There is no denying the comfort a nice ceiling fan provides during the harsh summer months in Oklahoma. However, most residents don't realize that this simple piece of equipment could also improve their comfort during the winter months with the flick of a switch. In addition to providing warmth, ceiling fans used in the winter can also reduce energy use. For each homeowner in Green Country, it's a win-win situation.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
Ceiling fans are excellent at moving air around a room. To accomplish this, the air is forced to move in a circular motion by being pushed downward by blades. This air movement produces a draft that can help to disperse heat or cool a space evenly. However, the fan can also aid heat circulation and reduce pockets of stagnant air throughout a room.
Because they assist in distributing and circulating the air in the room, ceiling fans are perfect for homes. The rotating fan blades produce a "wind-chill effect," which cools down the room. Experts claim that you can lower your thermostat by 4 degrees without feeling any difference in comfort when a ceiling fan is running because of how effectively it lowers the room temperature.
How Can Ceiling Fans Help During Winter?
While most people know how ceiling fans operate, less than half know that they can be used in the same way in the winter as in the summer. But in the winter, ceiling fans can make it easier to heat a space. You must first locate the switch on the fan that controls the blade's direction to use them.
The blades must rotate counterclockwise to achieve the wind-chill effect in the summer. The majority of fans always use this setting. By turning on the fan and determining its direction, you can test it. If necessary, turn the fan to spin counterclockwise to improve heating.
The blades raise air by turning in a clockwise direction. The ability to create a more comfortable space during the heating season depends on this. That's because the wind-chill effect is produced when the blades push air downward, aiding in evaporation. You'll feel cooler if you leave the setting in this position!
Contrary to your heater or air conditioner, ceiling fans shouldn't be left on all the time, even when no one is in the room. Most of the time, to take advantage of the improved heating provided by ceiling fans, you must be present in the room. You don't want to enter each room of the house, turn on the ceiling fans, and then depart. Heat won't be dispersed throughout your house by the fans.
How Much Can You Save Using Ceiling Fans in the Winter?
According to some estimates, homeowners who run ceiling fans in the winter can reduce their heating expenses by as much as 15%. Thermostats can be lowered because of the improved heat distribution in the space. You save energy by doing that, which results in fewer heater runs.
But it's critical to pick an energy-efficient fan for maximum savings and comfort. Choose a ceiling fan that is ENERGY STAR certified to save up to 60% more energy than standard fans by using better motors and cutting-edge blade designs.