Do Ceiling Fans Save Energy?

Before the widespread use of air conditioners, the standard equipment for cooling today, ceiling fans were the predominant source of fresh, cool air for many residential and commercial spaces. With soaring energy costs and increasing energy efficiency awareness, homeowners are rediscovering ceiling fans as a means to lower air conditioning bills without compromising comfort. But do they really save energy? Keep on reading to find out.

Ceiling Fans Do Not Cool the Air

The most important thing to understand about ceiling fans is that they do not cool the room. Instead, they help to evaporate sweat from your skin at a faster rate, cooling down your body temperature a little. Since a ceiling fan does not have a cooling mechanism, it does not actually lower the temperature of the room you are in.

Raise the Thermostat Setting When Running the Ceiling Fan

When running your ceiling fan, do not forget to raise the thermostat setting slightly. With air moving across your skin, your body will feel cooler at any given temperature than it typically would at the same temperature without the fan operating. So, if you want your home to feel around 72 degrees, raise the temperature on the thermostat to 77. The higher the temperature, the less your air conditioner runs, and the more money you save.

Only Turn the Ceiling Fan on When You Enter the Room

To lower your cooling costs, only turn the ceiling fan on when you are using the room, and then turn it off again the moment you walk out. While some old habits are pretty difficult to break, switching your ceiling fan off can make a big difference when it is time to pay your utility bill.

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