Though most people think of them as just ways to stay cool, ceiling fans are actually some of the simplest and most powerful ways to save energy throughout the year. By circulating air and keeping the effective room temperature down, they lighten the load on air conditioners and heat pumps, passing those savings directly to the homeowner. Keeping a few simple tips in mind can help you make the most of your ceiling fans’ energy-saving potential.

How Ceiling Fans Work

A ceiling fan makes two major contributions to your home’s cooling efficiency. First, they take the hot air that tends to accumulate near the ceiling and circulate it throughout the room. While heat is concentrated near the ceiling, air conditioners and heat pumps have to work very hard to transfer it out of the home. Ceiling fans move the hot air closer to your cooling appliances, which not only reduces their energy consumption but also reduces the need for future repairs by eliminating wear and tear.

Second, a ceiling fan lowers the effective air temperature through an effect similar to outdoor wind chill. The fan’s blades create an artificial breeze in the room, which cools residents’ skin by evaporation. A good ceiling fan can make the indoor air feel up to six degrees cooler than its actual temperature. Taking advantage of this cooling is as simple as setting your thermostat six degrees higher and enjoying the energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

Ways to Save Energy With Ceiling Fans

In the heat of the Longview TX area, air conditioners often have to run more or less constantly, so any way of cutting their energy consumption is welcome. Make the most of your ceiling fans by upgrading to Energy Star rated units. These fans move air much more efficiently than non-Energy Star rated fans, and that efficient air movement takes even more strain off your air conditioner or heat pump.

If your ceiling fans include light fixtures, consider switching the old incandescent bulbs with efficient fluorescent ones. These lights not only consume less power but also produce less heat, which again takes some of the strain off your cooling equipment.

Although ceiling fans are usually associated with the cooling season, many can operate during the heating season as well. Reversible ceiling fans run counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter; when in their reverse mode, they move air in a manner that improves the efficiency of your heating equipment. Thus, getting and using a reversible fan is one of the most effective ways to save energy all year.

At JD’s A/C we are committed to helping our friends and neighbors in Longview TX stay cool without stretching their budgets, and that includes helping them save energy with ceiling fans. Give us a call today to discuss possible upgrades to improve your home’s energy efficiency throughout the year.