Are Ceiling Fans in Winter Useful?

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As winter approaches, you might think you don't need that ceiling fan anymore. All summer, you had it on to augment the air conditioning, lifting up the hot air so it would rise to the ceiling while pushing down the cool air to occupant level. But hold on. Ceiling fans in winter can actually help make your heating efforts more efficient, keeping you warmer without having to turn up the thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can cut energy use by as much as 15% in winter and by even more in the summer.

Here's how a ceiling fan can work to make you warmer this winter.

Reversing the Blades of Fans in Winter

It sounds counterintuitive, but the fact is that reversing your fan blades can increase the warmth the occupants of your home feel at ground level. In the summer, the blades should be running counterclockwise. If you have the type of blades that can be reversed with a switch, do so in the winter so they are running clockwise. This will push the warm air down from the ceiling, along the walls, and down to floor level. When the warm air is pushed down, it helps to muscle aside the colder, denser, heavier air that can be lingering at foot level.

• Fans in winter are particularly helpful in pushing down warm air when you have high ceilings.

• Always run the fan in winter at its lowest speed so you don't feel any windchill.

• Be sure that whenever you're replacing a ceiling fan, you get the type with two-way action.

Taking Care of the Ceiling Fan

Always check the fan blades to make sure the edges are clean. Dirty edges will increase the air drag on the blades, and the fan will work less efficiently.

Clean blades either with a vacuum wand attachment or by wrapping an old pillowcase around the blade, wiping it off and then emptying the pillowcase.

Most modern ceiling fans do not require oiling, nor can you change the bearings, as the motors are sealed.

For more on running ceiling fans in winter, contact Air Assurance.

Reduce Cooling Costs at Home With These Simple Tips

With another cooling season looming, it's time to get serious about energy savings by making efficiency-minded changes around your home. These simple tips can help you reduce cooling costs and enjoy a comfortable living environment all summer long.

Tips to Reduce Cooling Costs

• Seal leaky ducts. You can prevent the waste of up to 30 percent of the A/C's cool air output due to leakage by having ducts sealed with mastic and wrapped in at least R-6 insulation.

• Run exhaust fans. Activities like cooking, bathing and washing dishes add heat and humidity to the indoor air, so run the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan to vent it outdoors where it can't increase your energy bills.

• Switch on the ceiling fans. Operating ceiling fans while the air conditioner is running can increase comfort and allow you to raise the thermostat setting a few degrees, curbing your energy usage.

• Shade the windows. Heat gain through the window glass makes the A/C work harder and increases energy consumption. Keep it under control by installing energy-efficient shades, blinds or reflective window film.

• Purchase a programmable thermostat. Choose a model that matches your normal weekly schedule and your HVAC equipment brand. Use it to program 10-degree temperature setbacks for a daily eight-hour period, and you can slash energy costs by 15 percent a year.

• Stop conditioned air losses. Seal leaks by caulking window frames and replacing any missing or damaged weatherstripping around exterior doors. Plug holes and gaps around the foundation and any shell penetrations with expandable foam spray.

• Prevent heat build-up. Replace incandescent lights with energy-efficient bulbs that produce much less heat. Use the microwave or outdoor grill for cooking instead of the oven, and air dry dishes and laundry so you don't create heat that adds to the A/C's workload.

• Upgrade an older cooling system. Replacing an inefficient air conditioner can reduce your cooling expenses by as much as 50 percent. To boost those energy savings by up to 15 percent more, choose Energy Star-rated equipment.

To learn more ways to reduce cooling costs in your Broken Arrow home, contact the comfort experts at Air Assurance. We've been helping homeowners since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”

Home Ventilation Options to Keep Your Home Cool

While separating your home environment from the great outdoors means that you can control your indoor temperature year-round, it also means that you're not getting the benefits of natural breezes and fresh air. Maintaining indoor air quality is one reason you should pay attention to your home's ventilation, but it's not the only one – you can also use the following home ventilation options to keep your living spaces cool.

Natural Airflow From Windows and Doors

While it might be more appealing during the temperate months, you can easily ventilate your home by opening more than one window. Ideally, you should have windows on upper and lower floors open at the same time, and a clear path for air to flow between them. Warm air will rise and push its way out of the upper windows, drawing in cooler air from down below.

Fans

Moving air cools you down the same way that the wind chills you in winter, so a standing fan can help to keep you cool. However, it's even better if you use a ceiling fan. The downward draft will displace the cool air that's sunk to ground level, making it more available to cool you. That can increase the efficiency of your air conditioner, or remove the need for it altogether on cooler days.

Whole-House Ventilation Solutions

A whole-house fan can bring in fresh outdoor air and circulate it through your home. When air is exhausted through your attic spaces, you're also preventing the heat of the sun from warming your attic and radiating downward into your living areas.

If you're curious about how home ventilation can keep you cool through the Broken Arrow summers, visit us at Air Assurance to learn more!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Thinglass/Shutterstock”