Save on Cooling with Your Ceiling Fan
Most money we spend on electricity goes to heating and cooling. With this summer promising to be hot, you’ll want to save money where you can. One way to save on your electricity bills is to run your AC only when you really need it. A ceiling fan can help you feel cool so that you’ll avoid running your AC longer. So, if you really want keep your cool, then it’s time to prep your ceiling fan for summer.
Which Way Should My Ceiling Fan Turn in Summer?
This is a common question, and the first thing to check when prepping your ceiling fans for the warm weather.
Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise. Now is the best time to switch fan direction. Turn your fan off before switching the direction. Look for a switch on the side of the fan housing for this.
Technically, fans don’t raise or lower room temperature. It’s the fan’s breeze evaporating sweat from your body that cools you. However, fans can help circulate air so it feels more uniformly cooler in summer or warmer in winter.
Clean Your Fan!
In spite of spinning, fans can collect lots of dust. Too much dust on the blades can unbalance them, make them noisy, wobbly, and possibly damage the motor.
To clean your fan you will need a step stool, a pillow case, a can of compressed air, a rag or duster, and the cleaner of your choice. Commercial dust removers will leave a nice sheen on your fan blades. But if you want to save money, a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water works well to remove buildup.
Start by removing as much dust from your fan blades as possible. You can either use a duster or a pillowcase to do this. If you use the pillowcase, simply slide it over the fan blade and use it to wipe the dust off. This keeps the mess more contained. If you use a duster, lay down a dropcloth before you begin to save time on cleanup.
Next, spray the motor with a little compressed air. Dust can accumulate in small, hard to reach places and this is the easiest way to clean it.
Lastly, wipe down the blades and other surfaces thoroughly. Also, remove and clean any light globes. Be sure to replace old incandescent bulbs with efficient LED bulbs.
Inspect Your Ceiling Fan
Now it’s time to inspect your ceiling fan. Ceiling fans run most efficiently when the blades are 7-9 feet from the floor, and 12-15 inches from the ceiling. However, flush mounted or “hugger” ceiling fans are set right up against the ceiling. In either case, be sure your fan is hanging correctly and safely.
Is your fan wobbly or noisy when you turn it on? If so, you may need to tighten some screws on the fan blades and housing. If your fan blades are damaged, you can remove and replace them. Never run your ceiling fan with a fan blade removed, as this will damage the motor. Troubleshooting ceiling fans can be challenging but don’t be afraid to replace it. Newer models are often more energy efficient and some come with convenient remote controls.
Prep for Summer Electricity Bills
Now that you’ve prepared your ceiling fan for summer, it’s time to prepare for summer electricity bills. Rates rise during the summer when useage is high. But it’s not too late to take advantage of low spring prices. The best way to save money is to lock in a low electricity rate with a reputable provider. Find the best electricity plan for you at https://www.paenergyratings.com