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Ceiling Fans + AC: How to Keep Your Home Cool & Save Money

Ceiling Fans + AC: How to Keep Your Home Cool & Save Money

When summer heat kicks in, most of us turn on the air conditioner and let it run all day. But did you know you can make your home feel cooler without overworking your AC?

Pro tip: Use your ceiling fan together with your AC.

It may sound like extra energy use, but in reality, this combo can keep you comfortable while lowering cooling costs. Here’s how.

How Ceiling Fans Help Your AC Work Better

Ceiling fans don’t cool the air; they move air around. This airflow creates a “wind chill” effect, making you feel cooler than the actual temperature. This means you can set your AC 2–4 degrees higher and still feel comfortable.

If you normally set your thermostat to 72°F, you could raise it to 75°F while the ceiling fan runs. Your AC works less, and you save on electricity.

Set Your Fan Direction Correctly

Most ceiling fans have a small switch on the motor to change the direction of the blades.

  • In summer, set the fan to spin counterclockwise. This pushes air down, creating a cooling breeze.
  • In winter, switch it to clockwise to help circulate warm air.

Check the direction of your fan if it feels like it’s not cooling you down. It makes a big difference.

Energy Savings You Can Expect

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, raising your thermostat by just 1°F can save up to 3% on cooling costs. By pairing your AC with ceiling fans, you can often raise it by 4°F. That means you can enjoy up to 12% savings.

Best Practices for Using Ceiling Fans and AC Together

  • Turn off fans when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not the room. Turn the fan off to save energy if no one is in the room. Leaving it running in an empty space just wastes electricity.
  • Keep blades clean. Dust buildup can slow down airflow and make your system less efficient. Wipe the blades regularly to improve airflow and efficiency.
  • Choose the right fan size. The size of your ceiling fan makes a big difference in how well it moves air around your room. A fan that’s too small won’t move enough air, while one that’s too big can create an uncomfortable draft.
    • For most medium-sized rooms (about 225–400 square feet), a 52-inch fan is ideal.
    • For smaller rooms, go for a fan that’s 42–48 inches.
    • For large rooms, you might need a 56–60-inch fan to circulate air effectively.

Final Thoughts

Using ceiling fans with your AC is a simple, low-cost way to stay cool and save money. Just remember to set the fan direction correctly, adjust your thermostat, and turn fans off when not in use.

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