Lowering Energy Costs: Ceiling Fans

Michael and I are going to install ceiling fans in the den and kitchen.  Simple and modern for $64.  The only problem with this fan is the controller that is provided looks like it is from the 80's.  Pay the $12 to get an attractive fan controller.  Click the link and see pictures on amazon.

Westinghouse 7861400 Industrial 56-Inch Three-Blade Ceiling Fan with Ball Hanger Installation System, Brushed Nickel


One thing that people might overlook is the value of a ceiling fan.  Ceiling fans have the ability to circulate air throughout a living space with minimum amount of energy.  Most ceiling fans use 50-90 Watts to operate.  This particular fan uses around 60 Watts.  An air conditioning unit can use anywhere from 2000-3000 Watts. And, a window unit uses about 600-800.  While I understand what everyone is thinking.  You can't be comfortable with just a fan when it's 100 degrees outside.  I agree.  However with a fan on, it's much easier to raise the temperature on the air unit one or two degrees, saving you more than you think.  Raising your temperature by 2 degrees can save up to 10% on energy usage on A/C.

That's not your only savings.  In the wintertime reverse your fans (there is usually a switch on the fan) to keep warm air circulating down instead of letting all the heat rise through to the next unit or into the attic.  Turn the fan on low during the winter to bring that warm air from the top of the room to where you are.  In my case, a fan will be crucial during the winters with the 18' ceilings to get that warm air down.

Duke Energy, Progress Energy, Georgia Power, all lists it as one of the ways to lower an energy bill.
As Alabama Power states, Be a Fan of a Fan.