It’s easy for us to conclude that ceiling fans help save electricity. After all, they use less energy than air conditioners and help better circulate cool air coming out of your air conditioner. But is there any truth to this notion? As it turns out, the matter is more complex than it seems. Bailey & Shipp Electric, one of the leading residential and commercial electrical contractors in the area, discusses it further here.
How Ceiling Fans Work
The primary job of ceiling fans is to cool people, not cool rooms like air conditioning systems do. They create what’s called a wind chill effect; the resulting air movement from the fan aids your body’s natural cooling process, which occurs when moisture evaporates from your skin. The temperature inside a room may be warm on a hot summer day, but you’ll feel cooler when the fan is turned on.
Using Ceiling Fans for Energy Savings
Your ceiling fan can be used in conjunction with your air conditioner to create better cooling conditions and possibly even save energy. The only time they don’t help you save on electricity is if you run it without changing how you use your cooling system.
According to electrical contractors, one of the best ways to benefit from the energy-saving potential of your ceiling fan is to turn it on when you enter a room and turn it off when you walk out. Leaving it on when no one is around can increase electricity consumption, which will be reflected on your monthly utility bill.
Another way to get the most out of your ceiling fan and AC usage is to raise the temperature on your thermostat by about five degrees. The higher the temperature, the less your cooling equipment will run, allowing you to save energy.
If you need ceiling fan installation or replacement, get in touch with Bailey & Shipp Electric today. One of our certified electricians will make sure you get an expert installation at a fair price. Call (410) 457-3507 or fill out our contact form to request a service appointment.