Can I Run the Air Conditioner and Fan at the Same Time?

There’s nothing more refreshing than returning home to cooled air on a sweltering summer day. When it’s hot outside, you likely want to make your home as comfortable—and cold—as possible. But is it beneficial to use your AC with your ceiling fan? Or are you just wasting energy?

In short, you can run the air conditioner and fan at the same time. In fact, you should. Let’s discuss the benefits of using your AC and ceiling fan together.

The “Wind-Chill Effectâ€

While it may feel like a ceiling fan lowers the temperature in a room, it only makes the room feel cooler by creating a nice breeze. This is known as a “wind-chill effect.†Ceiling fans can’t actually affect temperature. Instead, they increase air circulation, which can lower your body temperature.

Stay Cool at a Higher Temperature

Now that you know ceiling fans can make a space feel colder, you can use this knowledge to your advantage. When you use your AC and ceiling fan together, consider raising your thermostat setting. Why? You can run the air conditioner and fan at the same time to save energy.

If you have a central air conditioning system, raise the thermostat by a few degrees. As a result, your AC won’t have to work as hard to cool the room because the ceiling fan will help create a wind-chill effect.

Lower Cooling Costs

Additionally, you can run the air conditioner and fan at the same time to lower your energy bills. When you set your thermostat to a higher setting (about four degrees), you won’t feel a change in your comfort, but you can save money by cutting down on energy consumption. What’s more, a ceiling fan costs little to nothing to run.

When you use your AC and ceiling fan together, know that your energy bill savings can differ from the savings of others. For instance, how often your air conditioner runs during the summer can impact how much money you save.

Finding Ways to Keep Cool With a Fan

Although many homes have ceiling fans, you can utilize various other fans to help cool your home during the summer months. It’s a well-known fact that cold air sinks rather than rises. You can use a stand fan or a box fan to circulate the cool air that’s settled close to the floor. After all, you don’t want all that cold air to go to waste.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your AC?

So, can you run the air conditioner and fan at the same time? Without a doubt, the answer is “yes.†When you use your AC and ceiling fan together, you can experience several comfort and savings benefits.

However, it’s worth noting that your air conditioner should be able to keep you comfortable on its own. If your AC fails to meet your home comfort needs, turn to Adon Complete Air Conditioning & Heating for AC service in McKinney, TX. We provide a variety of high-quality heating, air conditioning, and air quality services.

If your AC is struggling to rid your home of hot air even with the fan running, we’re here to help. Contact us for more information about installing a new AC in McKinney, TX, today!