Ceiling Fans: Beating the Heat and Saving a Buck

August is here and so is the heat, and keeping cool in South Carolina can be a challenge this time of year. It can also prove to be very expensive, as air conditioning units work tirelessly to try to maintain comfortable cooling levels. By using a ceiling fan and turning off the air conditioner when possible or by turning up the thermostat a few degrees and allowing the ceiling fan to circulate the air, homeowners can potentially save energy and money.

When considering a ceiling fan purchase, there are a few helpful tips and fan facts to consider.

Industry tests have proven that fans do save energy. According to Energy Star, a homeowner can save 3 to 5 percent on air-conditioning costs for each degree the thermostat is raised. The recommended indoor temperature for summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. By utilizing a ceiling fan, which consumes much less energy, the ambient air temperature can feel up to four degrees Fahrenheit cooler. A ceiling fan actually cools those occupying a room and not the room itself. Understanding that, it is better to turn it off when leaving the room.

The blade shape and airflow matter a great deal as well. A consumer should look at cubic feet per minute numbers on the box to get a better idea of how well the ceiling fan moves air—the higher the number, the better the air circulation and movement.

In addition, consumers should always look for the Energy Star icon on the outside of the box. Fans that earn the Energy Star label move air 20 percent more efficiently than standard models. Energy Star fans with light kits are 60 percent more efficient than conventional fan/light units and can save homeowners a significant amount of money per year on utility bills.

And finally, homeowners should fully understand the installation requirements to ensure that the fan is installed properly for optimal performance. A ceiling fan should be installed in the center of the room and at least 7 feet above the floor, but if possible and for optimal airflow, it should be installed 8 to 9 feet. Generally, blade tips should be no closer than 24 inches from the wall and from any curtains or drapes.

Keeping cool and comfortable in extreme heat is not only desirable but also important to prevent unintended health consequences, such as heat exhaustion or even stroke—especially in the hot and humid Palmetto State. By adding a ceiling fan or two, a homeowner is not only safeguarding his/her health but also saving money, which makes a lot of sense. 

For more information about the benefits of ceiling fans, call Jonathan Flamholtz, owner of Dan’s Fan City, at 803-781-3267 or visit DansFanCity.com