Ceiling fans are one of the most underappreciated ways to make your home more comfortable and reduce energy costs. By enhancing air circulation and working in conjunction with your HVAC system, ceiling fans and energy efficiency are truly a natural pairing. They offer a practical, eco-friendly way to stay cool while reducing strain on your AC—potentially sparing you from unnecessary air conditioning repair.

In this blog, the experts at Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling discuss how ceiling fans can keep you cool while avoiding energy waste with increased HVAC efficiency. We'll also provide some HVAC efficiency tips that make the most of ceiling fans.

Comfort vs. Temperature: The Effect of 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 known as the wind-chill effect, and it can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler without adjusting the thermostat. That means you stay comfortable and enjoy the benefits of indoor air circulation from your ceiling fan while relying less on your air conditioner—helping reduce your electric bill in summer.

The Best of Both: Benefits of Using Fans and Air Conditioning Together

There are several advantages to using ceiling fans and air conditioning at the same time, especially on hotter days. By pairing both, you increase HVAC efficiency and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature with less effort from your cooling system.

Why you should use ceiling fans and AC together:

  • Ceiling fans help lower HVAC load by moving cool air more evenly throughout a room. Reducing HVAC stress is important, because it can help you avoid a breakdown that could lead to premature AC or furnace installation.
  • Using overhead fans improves your indoor comfort by getting rid of warm pockets and improving air movement.
  • Combining ceiling fans and AC can reduce overall energy use. If you have a home automation system, you can even adjust your smart thermostat settings to increase the temperature slightly while your ceiling fan is running.

Clockwise vs. Counterclockwise Ceiling Fan Rotation: Which Direction Should a Fan Spin?

To get the most out of your ceiling fans year-round, it’s important to set the blades to rotate in the proper direction for the season. The direction impacts how air flows, which can either or redistribute heat so you feel warmer.

When to rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise

On hot days, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise at a higher speed. This creates a breeze that forces cool air down, enhancing the wind-chill effect and creating a cooler sensation.

When to spin ceiling fans clockwise

In the winter, set your fan to turn clockwise on a low speed. This softly moves cold air up and draws warm air downward from the ceiling, helping you feel warmer without adjusting your thermostat.

Things to Look for in a Ceiling Fan

Picking the ideal ceiling fan depends on a few critical considerations, such as blade design, airflow rating and room dimensions. First, look for fans with a good balance of ECFM airflow and blade pitch to provide efficient air movement in your space:

  • ECFM refers to how much air a fan circulates—the cubic feet per minute, or CFM—per watt of electricity consumed. Fans with higher ECFM are more energy efficient.
  • Blade pitch is the incline of the blades. A steeper blade pitch increases airflow but can also strain the motor.

Also, consider room size when sizing a ceiling fan—a fan that’s too small won’t move enough air, while one that’s too big may be disruptive in a smaller room.

Boost Your HVAC Efficiency With the Experts from Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling

At Kohles & Bach Heating & Cooling, our HVAC technicians can help you stay comfortable while easing the burden on your heating and cooling systems. From energy-saving ceiling fan tips and air conditioning installation to smart thermostats and furnace repair, we offer comprehensive solutions that work with your budget. Set up your appointment by calling 515-278-2900 today.