Ceiling fans are a wonder to use in the summer, but what about claims that they can help you stay warmer during the winter and that you can save money on your utility bill by using them with the heating? How can that be? Read on to learn about using ceiling fans strategically to cut your energy expenses.
Counterclockwise in Summer
In summer, you should run your ceiling fans counterclockwise. This helps to push down the cool air from the central air conditioning so the occupants can feel it. In addition, the breeze from the blade helps people cool off when the moisture from perspiration evaporates on their skin — a windchill effect, in other words.
Clockwise in Winter
In winter, the direction of the blades should be reversed to clockwise. The blades running in this direction help push down the heat from the central HVAC so that it reaches people sitting at floor level. Ceiling fans are a big help in houses with high ceilings.
Ceiling Fans Help Lower Your Bills
Installing ceiling fans is a simple tactic for keeping your home’s occupants more comfortable. They won’t affect temperature, but they will make people feel warmer or cooler. If you also air seal your home, plugging up cracks with insulation, caulk, and weatherstripping, you’ll boost your HVAC’s cooling or heating power so you don’t have to turn the thermostat way up or down to make people more comfortable. While the amount you can save annually depends on many factors, experts say you may save as much as 12% a year on energy bills if you use ceiling fans.
Maintain Your Fans
Mostly ceiling fans are maintenance free, but you should always keep the blades clean. Blades with dirt along the edges drag and will not run efficiently.
Sometimes fan blades will start wobbling with age and use. You can correct this by balancing the blades, using a balancing kit, or by other means.
For more on using ceiling fans strategically, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, serving the greater Indianapolis region.
