- Why Are Women Always Cold
- Air Conditioner Sizing
- Air Conditioner History
- Asthma And Allergies
- Electrostatic Filters
- Ceiling Fans
- Portable Units
- Getting The Most Value
- Tips For Buying An Air Conditioning Unit
- Tune Ups And Maintenance
- Energy Store
- Extended Warranties
- Glossary
- Types of Air Conditioning Units
- BTU's & EER
- Limiting Your AC's Energy Consumption
- Tips For Fixing A Window Unit AC
- How To Quiet A Window Unit Air Conditioner
- Keeping Your Energy Bills As Low As Possible
- Wall Unit Overview
- Window Unit Air Conditioners: An Overview
- Thermostat Basics
Air Conditioner Articles: Ceiling Fans
The use of ceiling fans, along with window and portable air conditioning units, can significant reduce your energy bills, particularly in the summer months. There are several types of fans that may be used in your home, depending upon the cooling needs of your space and family.
AIR CIRCULATING FANS:
Air circulating fans are available either in ceiling units or portable oscillating or box form. Though they do not actual cool the temperature in a room, they work by creating air motion which is able to create a feeling of greater comfort within a given room or space. When fans are being used in conjunction with window or portable AC units, you are able to raise the temperature of your unit without a loss of comfort. For each degree you raise the temperature, there is an approximate savings of up to 8% in energy costs.
WHOLE HOUSE FANS:
Whole house fans are another option for those that live in areas where winds prevent ventilation through open windows alone. These types of fans work by pulling air in through windows and then exhausting it through ceilings and attics. The downside to whole house fans is that they can tend to be noisy and do consume between 300 and 500 watts of electricity. These types of fans also might be challenging to install. However, despite the difficulties, whole house fans may be a good option for very populated neighborhoods or areas where wind circulation is not good.
ATTIC VENT FANS:
Attic vent fans circulate air just within the attic (and nowhere else in the house). These types of fans are usually controlled by a thermostat and only switch on when the attic reaches a certain temperature. The idea behind attic vent fans is that if you keep the temperature reduced in this area of your home, the high heat levels will not escape into other parts of your home, causing you to to increase the temperature of your air conditoning units and spend more money. As attic temperatures in certain parts of the country can sometimes climb up to 150 degrees in summer months, this can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
