Ceiling fans are one of the most underrated ways to increase home comfort and lower energy costs. By enhancing air circulation and assisting your HVAC system, ceiling fans and energy efficiency are truly a natural pairing. They offer a smart, energy-efficient way to keep cool while reducing strain on your AC—helping you avoid unnecessary air conditioning repair.

In this blog, the experts at B & G HVAC explain how ceiling fans can keep you cool while saving you money thanks to increased HVAC efficiency. We'll also share some HVAC efficiency tips that make the most of ceiling fans.

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

Ceiling fans don’t actually change the room’s temperature—they make your home more comfortable by increasing air movement 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 feel less hot and enjoy the benefits of indoor air circulation from your ceiling fan while minimizing air conditioner use—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 in tandem, especially during the warmer months. By combining both, you boost HVAC efficiency and enjoy a cooler living space with less strain from your cooling system.

Why you should use ceiling fans and AC together:

  • Ceiling fans help lower HVAC load by spreading cool air more evenly around the room. Limiting HVAC stress is important, because it can prevent a breakdown that could lead to premature AC or furnace installation.
  • Using ceiling fans improves your indoor comfort by eliminating hot spots and improving air movement.
  • Pairing ceiling fans and AC can reduce overall energy use. If you have a home automation system, you can even modify your smart thermostat settings to increase the temperature slightly while your ceiling fan is running.

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

To get the most out of your ceiling fans year-round, it’s important to set the blades to rotate in the right direction for the season. The direction impacts how air circulates, which can either make you feel cooler or gently recirculate warm air so you feel warmer.

When it's best to spin ceiling fans counterclockwise

On hot days, ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise at a quick speed. This creates a breeze that moves air toward the floor, increasing the wind-chill effect and causing you to feel cooler.

When it's best to spin ceiling fans clockwise

In the winter, set your fan to turn clockwise on a slower speed. This lifts cooler air and circulates heated air down to where you can feel it, so you feel warmer without touching your thermostat.

How to Pick Out the Best Ceiling Fan for My Home

Choosing the right ceiling fan depends on a few important details, such as blade design, airflow rating and room dimensions. First, look for fans that offer a good combination of ECFM airflow and blade pitch to provide 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 higher ECFM are more energy efficient.
  • Blade pitch is the incline of the blades. A steeper blade pitch moves more air but can also strain 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 overpowering for the room.

Increase Your HVAC Efficiency With the Team from B & G HVAC

At B & G HVAC, our HVAC specialists can help you maintain a cozy home while reducing strain 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 services that fit your lifestyle. Reserve your appointment by calling 641-649-4649 today.