Summer is here! And as the temperature starts rising in Florida, so do the electricity bills. If you’re looking for a way to stay cool on budget this summer, you may want to consider having a ceiling fan installed in your home. Adding a ceiling fan is a great way to beat the summer heat while lowering electricity costs. If you’re thinking about installing a fan this summer, here are some tips to keep in mind to make sure you get the most out of your ceiling fan.

How Fans Cut Electricity Costs

The first thing you need to understand about ceiling fans is that they do not actually lower your home’s temperature. Instead, they circulate the air around your skin making you feel cooler. This lessens your need to use your air conditioner.

So, in order to cut electricity costs with a fan, you need to actually adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. While your home may be physically warmer, and your thermostat will read a high temperature, you will still feel cool as long as you have the right type of fan.

Pick The Right Size

When it comes to your fan, size matters! If you have a large room with vaulted ceilings, you are going to need a large fan to cool the entire space. Likewise, if you have a small room, a fan too large may leave you feeling like you’re smack dab in the middle of a wind turbine. Here is a quick cheat sheet for picking the right size fan.

Room Size Blade Span
50 sq. feet 29 inches
50 – 75 sq. feet 29 – 36 inches
51 – 150 sq. feet 36 – 42 inches
150 – 225 sq. feet 42 – 50 inches
225 – 400 sq. feet 50 – 54 inches

Using Your Fan In the Winter

Ceiling fans don’t just have to save you money during the summer months. Most fans have a “reverse” mode that can save you big in the summer as well. Switching the flow of the blades helps pull the cool air from the bottom of the room and pushes down the warm air that rises. Doing this will keep your home warm, so you can use your heating system less.

Install Your New Fan Today

Installing a ceiling fan can be a little overwhelming for the casual “do-it-yourselfer.” Because it requires intricate knowledge of your home’s electrical system, it’s best to call a professional to do the job right. At Mister Sparky® of Clearwater, our electricians are experienced with installing all types of ceiling fans. Call today for a free estimate, and you could be enjoying your new fan as soon as tomorrow. Don’t wait! Schedule your appointment today!