Advantages of Using Ceiling Fans to Lower Power Bills

Savings

• The White Fence Index reports that the average utility bill in the U.S. totals about $250 as of June 2008. Since 8 percent of the energy consumption in your home is due to air conditioning, you pay $20 on average for air conditioning alone. Greater differences between the temperatures inside and outside your home mean greater costs. Electricity expert Michael Bluejay estimates that a ceiling fan on high speed uses just 2 percent of the energy of a central air conditioning unit. Using the average air conditioning bill as a comparison, you could spend less than 43 cents by using your ceiling fan alone.

Satisfaction

• Though your air conditioning unit blows air throughout your home, a ceiling fan does a more efficient job at making you feel cool. Air blowing across your skin has a cooling effect, so you can feel cooler with the room at 77 degrees Fahrenheit, for example, than you would using the air conditioner alone. Combining the two results in a lower utility bill.

Health Benefits

• According to Colorado State University Extension, indoor air is often more hazardous to your health than outdoor air due to the lack of airflow. Chemicals from carpeting, paint and tracked-in dirt accumulate unless you recycle air throughout your home. Due to the cost of electricity, you aren't likely to do this with the air conditioner on. Once you begin using your ceiling fan more often, opening your windows every once in awhile to air out your home seems more reasonable.

Environmental Impact

• Your household energy consumption affects more than your wallet. Carbon dioxide emitted from regular household tasks such as air conditioning contributes to air pollution. Using less air conditioning in your home means less CO2 for everyone.