|
|
 If you heat your home in the winter or cool it in the summer and you don't have ceiling fans, then you're missing out on an easy and economical way to reduce your energy bill. Typically using only about 150 watts, ceiling fans make it possible to set thermostats several degrees higher or lower without any loss of comfort. Here's how to use a ceiling fan to get those savings:
In the summer, the fan will make you feel cooler than the temperature on your thermostat through a combination of evaporative cooling and air circulation. Combined, these can make a room seem between 8 and 12 degrees cooler.
In the winter, switch the fan to the reverse mode, which will pull warm air from below and push it out against the ceiling and down the walls. Since hot air rises, a room will feel warmer if you keep the air circulating Not sure which direction is reverse? In reverse, the blades will turn clockwise when viewed from below.
Match the fan size to the room size. A 36-to-42-inch fan is typically used in a bedroom, and a 52-inch fan is typically used in larger rooms such as a den or living room. The material the fan blades are made of doesn't matter, so pick whatever matches your décor.
Consider installing ceiling fans in more than one room to keep the comfort level even throughout the most frequently used rooms in the house.
Consider how long the fan will be in use. Fans with longer warranties will generally be more expensive but also more durable. Better fans have at least a five-year warranty.
Photo courtesy Northern Territory University
Up to Top
|
