For so long, homeowners have always complained about the sharp rise in utility bills during the summer. This upsurge in power consumption is directly connected to air conditioners’ use to keep homes cool and comfortable on the hottest days. So, the only sure way to reduce your utility costs is to minimize your HVCA dependency.
This is where ceiling fans come in handy. When used effectively, ceiling fans can significantly reduce your electricity bill. In this article, we tell you how you can use ceiling fans to reduce your utility costs.
Ceiling Fans in Hot Months
Ceiling fans have proved to be a perfect way of providing house occupants with a cooling effect on a hot day without pushing energy costs up. Although these fans do not reduce room temperatures, they cause a wind chill effect that keeps your skin cool and comfortable. The moving air speeds up the evaporation of moisture from your skin, getting the heat away from your skin.
However, for you to enjoy this wind chill effect, you have to set your ceiling fan downward so that it can blow air toward you and other house occupants. In milder weather, you can rely on your ceiling fans without running the HVAC system. This will help you to lower your overall utility costs.
Also, you can reduce your electricity bills by using the ceiling fans along with the HVCA system. The wind chill effect provided by the ceiling fans allows you to set your air conditioner’s thermostat slightly higher without reducing the degree of comfort in your house. The increase in thermostat settings helps to reduce the air conditioner’s energy consumption. You can also switch off your ceiling fans whenever there are no occupants in the house to save energy.
Ceiling Fans in Cold Months
In winter, we have to run our heating systems to keep our homes warm continuously. Ceiling fans in winter are important because they help to keep house occupants comfortable and reduce energy costs. They prevent the heated air from rising to the ceiling by sending it back down toward the occupants. This ensures that the heating system is used effectively while lowering energy consumption.
According to the University of Arkansas, ceiling fans can reduce heating costs in winter by up to 30 percent. However, they warn that the fans should be operated at low speeds during winter and directed upward to avoid creating an uncomfortable breeze.
