Every homeowner has at least thought about the fan vs AC debate, especially during the summer. A fan is a cheaper investment, but does it effectively cool down your home when compared to an air conditioner? In this informational blog, Fleetwell will dive into the energy usage of both fans and air conditioners, offer some tips to reduce energy costs, and provide the smartest ways to get the most out of both systems.
Energy Consumption of an Air Conditioner
Central AC unit power usage is between 3,000 to 5,000 watts of electricity per hour and 2000 kilowatts per year, while window units generally use 500 to 1,400 watts, depending on their cooling capacity and efficiency rating.
SEER (SEER2)
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, while the 2 stands for the rating’s second iteration. Any air conditioner bought after January 2023 is likely SEER2. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is. So a SEER14 is more efficient than a SEER11, for example. Newer ENERGY STAR-certified models use 10-50% less energy than older units.
Size
The sizing of an AC plays an important role in system efficiency and longevity. An HVAC technician will perform a load calculation to determine the correct size and cooling capacity you need for your home.
Aspects like your home’s square footage, insulation, the number of doors and windows all play a part in the calculation.
Smart Thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat to go with your air conditioner is also a way to cut down your energy bill. According to the Department of Energy, you can generally save about 3% on your heating and cooling bills for each degree you adjust your thermostat. A smart thermostat will do this for you.
How Much Energy Do Fans Use?
Ceiling fans only use a fraction of the energy used by air conditioners, ranging from 10 to 100 watts an hour. Even high-powered fans for large spaces usually only go up to 200 watts. When looking at air conditioner vs fan electricity usage, it is cheaper to run a fan all day than an AC. Although fans don’t actually cool a space or room. They do make you feel cooler by creating a wind chill effect. But if you want the room to drop in temperature, you will need an air conditioner.
Your energy savings are increased when you use fans strategically with your air conditioning system rather than as a complete replacement. You can use pedestal or tower fans to guide the cooled air into any given room, chilling it to a comfortable level and allowing you to turn off the AC.
When to Use a Fan vs. Air Conditioner
The decision between using a fan or an air conditioner depends on the outdoor temperature, humidity levels, and your personal comfort. Fans work the best when outdoor temperatures remain below 85°F and humidity levels are manageable. In these conditions, fans can provide comfort while consuming minimal energy.
In periods of extreme heat when temperatures jump higher than 90°F, air conditioners are your best option. With periods of high humidity, hot weather reduces the effectiveness of fans and the cooling wind chill effect becomes less comfortable.
Consider using fans when people are in the given room, and AC when you want to cool the room before people are in it. Many air conditioners now come with an app so you can program your system to fit your needs, turning up or down based on your habits.
Smart Tips to Reduce Your Cooling Costs
The idea is to reduce your summer energy bills while not having to sacrifice your cooling comfort.
Check out this list of tips to get the most out of your cooling systems:
- Schedule regular AC maintenance, including cleaning or replacing filters monthly, ensuring outdoor vents remain unblocked.
- Use programmable or smart thermostats to avoid cooling empty homes and to pre-cool your space.
- Consider upgrading to a zoned HVAC system.
- Combine ceiling fans with your air conditioning system to create a more comfortable environment at higher thermostat settings.
- Learn when it’s best to leave your doors open or closed while using AC.
- Improve your home’s natural cooling by using window coverings to block solar heat gain, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, and ensuring home insulation.
- Consider opening windows and using whole-house or window fans to bring in fresh air.
When to Consider AC Replacement
If your AC is reaching the 10 to 15 years old mark, chances are it’s had multiple repairs, perhaps some quite costly. If it’s struggling to maintain a consistent temperature or cool your home, it could be due to a failing compressor or control board.
Below are a few more signs it’s time for an AC replacement:
- Any loud noises, like banging, clanking, or clicking, even after a few repairs.
- A strange odor coming from the air conditioner.
- Your AC is using outdated R-22 refrigerant, which is banned in the United States.
- Unusual cycling patterns that result in the AC shutting off and on.
- Higher than normal energy bills.
Often upgrading to a more efficient, higher SEER-rated AC will save you more money in the long run on your energy bills. When looking at your replacement options, consider your home’s specific cooling needs, local climate conditions, and long-term energy cost projections. A properly sized, high-efficiency system paired with a strategic fan will save you money and keep you cool.
Call Fleetwell for an AC tune-up
Don’t let high energy bills keep you from staying comfortable all summer long. The best way to know if you’re getting the most out of your AC or if you need an upgrade is to schedule a call with a local Fleetwell HVAC professional. Cooling. Whether you need routine maintenance, system repairs, or want to explore upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit, we’re here to help.
