avoid these 2 ceiling fan mistakes.
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Setting Your Ceiling Fans in the Wrong Direction
Make sure your ceiling fan is moving in the right direction for summer.
Ceiling fans often have two direction settings, with a switch that controls the direction of the fan blades.
Depending on the season, you should run the fan clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Spring and Summer: Run your ceiling fans in the counterclockwise direction.
- Fall and Winter: Run your ceiling fans in a clockwise direction (yes! Ceiling fans can indeed help keep you warm in winter).
When the fan blades run counterclockwise, they blow and push air downwards. This creates a windchill effect that cools people.
In contrast, fan blades running clockwise push down any hot air that naturally rises to the ceiling, helping people stay warm.
You'll be uncomfortable if you don't set the correct direction for the season since the fan will spin opposite your desired temperature goals.
Solution: Find the direction switch on your ceiling fan and make sure its setting is counterclockwise (the switch should go down) during the summer. Or your ceiling fan might come with a remote or app that you can use to change the direction. You should feel cold air pushing down on you when you stand underneath the fan.
Using Your Ceiling Fans in Unoccupied Rooms
Avoid using ceiling fans in rooms without people in them.
One of the biggest misconceptions about ceiling fans is that they cool rooms. They can’t lower the temperature; they only can cool people in the rooms through the windchill effect.
When fan blades move air around and push it downwards, any moisture (AKA sweat) on your skin evaporates faster. This tricks your body into feeling cooler—even as the temperature increases.
By running the ceiling fan in rooms with nobody in them during the summer, you’re actually wasting money because the fan is not helping the AC system be more efficient. It’s hindering the AC by making the rooms even warmer.
Solution: Check if any ceiling fans are running in unoccupied rooms and turn them off. Let your family know there is a new household rule in effect.
Want to Stay Cooler and Lower Your Energy Bills this Summer? Contact MSP!
Contact MSP for reliable AC tune-ups that can save you more money.
Now that you know how to use your ceiling fans cost-efficiently to increase your home's comfort, let's talk about another way to maximize your savings and comfort. AC tune-ups at least once a year are an excellent way to keep your AC performing at its best, leading to improved energy consumption.
MSP provides same-day and thorough AC tune-ups to reduce the risk of future breakdowns. Our tune-ups always come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can also enroll in our maintenance plan, which includes two tune-ups a year for just $8.25 a month.
Call us at (651) 228-9200 or contact us below today to experience 5-star service.