Ceiling fans are a type of circulating fan. Circulating fans don’t actually cool your home, but they make you feel cooler due to the windchill effect they provide.
This will allow you to reduce your air conditioner use by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature while still feeling comfortable. It may also increase how high the exterior temperature has to get before you must run your air conditioner to remain comfortable. Fans use little energy compared to your air conditioner, so this is a good way to save money on your summer energy bills.
In general, the size of fan you’ll want will depend on the size of the room it will be installed in. However, larger ceiling fans can provide a greater cooling effect at slower speeds, so a larger fan might be desirable if there are objects in the room that will become disturbed by strong breezes. For really large rooms, you’ll need to use multiple fans.
How well a ceiling fan cools also depends on its installation. Ideally the blades should be 7 to 9 feet above the floor and 10 to 12 inches below the ceiling. At a minimum, make sure the blades are 8 inches away from the ceiling and 18 inches away from any walls.
Since your fan will likely be on for a large part of the day, you’ll also want to make sure it’s installed securely to limit any rattling noises that could occur. Beyond this, a fan’s noise level is determined by its construction. Ceiling fans will usually have a noise rating listed, but if you can, it’s best to listen to the fan in operation yourself. You will typically have to pay more for a quieter fan, but it’s also likely to be more reliable.
If you want more advice on ceiling fans, or to learn about other ways to save on your energy bills this summer, contact Meyer’s Heating & Cooling today. We’ve provided HVAC services to homes and businesses in Griffith, Munster, Highland, St John, Schererville, Gary and the surrounding areas since 1951. We also offer plumbing and electrical services.