Ceiling fan woes?

Question

My roommate is from a foreign country where air conditioning isn't exactly commonplace. We both use the A/C all day, but I also keep the ceiling fan on. I've heard my entire life that ceiling fans are good at lowering your energy costs. He turns off the ceiling fan whenever I'm not around, stating that I'm just using MORE energy (A/C+fan). Who is right?

Answer 1

Granny is correct, and you are correct Rachel! Typically, with ceiling fans on you should be comfortable with the AC set to 78*. If you do not use ceiling fans to help circulate the air, then you most likely will not be comfortable until the AC is set to 70* or 72* causing your AC to work much harder costing you much more to operate. It's as simple as that. Good Luck, ;-)

Answer 2

We did an experiment at work where we have a very high ceiling with ceiling fans, and the AC would barely keep up. Without the fan, the room stayed cooler than with the fan. The reason, we concluded, was that hot air rises and cold air sinks. When we had the fan on, it mixed the temperatures so the room was always warm. With the fan off, the cold air stayed down where we were and we stayed much cooler. We didn't care if the hot air stayed up above our heads. I don't know how high your ceilings are or how well insulated your space is, but you may want to try it with and without to see if you get similar results.

Answer 3

The AC turns off when it reaches the specified temp. The ceiling fan keeps the cool air circulating. When you are not in the home/apt, turn the fan off as it is not accomplishing anything since no one can feel it.

Answer 4

fan after the A/C does not work for saving energy coz it alters the temperature of the room and thus u need A/C again to be started. otherwise alone A/C is enough to be effictive in this case. thanx.

Answer 5

If you are trying to save energy get it cold with the A/C then turn the fan on.

Answer 6

The fan helps by circulating the air.

Answer 7

normally a/c takes care of the sufficient cooling of ur room.