Homeowners looking for a way to save money on their heating and cooling costs should consider installing ceiling fans. Properly used, a ceiling fan can work in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system to help you stay comfortable at temperatures a few degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter. A few degrees may not sound like much, but the energy savings can add up quickly.
If you are installing a ceiling fan, be sure to get a fan that is reversible. You will want to reverse the direction of the fan in the winter. A competent handyman can install a typical ceiling fan, but if you have any doubt about your ability you should hire a home improvement contractor or electrician to do the installation. Ceiling fans are heavy and can fall if improperly installed. Further, the electrical connections are not completed properly there is a risk of fire.
Using the fan properly is the key to energy savings. In the summer, the fan should be set so that you feel a breeze standing underneath it. This breeze makes you feel cooler and allows you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher.
In the winter, turn the fan on low and reverse the direction. This will create a flow of warm air from the ceiling where it accumulates down to the lower area of the room where it will help keep temperatures a few degrees warmer.
If you are considering a ceiling fan because your air conditioner or heating system can’t keep you and your family comfortable, you may need residential HVAC maintenance. Have your HVAC system serviced by a reputable HVAC contractor.
