As summer draws nearer and nearer, the impending doom of air conditioning costs does too. Homeowners are constantly looking for ways to reduce their energy costs without compromising the comfort levels of their homes.
While ceiling fans may not be an immediate relief from the high temperatures we see during the summer, their impact may be greater than most of us think. There are several reasons turning on your ceiling fan this season may help your home, your comfort, and your wallet!
Cost
If your home has central air, you know just how high your energy bill can increase by adjusting the temperature just a few degrees cooler. Air conditioning creates about 25% of your total energy consumption and costs about $0.36 per hour to run.
Comparatively, you can run a ceiling fan for just $0.01 per hour, an extremely reduced price! However, it is hard to compare these two devices as an air conditioner will actually cool a room, while a ceiling fan simply circulates air, creating the sensation of cooling.
So, while a ceiling fan is the cheaper option here, it will not accomplish the lower temperatures you’re searching for in the summer heat.
Best Usage
A ceiling fan is best used in conjunction with your air conditioning unit. The blades will push the cool air down and make you feel more comfortable without actually lowering the temperature.
It is possible to cool the room down by four degrees, meaning the AC will kick on less often and ultimately save you money.
In order to maximize the comfort and use of your ceiling fan, it’s recommended that you increase the temperature of your thermostat by a few degrees and only use ceiling fans when the room is occupied. If there is no one in the room, the cooling effect of the moving air will not be useful.
Upkeep
Just like your air conditioner, washing machine, and every appliance in your home, your ceiling fan won’t last forever. When your fan isn’t working properly, it could decrease the efficiency it’s working towards in the first place! Here are a few common ceiling fan issues.
Wobbling
This can be a pretty scary sight! A wobbly ceiling fan looks like it could fall right out of the ceiling and fly around the room. This could be caused by improper installation, a loose connection, or a broken blade. It’s best to get this issue checked out as soon as possible.
Noisy
Now when it comes to ceiling fans and sounds, we can’t get too picky. It is, after all, a rapidly moving device that is bound to create some noise as it helps cool you down. But if your ceiling fan is louder than usual, it is a sign of a loose connection.
Check all the parts of your fan to see if something has come loose and is rattling around, causing the noise.
Speed
If your fan is not going at the correct speed or simply won’t turn on at all, this is a sign that your motor may be going bad. As you begin to notice a slow turning fan, take a look at the motor and replace it if there are electrical or mechanical issues.
Cleaning
With most ceiling fans being out of our reach, it is easy to forget that they need to be cleaned. Turning on a dusty ceiling fan will push debris, dust mites, and dirt into your home’s air, ultimately affecting your indoor air quality. Poor air quality can lead to:
- Irritated sinuses
- Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
- Long-term respiratory problems
Consistent cleaning of your ceiling fan will limit the amount of dust in your air. Additionally, you can contact DG Heating & Air Conditioning to learn about other ways we can help improve your indoor air quality.
When searching for a solution to any of your heating and air conditioning problems in the San Jose area, make DG Heating & Air Conditioning your first call at (408) 669-3496. You can also schedule an appointment online.