Fans cool people, not rooms
A ceiling fan does not lower the air temperature. It moves air across your skin, which speeds up evaporation and makes you feel cooler. That means a fan only helps when someone is in the room. Leaving a fan on in an empty room adds a little heat from the motor and uses electricity for no benefit.
Raise the thermostat, keep the comfort
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that using a ceiling fan lets you raise the thermostat by about four degrees without a loss in comfort. Raising your setting by a few degrees reduces the time the air conditioner runs. In a climate where the AC may run most of the day for months, that can be a meaningful saving.
How much power does a ceiling fan use?
A ceiling fan typically uses anywhere from a few watts to about 100 watts depending on the motor and speed. A central air conditioner uses thousands of watts while it is running. So even fans running in several rooms use far less power than the AC. Modern DC-motor fans are especially efficient. See AC vs DC ceiling fan motors.
Ways to get the most from your fans in the Valley
- Set fans to counterclockwise. See our direction guide.
- Raise the thermostat two to four degrees when fans are running.
- Use bedroom fans at night on a low or medium speed, and turn them off in the morning.
- Put a fan on the patio. An outdoor fan lets you use outdoor space in the evening without running the AC for it. See patio ceiling fan installation.
- Size the fan to the room. See our size guide.
- Use a timer or smart control so fans turn off when you leave. See smart ceiling fan installation.
Time-of-use electric plans
Many East Valley households are on utility rate plans where electricity costs more in the afternoon and early evening. Fans let you keep the house comfortable at a higher thermostat setting during those hours. Check your utility's plan and consider how the timing fits your schedule.
What fans will not do
A fan will not make a 105-degree day feel like 75. It works best alongside air conditioning, not in place of it, and it cannot cool a room with a lot of solar heat gain. Window coverings, attic insulation and a well-maintained AC still matter.
Frequently asked questions
Do ceiling fans really save money?
They can, when you use them with a higher thermostat setting and only when someone is in the room.
Should I leave my ceiling fan on all day?
No. Turn it off when nobody is in the room, since fans cool people rather than air.
Are DC fans worth the extra cost?
For fans that run many hours, such as in bedrooms and patios, the lower power use and quiet operation are usually worth it.
Keep reading
AC vs DC Ceiling Fan Motors: What Is the Difference?
AC vs DC ceiling fan motors compared: energy use, noise, speeds, cost and controls. Learn which motor is right for your Gilbert, AZ home.
Which Way Should a Ceiling Fan Spin in Summer and Winter?
Ceiling fan direction explained: counterclockwise in summer, clockwise in winter. How to switch it, why it works and what settings to use in Arizona.