At times, boiling temperatures are exhausting and uncomfortable to both you and your overworked AC unit. Desperate for relief, you switch on all the ceiling fans in the house.
Indoor temperatures are a pain to keep up with. Luckily, many of us have homes equipped with ceiling fans to beat the heat. And this leads to a highly debated question- Should you be running ceiling fans in every room?
Some people assume running the AC and ceiling fans together is a waste of energy. But this is certainly not the case. In reality, the two work together to create a cooler and more comfortable environment while saving you some money.
So, to answer the above question, we will start by clearing up some common ceiling fan myths.
Read on to discover what Veterans AC & Heat has to say about running your ceiling fans in every room of the house.
Does Running Ceiling Fans Cool the Temperature in Your Home?
The cooling sensation from a running ceiling fan is produced by the wind it creates. More specifically, the breeze brushes over your skin, causing you to feel refreshed.
This effect is called the “wind chill factor” and can make the air seem to have dropped a few degrees in temperature when, in reality, it remains the same.
But even the perceived cooling of indoor temperatures can have a major impact on your energy bill. Using ceiling fans in your home allows you to set the thermostat a few degrees warmer than you typically prefer.
For instance, if you feel most comfortable indoors at about 70 degrees, set the thermostat to 74 degrees and switch the ceiling fan on high. You’ll hardly notice the actual difference in temperature. Additionally, you’ll save money on your home’s energy bills from not running the AC too low.
Does Every Room Need a Ceiling Fan?
Whether or not you install a ceiling fan in every room of your house will depend mostly on your preference. Although, you should never place a fan in any room under seven feet in height. Hanging a ceiling fan from a low ceiling can be hazardous in the home.
Otherwise, placing ceiling fans throughout your home has significant benefits. And especially for Florida residents. In general, the spots in your home where people spend the most time should have ceiling fans installed first. The living room is a perfect place for one.
Ceiling fans are also valuable in bedrooms. Cool air circulating while you sleep can improve your rest. Similarly, installing a ceiling fan can make your home office or studio a more enjoyable and refreshing work environment.
When Should You Run Ceiling Fans?
A solid rule to follow is if the room is empty, don’t run the ceiling fan. As mentioned before, a ceiling fan doesn’t actually cool air but has a cooling effect with the wind it creates. So, if a person is not in the room to enjoy the chilling breeze, then what good is the fan doing?
Here are some additional tips on when you should run the ceiling fans in your home.
Seasonal Use
How you use the ceiling fans in your home will change based on the season. In the winter, we want our homes to be cozy and warm. But come summertime, we are desperate to find relief from the heat.
Here’s how to properly use your ceiling fans for winter and summer.
- Winter– Many people are unaware of the switch on most ceiling fans that will reverse the direction it rotates. When your home is having trouble staying warm in the winter, locate the reverse switch. This way, your fan runs clockwise, rather than counterclockwise, pushing warm air to the ground nearer to you and your family.
- Summer– For the summer heat, ensure your ceiling fan is running counterclockwise. This will allow cold air to circulate to the bottom as warm air moves to the top. As a result, your AC will run more efficiently while the ceiling fan takes on some of the hard work.
Time-of-day Use
It’s no mystery that certain times of the day are warmer than others. So, when it comes to ceiling fan use, it is best to run them between the hottest hours of 2 pm and 8 pm.
More specifically, you might be someone who enjoys opening the curtains and blinds of large windows to let in cheery sunlight during the day. If this sounds familiar, click on a ceiling fan to beat the heat from the sun peeking in instead of setting your thermostat lower.
The Bottom Line on Ceiling Fans
So, should you run ceiling fans in every room?
The simple answer is no- but now you know there is so much more to it than that.
Running the ceiling fan in a room can make for a more comfortable and seemingly cool space. Yet, it won’t drop the temperature in your home.
And most importantly, running a ceiling fan in an empty room will only add to your energy bill. Therefore, it is best to run your ceiling fans in occupied spaces of the home.
Don’t forget to maximize your ceiling fan’s hard work by setting the AC to a slightly higher temperature than usual. That way, you’re saving some cash while staying cool and enjoying the breeze.
Trust Veterans AC & Heat to Keep Your Home Cool
If your home feels extra toasty, give the experts a call at Veterans AC & Heat rather than relying on your ceiling fans to combat Florida’s heat. You may be experiencing some issues with your HVAC unit that are causing the temperature in your home to rise.
When your local HVAC technicians come out to inspect your system, they will ensure it is cleaned out, and the parts are all working as they should.
Veterans AC & Heat is one of the highest-rated AC repair & service companies in the Pinellas and Hillsborough County areas. And we respond quickly to all your needs.
Contact the pros at Veterans AC & Heat to get your free summer estimate for preventative maintenance and service with a smile.
