Are you trying to keep a cool head in the sweltering heat? If so, you may be weighing the pros and cons of fans vs. AC units. Both have the ability to cool you, but you need to know at what cost.
While both have advantages and disadvantages, one may work better for your individual needs. Below, we discuss the differences between fans vs. AC and decide what is best for you.
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The Cost of Running an Air Conditioner
The main factor people would debate between a fan and AC is the running cost. It is no secret that an AC unit takes up a lot of power, translating to a higher energy bill. However, as manufacturers have become more environmentally conscious of preserving energy, is there much difference in running costs between fans and AC?
The US Energy Information Company estimates that around 7% of all US energy comes from running an air conditioner.
For warmer climates, this energy consumption only increases. While new technology, such as SMART thermostats, has somewhat decreased this, it is still a huge cost.
The Cost of Running a Fan
The cost of running a fan is dictated by the electrical current it uses. You can choose from AC or DC current fans.
The current in your home is an AC current, and these fans can simply use this power source. DC fans need to transform the current to a direct current to work. They tend to use a lot less energy than an AC fan.
DC fans cost more than AC current fans. However, when you factor in the amount it costs to keep them running, you will quickly make back the costs.
Advantages of Air Conditioning
Air conditioning tends to be a more powerful option than a fan. Additionally, air conditioners are better at cooling larger areas. As they introduce cool air into the room, they are not simply moving air around as a fan does. That makes them a more effective cooling solution when quick changes are needed.
Air conditioners also alleviate humidity which may no always be the case for fans. During their cycle, they actually absorb humidity in the air. This can make your room much more comfortable.
Disadvantages of Air Conditioning
As mentioned, running an air conditioning unit can be costly. In addition to this cost, you must consider the need for regular maintenance and repair. All of this adds up to quite a large sum of money.
The infrastructure for an AC unit also needs to be considered when designing a house. Ductwork needs to be installed, and units have to be at certain outlet points. If you live in a shared communal building like a condominium, there may be certain rules about installing such projects.
As well as being a burden on the environment due to their energy usage, they also contain a lot of resources. They have gases and harmful refrigerants in them. Once the unit is broken or replaced, air conditioners are seldom recycled and simply go back into the atmosphere or environment.
Benefits of Using a Fan
Fans are much cheaper than AC units. Not only are they cheap to buy, but their installation is also minimal. The cost of running a fan is small. If you are wondering how to save money on your electric bill, fans are a very cost-efficient way to cool down.
If you have portable fans, you can place them throughout the house and use them as you wish. If you choose to install a pergola ceiling fan, installations are very quick and do not cause damage to the property.
They are also extremely low maintenance, requiring no upkeep or replacement parts. This means they are also less of a strain on resources, as their parts last so long.
Disadvantages of a Fan
Fans do not cool the air in the same way an AC unit does. They simply move the air around. An AC unit works to bring down the air temperature and humidity, which is not something fans can do.
They also do not cover the large area AC units can cover. If you need light cooling, a fan may suffice, but they do very little in extreme heat. In addition, fans do not clean or purify the air as AC units can do.
Fans vs. AC
When considering fans vs. AC, fans are cheaper to run. However, many people don’t realize that you can actually save a lot of money and utilize the air already in your house by using a combination of both.
Fans tend to push the air around. An air conditioner provides cool air. However, this does not always flow around the home as you might wish or reach the places you expect.
In turn, people tend to crank up their air conditioning, resulting in more energy usage. A fan can push that air for you at a very low cost.
By having a fan alongside your AC unit, you can move the cool air (or heat in winter) to places that need it. This allows you to turn the unit off sooner, saving you money and energy costs.
Consult a Professional
If you are still in doubt about fans vs. AC, then consult a professional. They will be able to advise on the cost of AC, the benefits of fan placement, and how to cool your home in the most cost-effective manner.
If you enjoyed our handy blog, then check out the rest of our articles. We have advice on everything to help you get the best of your home in the coming year!
