Should I Use a Ceiling Fan While my AC is On?
Invented in the 1880s, ceiling fans are still popular today. They are decorative and offer some nice benefits. They are inexpensive to use, cycle the air in a room and can make the occupants of the room feel cooler. These days, ceiling fans are a kind of second-string cooling system after central air conditioning. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth having. Ceiling fans can boost the reach of central AC, add ambiance to a room, and circulate the air.
Should I Use a Ceiling Fan While my AC is On?
Most people who ask this question are concerned about the cost. The cost of running a ceiling fan is not high. A 75-watt fan running for 8 hours a day will cost about $1.80 a month, depending on your utility company’s rates. Now, to decide whether or not this is worthwhile for you, you’ll want to consider a few factors:
- How much time do you spend in the fan’s area of effect?
- How far is the fan from your AC registers?
- How much do you enjoy the fan?
Suppose, for example, you work at a desk at home and you sit under or near your fan for long periods of time. If this is the case, and if the fan is sufficient to keep you comfortable, that’s probably reason enough to run the fan.
If there is an area in your home or office where the AC registers struggle to reach, a ceiling fan can be a great, cost-effective solution.
Of course, the ultimate deciding factor is, how much do you enjoy the fan? If you enjoyed movies released between the 1930s and 1960s, you probably know they can contribute to the atmosphere. In these classic films, ceiling fans would spin so slowly they could not possibly even move the air. Few real fans work this way, but it shows the decorative quality of a moving fan.
One of the most important effects of a fan is its ability to keep the air moving. This not only cools a room but helps to keep the air fresh and prevent pests and mold from growing as prolifically as they would otherwise.
Finally, if you spend a lot of time in the area of effect of your fan, and the added comfort helps you to use your AC a little less often- then it’s definitely a good idea to use it in conjunction with your central air.
Your Trustworthy AC Company
To learn more about ceiling fans and central AC, get in touch with the pros at HB McClure today. We are an employee-owned mechanical contractor proudly serving thousands of residential and commercial clients throughout south-central PA. For over 100 years HB McClure has been providing comfort by delivering propane and fuel oil; and the installation and servicing of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.