Ceiling fans are one of the most underrated ways to increase home comfort and reduce energy costs. By enhancing air circulation and assisting your HVAC system, ceiling fans and energy efficiency are truly a natural pairing. They offer a cost-effective, cost-saving way to stay cool while lessening strain on your AC—potentially sparing you from unnecessary air conditioning repair.

In this blog, the experts at Lakeside Heating & Air discuss how ceiling fans can keep you cool while increasing your HVAC efficiency. We'll also offer some HVAC efficiency tips that put to good use ceiling fans.

Comfort vs. Temperature: Getting Comfortable with the Wind-Chill Effect Indoors

Ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air—they make you feel cooler by blowing air across your skin. This is called the wind-chill effect, and it can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler without lowering the thermostat. That means you stay comfortable and enjoy the benefits of indoor air circulation from your ceiling fan while using less AC—helping reduce your electric bill in summer.

The Best of Both: Advantages of Pairing Fans and Air Conditioning Together

There are several advantages to using ceiling fans and air conditioning at the same time, especially when it's very hot outside. By combining both, you boost HVAC efficiency and keep your home cooler with less work from your cooling system.

Benefits of using ceiling fans and AC together:

  • Ceiling fans help lower HVAC load by circulating cool air more evenly throughout the room. Reducing HVAC stress is important, because it can save you from a breakdown that could lead to premature AC or furnace installation.
  • Using ceiling fans enhances comfort by eliminating hot spots and increasing airflow.
  • Pairing ceiling fans and AC can lower your utility usage. If you have a home automation system, you can even fine-tune your smart thermostat settings to bump up the temp a few degrees while your ceiling fan is running.

Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise Ceiling Fan Rotation: Which is the Correct Direction?

To make full use of your ceiling fans year-round, it’s important to set the blades to rotate in the right direction for the season. The direction influences how air flows, which can either or redistribute heat so you feel warmer.

When to rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise

When it's hot outside, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise at a higher speed. This creates a breeze that pushes cool air downward, amplifying the wind-chill effect and making you feel cooler.

When to rotate ceiling fans clockwise

On cold days, set your fan to rotate clockwise on a slower speed. This softly moves cold air up and circulates heated air down to where you can feel it, making the space feel cozier without touching your thermostat.

Things to Look for in a Ceiling Fan

Choosing the best ceiling fan depends on a few important details, such as blade design, airflow rating and room dimensions. First, look for fans that have a good combination of ECFM airflow and blade pitch to ensure efficient air movement in your home:

  • ECFM is the amount of air a fan circulates—the cubic feet per minute, or CFM—per watt of electricity consumed. Fans with greater ECFM are more energy efficient.
  • Blade pitch refers to the tilt of the blades. A steeper blade pitch moves more air than a shallower pitch but can also put extra load on the motor.

Also, consider room size when sizing a ceiling fan—a fan that’s too small won’t circulate sufficient air, while one that’s too large may be too strong for the space.

Raise Your HVAC Efficiency With the Experts from Lakeside Heating & Air

At Lakeside Heating & Air, our HVAC technicians can help you stay comfortable while easing the burden on your heating and cooling systems. From efficient ceiling fan strategies and air conditioning installation to smart thermostats and furnace repair, we offer comprehensive services that work with your budget. Reserve your appointment by calling 509-300-1829 today.