Summers in West and Mid Michigan bring rising temperatures and high humidity, which come with higher utility bills and more work for your AC system. If you’re looking for ways to reduce the workload on your air conditioner while keeping your home cool, your ceiling fans can play a bigger role than you might think. By using both systems together strategically, you can lower your home’s energy use, extend your AC’s lifespan, and even cut down on utility bills.
Do Ceiling Fans Help Your AC Run Less?
Ceiling fans don’t actually lower the temperature in a room, but they do make you feel cooler by creating a breeze across your skin. This wind-chill effect can help you feel several degrees cooler than the actual air temperature, allowing you to raise your thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. This means that your AC won’t need to cycle on as often or run as long. The reduced workload can help minimize wear and tear over time and improve overall efficiency.
Energy Savings from Using Both
Running your air conditioner all day can lead to significant energy use, especially during peak summer months. But when you use a ceiling fan to help circulate cool air, you can typically raise the thermostat by about four degrees and still feel just as comfortable. While your AC might cost several cents per hour to run, a ceiling fan uses about the same electricity as a standard lightbulb, making it a much more cost-effective option.
Best Practices for Using Ceiling Fans with AC
Combining your ceiling fan with your air conditioner can lead to real benefits — but only if you use them correctly. Follow these tips to get the most out of both systems:
Check the Fan’s Direction of Rotation
During the summer, your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise. This pushes air downward and creates a wind-chill effect, making the room feel cooler.
Only Run Fans in Occupied Rooms
Fans cool people, not air. Leaving fans on in empty rooms wastes energy without any benefit, so turn them off when no one’s around.
Raise AC Settings When Using Fans Regularly
If you consistently use ceiling fans, you can raise your thermostat by a few degrees. You’ll still feel cool, and your AC won’t need to work as hard.
Adjust Fan Speed Based on Needs
Use higher speeds on hot days and lower speeds when it’s more mild. Finding the right balance helps keep the room comfortable without overdoing it.
Other Tips To Maximize Cooling Efficiency
There are a few more steps you can take to make your home more efficient and comfortable during Michigan’s warmer months:
- Close windows during the hottest parts of the day: This prevents warm, humid air from entering your home and making your AC work harder.
- Close blinds or curtains in sunny rooms: Blocking direct sunlight can help reduce indoor heat gain.
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors: Your AC worked hard to cool your home’s air, so keep that cool air inside! Preventing cool air from escaping helps your system maintain a steady temperature.
- Use a programmable thermostat: A smart thermostat will adjust your system based on your routine, optimizing energy use.
- Schedule regular HVAC maintenance: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down in the heat, so make sure to schedule an AC tune-up at least once a year.
Keep Cool & Save More with Vredevoogd
Ceiling fans and air conditioners can work hand in hand to keep your Michigan home comfortable and your energy bills in check. By following a few smart strategies, you can make the most of both systems and stay cool all summer long. For help with your AC system, or to explore more energy-saving options, reach out to the team of experienced professionals at Vredevoogd. We’ve been serving West and Mid Michigan for over 60 years, and we’re committed to your comfort!
Contact Vredevoogd today for expert AC services in West and Mid Michigan.
