Stay comfy and save some money at the same time as the weather gets warmer – what could be better? This intermediate time in-between seasons and in-between utilization of your furnace and air conditioner, you potentially haven’t switched your cooling system on yet and could just be using ceiling fans to cool your home when needed. But did you know that using your fans with your air conditioner throughout the summer could sometimes be more efficient and also save you more money?
Here’s how you can use your ceiling fans and your air conditioner appropriately together:
Adjust air direction
Depending on the season, ceiling fans have the option to run clockwise or counterclockwise. Air should be wafting down during the warmer months to distribute more air down. To check which way your fan is traveling, you can stand underneath the fan and determine if you sense the breeze, and if not, alter the route of the fan’s movement. While ceiling fans don’t create cool air, they can make you feel comfortable through the wind chill effect.
Raise your thermostat
The best way to reduce costs this summer is by increasing your thermostat some degrees. With the use of your ceiling fan, you won’t even feel the higher thermostat temperature and your coziness shouldn’t be disturbed too much. For every degree you increase the temperature in your home, you’re allowing your air conditioner to work not as hard and possibly saving yourself money.
Turn off your fan when you're not home
Everyone should consider their ceiling fans like their lights; when nobody is in the room, it’s best to turn them off. Operating fans in rooms without anyone in them limits the positives from the wind chill and wastes energy in your home.
Here at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling in Portland, we are all about guaranteeing your comfort while saving you money from your pocket. We want you to make the ideal decisions for your home and know all the choices to make your summer as efficient and cozy as possible. If you have any questions about using your fan and air conditioner together, give us a call at 503-213-4433 and chat with one of our air conditioner professionals.