Ceiling fans are a great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. But there might be a few things you don’t realize about how to maximize ceiling fan energy efficiency. Here are some tips for how to best use a ceiling fan to keep your home cool and your energy bills low:
Rotation Direction Matters: This is a surprising one for most people–you should be changing the direction of your ceiling fan’s spin depending on the season. During the summer you want a counterclockwise spin because this will push the cooler air downward. During the winter, switch the rotation so that the warm air is pulled down.
Use Your Fan as a Supplement to A/C: Ceiling fans vs. A/C doesn’t have to be an either/or proposition. Of course, exclusively using a ceiling fan is the best way to lower your energy bills, but when it is truly hot out, you can use your ceiling fan to maximize your air conditioner’s effectiveness. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan allows you to set your thermostat 4 degrees higher without affecting your comfort.
Turn It Off When You Leave: Ceiling fans cool you, not the room–they work by creating a windchill effect on your skin. So when you leave the room, make sure to turn off the fan!
Install for Maximum Efficiency: Ceiling fan energy efficiency is best when fans are installed between 7 and 9 feet from the floor and 10 to 12 inches from the ceiling.
Buy the Right Fan: Check the Energy Star website to find a certified energy efficient fan.
We hope these tips help! Let us know if you have any other questions about ceiling fan energy efficiency–we always love to hear from you. You can get in touch with Dan at 720.876.7166 or [email protected].
