Can Using a Fan Save You Money?
Running a fan costs pennies a day – sometimes
Many individuals choose to use fans as opposed to other cooling methods because they are said to be cost effective and energy efficient. A fan does use less energy than an air conditioning system so you can save some money, but it is not guaranteed.
Using fans can decrease the amount of money you will spend to cool your home in two ways. First, in the spring and fall (when the temperatures are on the warmer side) you can use your fan to keep your home cool as an alternative to your air conditioning system. Depending on the type of fan you own they can cost you as little as one cent per hour, which is considerably less than what your air conditioning will cost. If you can avoid turning on your air conditioner, you will save money.
The second way to save money is to use your fan during the really warm summer months – the time of year when it is necessary to run your air conditioner. If you stand directly beneath or in front of a fan, you can feel cooler without turning on your air conditioner.
A direct breeze increases the amount of evaporation from your skin which helps you to feel cooler. Positioning yourself directly in front of the breeze will make you more comfortable – even on a sweltering summer afternoon. If you must use your air conditioner, you may find it tolerable to set your AC dial to low and raise the thermostat and still feel comfortable – if you stay within range of the fan.
Using a fan and air conditioner simultaneously can still save you money – you can set your air conditioning on low and raise the thermostat because of the added cooling effect provided by fans. Setting your air conditioning about 4-8 degrees higher can decrease your bill by as much as 10 to 15 percent.
If you keep your air conditioner thermostat set to 74 degrees and still use your fan, you won’t save a penny. Your air conditioner will be running constantly to keep your house cool, which costs more than a fan, and your fan will be circulating cold air – you’ll be paying for two appliances when you could just be paying for one, your AC.
In order to maximize the amount of savings on your energy bill, remember to conserve the amount of electricity you are using on a day-to-day basis. The only way you’re going to save money by using fans is if you turn them off when you’re not in the room or in your house. Remember, fans don’t cool the air, fans cool people – if you’re not in the room to enjoy the breeze you’re just wasting your money.
