Relying on air conditioning alone to keep you cool during hot summer days and nights will have the unit working in overdrive, driving up your energy bills and adversely affecting its lifespan. A house fan can give your air conditioner some support and lower your energy consumption.
Running a house fan and air conditioner in tandem is the best way to maximize your comfort levels and save on summer energy bills. Do it right, and you can also benefit from running your house fan during the colder seasons. From choosing the right fan to performing the required maintenance, you can maximize the efficiency of your house fan in several ways.
1. Select the Right Fan
The size of your house fan must be a good match for the size of the space you want to cool. If the fan is too small, it will not generate the required air movement. To remedy the situation, you may need to add another fan, which will only boost your energy consumption. On the other hand, the air movement created by a fan that is too big can make your space too cold and uncomfortable. The big fan will be consuming too much energy without delivering the comfort you desire.
A certified HVAC professional can recommend the right size of house fan for you. Similarly, you will benefit from choosing an energy-efficient fan. At Environmental Heating & Air Solutions, we offer a selection of energy-efficient QuietCool house fans to match the size of your home and meet your cooling needs. More energy efficient than their conventional counterparts, QuietCool fans can help you realize significant savings in cooling costs every year.
2. Select an Energy-Efficient Lighting Kit
A ceiling fan light kit is perfect if you are looking for a two-in-one solution to cool and light your space. The dual functionality can help you save space and maintain the aesthetics in your rooms. If you’re thinking of getting one, go for a kit with LED lighting.
The lighting is not only energy-efficient but also long-lasting, so you can keep enjoying the energy savings for years. You can leverage dimming to save on your lighting kit’s energy consumption even more. The dimmer switch controls the illumination produced by the kits and cuts down significantly on energy use.
3. Install the Fan Properly
You can look forward to getting the most out of your house fan only if it’s properly installed. A thorough evaluation of your home will let the professionals know where to locate the fan. A central location will allow your house fan to operate at maximum efficiency, so you don’t have to worry about installing multiple fans in the same room.
Leave your house fan’s installation work and electrical wiring to a qualified pro. Our certified installers will ensure all work accords with applicable standards and codes. Such standards include installing the fan at an angle. A house fan adjusted to an angle between 12 and 16 degrees will deliver the required air movement while preventing the air from blowing small loose objects in your space.
4. Switch the Fan Direction
The reversible motor on your house fan allows you to change the direction of the blades. Changing direction lets your fan run efficiently in all seasons. In summer, set the fan to run counterclockwise. As the fan blades spin in this direction, they push the airflow downward, creating an active cooling breeze.
Reversing the rotation direction in winter draws air from the floor and mixes it up with the warmer air that has risen and collected near the ceiling. The clockwise rotation then gently pushes the warm air down to your living space, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees lower and save money.
5. Turn Up the Thermostat
To enjoy the energy savings from running a house fan, set your thermostat slightly higher. The breeze created by the ceiling fans will make your spaces feel a few degrees cooler, so you don’t have to worry about being uncomfortable.
House fans, especially the new and more energy-efficient kind, generally use less electricity than your air conditioner. So, you can expect to realize some savings on your utility bills when you set the thermostat higher and run the fan.
6. Run the Fan on Lower Speeds
House fans are more energy-efficient when the blades run at lower speeds. By running your fan on low or medium speeds, you can improve its efficiency and realize more savings on your utility bills. On the other hand, if you operate your fan at high speed for long periods, you may be looking at a significant spike in your energy bills.
Keep in mind, however, that low speed will translate to slower cooling. So, you will want to adjust the speed to what is just right for your fan efficiency without compromising on your comfort.
7. Turn Off the Fan When Not in Use
House fans move air around, aiding in conductive and evaporative cooling. However, they don’t lower the temperature in your spaces. This is why there’s no reason to keep a fan running in an unoccupied space.
While fans cost less to operate than air conditioners, you can always add to your energy savings by having the last person to leave the room turn off the fan. Without anyone in the room, the fan may actually end up making your spaces warmer. This is because the motor gives off heat as it runs, and the air movement can eventually turn to heat.
8. Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Periodic maintenance will keep your house fan working efficiently. The owner’s manual contains clear guidelines on what to do and when to do it to keep your fan well-maintained. Strict adherence to these guidelines helps to keep you safe while carrying out the maintenance and produces the best results afterward.
Checking for and tightening any loose screws that may affect the rotation of the blades will let the blades spin around freely for a more efficient performance. Similarly, dust can build up over time and the buildup can slow down or throw your fan blades off balance. Removing this buildup will help to restore your fan’s performance. Also, some fans require lubrication as a way of servicing the motor, as outlined in the owner’s manual. Fulfilling this lubrication requirement helps to keep your fan running smoothly and at peak efficiency.
Trust the Experts
Maximizing the efficiency of your house fans will help you save on energy bills without sacrificing your comfort. Get the cooling power your home needs, and trust seasoned experts to help you make the right decisions about your house fans. Our HVAC professionals at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions will help you choose the right fans for your home, get the installation right the first time, and guide you on best practices to make your purchase a good investment. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Northern California.
We also provide air quality and plumbing services to help keep you comfortable. Contact our team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions to learn more about how to get the most out of your house fans.
